Local Volunteers
Looking for a unique and rewarding way to make an impact? Join Canine Companions’ compassionate community of local volunteers. Here, you’ll be an integral part of our mission to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, helping us provide expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans at no cost.
With exciting volunteer opportunities available at local chapters near you, now’s your chance to contribute directly to the transformative power of human-canine partnerships.
Explore Our Reach
Canine Companions’ six training centers and over 50 active volunteer chapters span the nation. Use the interactive map below for more information on opportunities near you.
South Central Region Chapters
Diamond Chapter
Gulf Coast Chapter
Lone Star Chapter
Red Earth Chapter
Hill Country Chapter
Ways to Get Involved
Our local volunteers are the heartbeat of Canine Companions and provide vital support to our staff, clients and service dogs. Whether you’re drawn to volunteering with dogs, at events, or in an office environment, there’s a place for you here. Join our Paws and Purpose Info Session to learn more.
Administrative and office support
Lend your skills to a variety of office roles at a training center or field office, including:
- Data entry
- Front desk reception
- General office support
Explore our volunteer chapter network or Click here to apply now >
Volunteer Chapter Leadership
More than 55 of our volunteer chapters are led by volunteer leadership teams that keep members engaged and coordinate outreach events to invite more people to join Canine Companions. There are multiple opportunities to get involved such as by:
- Managing chapter communications
- Coordinating local outreach events and other local volunteer opportunities
- Helping with the logistics for a local puppy class for puppy raisers
- Organizing socials for chapter members
Dog Care and Training
Our future service dogs rely on a team of caring individuals to help them thrive. Play a vital role in their well-being and development at a training center, field office or from your own home as a:
- Dog bather
- Dog walker
- Foster sitter
- Puppy Raiser
- Breeder Caretaker
- Canine Transport Volunteer
Puppy Raising
Service dogs aren’t born; they’re raised. You can help Canine Companions raise the service dogs of tomorrow when you volunteer to become a puppy raiser.
Click here to learn more about puppy raising >
Breeder Caretaking
Help provide a safe, loving home for the dogs that breed the next generation of service dogs. As a breeder caretaker, you’ll work closely with veterinary, breeding and canine care staff.
Click here to learn more about breeder caretaking or learn about the breeder caretaker role and join a Breeder Caretaker Info Session
Event and Facility Roles
Local volunteers ensure seamless experiences for our clients, team members and supporters, whether at our training centers or in the community. Learn more about:
- Campus docents
- Event support (DogFest and fundraising galas)
- Facility and ground maintenance
- Graduation day support
- Team training lunches
Click here to apply now or join our Paws and Purpose information session.
Local Volunteer FAQs
To volunteer at Canine Companions, please apply by completing the online volunteer application form – it only takes a few minutes.
Once we receive your information, a volunteer manager will contact you to discuss next steps and schedule your orientation session, along with any necessary training. You can also attend our You can also attend our online Paws and Purpose Info Session.
We’re especially in need of puppy raisers across the country as well as breeder caretakers in Northern California. We provide monthly information sessions to learn more about the roles:
- Learn about various volunteer roles: Paws & Purpose – Volunteer Info Session
- Learn about the Breeder Caretaker role: Breeder Caretaker Info Session Signup – Canine Companions
We are happy to verify community service hours for any volunteer who needs it. Please let us know your specific requirements when speaking with our volunteer managers, and we’ll work with you to ensure proper documentation.
Yes! Depending on the volunteer role, you’ll have opportunities to work with dogs, since our mission is to provide service dogs to individuals with disabilities.
If you prefer to be less hands-on with dogs, there are a variety of other opportunities. Learn about all the different ways you can volunteer with Canine Companions.
We want all our volunteers to feel comfortable and confident. Your volunteer manager will discuss recommended clothing and attire, so you’ll be ready to get the most from your experience.
At Canine Companions, we make every effort to ensure a positive experience for every volunteer, including those with allergies. During the application process, please inform us about your allergies, and we’ll work to identify suitable tasks and environments where you can contribute comfortably.
We offer flexible scheduling options, ranging from one-time and occasional volunteering opportunities to more regular, ongoing commitments. Regardless of the time you can spare, we encourage you to apply as there are a variety of ways you can support our mission.
Volunteer assignments can encompass both indoor and outdoor settings, depending on the specific tasks and activities. Canine Companions operates across various locations, including training facilities, puppy-raising homes, and community events. Rest assured, we’ll provide you with all the pertinent details regarding the location and nature of your volunteering duties.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events and opportunities that enable individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please reach out to your volunteer manager.
Depending on the task and situation, volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer unaccompanied by an adult. Volunteer groups like schools and service groups can volunteer with the oversight of an adult on projects such as DogFest events or with facility roles.
All volunteers are required to participate in a volunteer orientation before starting any role. We provide live and recorded webinar options. The volunteer coordinator provides more information during the application process. In addition, Canine Companions provides ongoing volunteer training opportunities for all volunteers based on their volunteer role.
Our volunteer appreciation program includes thank-you notes, birthday cards, volunteer spotlights and virtual and/or in-person appreciation events. In addition, every year, Canine Companions National Board of Directors recognizes one outstanding volunteer with a Jack Warnock Volunteer Award, as well as five volunteers with a National Board of Director Regional Volunteer Award. Read more here.
Canine Companions is also a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award is based on volunteer service hours with Canine Companions, and all qualified Canine Companions volunteers can express interest in receiving either bronze, silver, or gold-level awards during the application period.
NOTE: The President’s Volunteer Service Award is on a temporary pause, as decided by AmeriCorps effective May 27, 2025. At this time, award applications are not being accepted.
Please fill out our volunteer application and choose “corporate group” from the picklist of what you’re interested in, and a volunteer manager will reach out to you to discuss more.