VOLUNTEER

We are looking for extra hands!

The Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter are seeking additional volunteers. We’ve launched a volunteer program that will play a vital role in the success and daily operations of our shelter. FCDACS volunteers will provide socialization and enrichment for our dogs and support the larger cause and community.

Our goal is to teach volunteers how to assist staff in providing fear-free techniques and care for our shelter dogs during their stay with us. To help the lives of the hundreds of dogs that come into our care each year, we are seeking dedicated volunteers like you to contribute your time and further our mission. Begin your volunteer application today by applying with our online form. You can also browse our tabs to learn more about the program.

** Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older. Anyone under the age of 18 years old may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, if requested. Volunteers younger than 18 years old will always have adult supervision. Volunteer opportunities are limited, dependent on the applicant’s age.

For more information, you can contact our team at dshelter@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be 15 years of age or older
Must be able to lift 50+ pounds
Must have a valid driver’s license or a valid state ID
Background check (provided and completed by Fairfield County)

OPPORTUNITIES

DOG WALKING

The Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter is seeking dog-walking volunteers. Duties associated with this position include walking dogs outside in approved areas; interacting with dogs in approved areas; fitting leads and harnesses on dogs before walking; properly cleaning up any waste from dogs that are being worked with; ensuring all safety precautions and processes are being adhered to; and properly documenting all activities and observations.

Successful candidates will further the mission of the Fairfield County Commissioners and provide exemplary service to the public. The successful candidate must follow county policies and always exhibit a professional demeanor.

Candidates for this position must be 18 years of age or older. Previous shelter or veterinary experience is preferred. The successful candidate must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and be able to maintain control of dogs of all sizes and activity levels on a leash. The position requires individuals who can walk outside in various elements.

GROOMING/BATHING

The Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter is seeking grooming/bathing volunteers. Duties associated with this position include brushing dogs; de-shedding; bathing; towel drying or blow drying; ensuring all safety precautions and processes are being adhered to; and properly documenting behaviors and observations.

Candidates for this position must be 16 years of age or older. Previous shelter or grooming experience is preferred. The successful candidate must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and be able to maintain control of dogs of all sizes and activity levels on a leash during transport from the kennel to the grooming room.

**Grooming/Bathing volunteers that are 16 to 17 years of age will be limited to the dogs they are able to handle.

OFFICE WORK

The Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter is seeking office volunteers. Duties associated with this position include filing documents, scanning documents, making copies of documents, assisting in answering phones, and placing callers on a temporary hold until the clerical specialist can assist them.

Candidates for this position must be 15 years of age or older. Previous shelter or clerical experience is preferred.

CLEANING

The Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter is seeking cleaning volunteers. Duties associated with this position include assisting in cleaning kennels or spot cleaning, cleaning dishes, washing/drying/folding laundry; ensuring all safety precautions and processes are being adhered to; and properly documenting behaviors and observations.

Candidates for this position must be 15 years of age or older. Previous shelter experience is preferred. The successful candidate must be able to maintain control of dogs of all sizes and activity levels on a leash during transport from the kennel to the run or vice versa if needed.

EVENTS

The Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter is seeking event volunteers. Duties associated with this position include assisting in gathering supplies needed for the event such as chairs/tent/table/activity supplies if needed, gathering posters/adoption applications/adoptable dog binders/etc., walking dogs outside in approved areas, fitting leads and harnesses on dogs before walking/preparing for events, properly cleaning up waste from dogs that are being worked with, ensuring all safety precautions and processes are being adhered to, and properly documenting all activities and observations.

Candidates for this position must be 16 years of age or older. Previous shelter experience is preferred. The successful candidate must be able to maintain control of dogs of all sizes and activity levels on a leash during transport from the kennel to the run or vice versa if needed.

**Event volunteers that are 16 years of age will be limited to the dogs they are able to handle.

FAQ

I WANT TO VOLUNTEER. WHERE DO I START?

To become a volunteer at the Fairfield County Dog Adoption Center and Shelter, please complete the online volunteer interest form. Once you apply, our team will email you with the next steps.

DO I NEED TO COMMIT TO A CERTAIN SCHEDULE EVERY WEEK?

Committing to a regular weekly volunteer shift is beneficial for both the FCDACS staff and the dogs, but it is not mandatory. We encourage volunteers to come a few times a month to help. Volunteers have the flexibility to self-schedule, allowing them to choose times that best fit their availability.

DO I NEED A BACKGROUND CHECK OR A REFERENCE CHECK?

FCDACS completes public records checks as part of the volunteer application process. Any potential volunteers will need to provide a photo ID so this check can be performed.

WILL I RECEIVE AN ORIENTATION?

Approved volunteers must complete a volunteer orientation before they can begin volunteering. During the scheduled orientation, you will learn about the following:

Learn about FCDACS operations
Volunteer requirements and opportunities
Sign documents and acquire the FCDACS Volunteer Handbook
Tour of the shelter
Sign up for additional training based on your volunteer interests

After orientation, volunteers will receive information on how to sign up for their volunteer slots through Sign Up Genius.

If you are an approved volunteer needing to schedule for a volunteer orientation, please email dshelter@fairfieldcountyohio.gov for upcoming dates.

WILL I RECEIVE TRAINING?

After a volunteer completes orientation, they are free to sign up for a variety of volunteer opportunities (age-dependent). At the first shift as a new volunteer, you will receive additional training depending on your interest from staff or a senior volunteer. Training materials and standard operating procedures can be printed upon request.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Those who are 15 may only volunteer in the office or assist with cleaning tasks. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 can participate in grooming, bathing, and events, but they are restricted to handling specific dogs. Once a volunteer turns 18, they can engage in all of the volunteer opportunities, including dog walking.

IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WHAT DO I DO?

Please contact us at dshelter@fairfieldcountyohio.gov, and we will be happy to assist you with further questions.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign off on their application.