Thanks for your interest in volunteering with NEWLIFE Rescue & Adoption. The primary opportunity we offer for volunteers is to help walk dogs at the shelter. This gives our dogs the opportunity to stretch their legs and the exercise the need.

 

We typically walk them on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m., but that can vary according to the weather. Please watch our Facebook page for the most up to date info each week. 

 

Our policy on the age of volunteers is somewhat elastic. We typically like for our volunteers to be at least 16 years old, but the deciding factor will be whether or not they can handle the dogs while walking them on a leash. Most of the dogs that we have available for adoption are large, unruly and have never had any training. They pull on the leash, jump on you, get you tangled in the leash, and it's easy to get hurt. Dogs can pull you down, knock you over, take a treat from your hand and accidentally grab a finger with it, and yes... they sometimes bite – it’s rare but it can happen. The small dogs are just as guilty of bad behavior as the big dogs are - they are often scared and sometimes nip out of fear. Other dogs want so desperately to get out of their kennel that they burst out as soon as you open the door and it's hard to hold on to them while attaching the leash... so you can see why age can make a difference.

 

We certainly don't want to scare anyone away from helping with the dogs because it can be incredibly fulfilling. There are plenty more rewards than drawbacks. Some other local agencies have programs for younger volunteers, but they have more manpower than our group does which allows them to closely supervise the interaction between child and dog. Parents of children younger than 14-16 should consider making this a project that you can enjoy together.

           

Please feel free to email or call us with questions.  If you decide to give it a try, please contact us through our facebook page, the contact form below or give us a call.