Volunteer Dog Teams
Work alongside your dog to bring comfort, motivation and moments of joy to the people in your local community.
Can you and your dog bring support, confidence and social connection to the people in your local community?
Those of us with a dog in our lives know the difference they can make. By volunteering with us, you and your dog can bring comfort, motivation and moments of joy to the people in your local community.
When you volunteer with us as a Volunteer Dog Team, we'll take the time to get to know you and your dog – working with you to identify some of the different ways you could help individuals in your local community feel more confident, connected and supported.
Depending on what's best for you, your dog and your community's needs, you could be involved in:
- Wellbeing walks, where you walk with small groups in your community, bringing companionship and gentle motivation
- Visits to care homes, schools or other community settings, bringing opportunities for people to connect with you, your dog, and each other, as well as moments of calm
- Home visits and befriending sessions with people who would benefit from regular, consistent canine companionship
- Dog Days events, which are fun group sessions where several people and their dogs come together to create joyful shared experiences
We'll be there every step of the way from the moment you enquire about volunteering with your dog. You'll complete our Volunteer Dog Team training programme, which takes place both online and in-person. Once you're ready to start taking part in activities with your dog, we'll provide ongoing support and regular check-ins, so you're never doing it alone.
If you have a kind and patient approach, and are comfortable engaging with a wide range of people, and your dog is calm, sociable and gets joy out of meeting new people – you could work together to make a meaningful difference to the people in your local community.
This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of your dog and strengthen the already incredible bond you have with them. You'll gain new skills, learn all about the different ways dogs can assist people, and become part of a friendly, connected and supportive group of volunteers who love dogs just as much as you do.
Experience first-hand how connections with a dog can help people to live healthier, happier and more independent lives. Click the button below to enquire about volunteering with your dog today, or read more about the role in our FAQs.
Helping people to grow in confidence and make local friends
Emma and her labradoodle Chewie (aka Chewbacca) have been supporting the Bracknell Walking and Wellbeing Group for adults with mental health challenges. Thanks to Emma and Chewie's support, the group has been able to grow in size - with plenty of opportunity for people to interact and take an active part in the games and activities along the route.
We have Volunteer Dog Teams working in selected areas across the UK, including Banbury, Bristol, and Bracknell. If you’re interested in volunteering with your dog, please get in touch by filling out our enquiry form.