Select a role below to see what the work involves, who it may be appropriate for, and any special requirements. Role availability may change as Ozzy’s programs, foster partnerships and future sanctuary operations develop.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Dog Socialization & Companionship
Purpose: Provide appropriate, positive human interaction that supports a dog’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and comfort around people.
Typical responsibilities: Spend calm one-on-one time with assigned dogs; offer petting, brushing, play or quiet companionship when appropriate; follow handling instructions for each dog; use reward-based interaction; observe and report changes in comfort, stress or behavior; and help create positive experiences without forcing contact.
Best suited for: Patient, observant volunteers who can follow instructions, respect canine body language and remain calm around dogs with different personalities or histories.
Requirements: Orientation and role-specific handling guidance may be required. Volunteers must stay within the handling level assigned to them and must not independently train, discipline or introduce dogs to unfamiliar people or animals unless specifically authorized.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Dog Walking & Enrichment
Purpose: Give dogs safe opportunities for physical exercise, bathroom breaks, sniffing, exploration and mentally enriching activity.
Typical responsibilities: Walk assigned dogs using approved equipment; follow route and handling instructions; provide appropriate sniff breaks and enrichment; maintain safe distances from other dogs, people and environmental triggers when directed; clean up after dogs; return equipment properly; and report noteworthy behavior or health observations.
Best suited for: Volunteers who are physically able to control the dogs assigned to them and who can remain attentive in changing outdoor environments.
Requirements: Dog-handling orientation may be required. Some dogs may be restricted to experienced volunteers. Volunteers must use only approved collars, harnesses, leashes and handling methods.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Meal Preparation & Feeding Support
Purpose: Support consistent, accurate feeding routines for dogs in Ozzy’s care or approved partner-support activities.
Typical responsibilities: Prepare meals according to written instructions; measure food accurately; label or organize meals when needed; wash and sanitize bowls and preparation areas; maintain food-storage organization; note supply needs; and immediately report unclear feeding instructions, appetite concerns or suspected food reactions.
Best suited for: Detail-oriented volunteers who are comfortable following written procedures and maintaining a clean work area.
Requirements: Volunteers may not change diets, portions, supplements or feeding schedules without authorization. Medication administration is not included unless separately approved and trained.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Cleaning, Laundry & Shelter Essentials
Purpose: Help maintain sanitary, comfortable and well-supplied dog-care environments.
Typical responsibilities: Wash, dry, fold and organize bedding and towels; wash bowls and approved equipment; restock cleaning and dog-care supplies; sweep, mop or sanitize approved areas; remove waste; prepare clean bedding; and help maintain orderly storage areas.
Best suited for: Volunteers who enjoy practical behind-the-scenes work and can follow sanitation and infection-control instructions.
Requirements: Volunteers must use approved cleaning products and procedures. Access to isolation, medical or restricted dog-care areas may require additional training or may be prohibited.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Crate, Kennel & Equipment Care
Purpose: Keep dog-care, containment and transport equipment clean, organized and ready for safe use.
Typical responsibilities: Clean and disinfect crates and approved kennel equipment; inspect doors, latches, gates, leashes, bowls and other items for obvious damage; organize transport and event supplies; clean approved vehicle or equipment interiors; identify damaged items; and help maintain orderly storage.
Best suited for: Volunteers comfortable with physical, hands-on tasks and careful inspection of equipment.
Requirements: Volunteers must not repair structural containment, electrical equipment or safety-critical hardware unless specifically qualified and authorized. Damaged safety equipment should be removed from use and reported.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Outdoor Enrichment & Decompression
Purpose: Give appropriate dogs extended supervised time outdoors to move, sniff, explore, play or relax away from more confined environments.
Typical responsibilities: Prepare and visually check the approved outdoor area; escort assigned dogs safely; supervise continuously; provide appropriate toys or enrichment; prevent unauthorized dog-to-dog interaction; monitor weather and signs of stress or fatigue; and return the area and equipment to ready condition.
Best suited for: Attentive volunteers comfortable supervising dogs in open or semi-open environments.
Requirements: This role depends on suitable approved space and may expand with the future sanctuary. Volunteers must follow containment, gate, leash and dog-separation protocols at all times.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Bedding, Toy & Supply Repair
Purpose: Safely extend the useful life of selected dog-care items and reduce unnecessary waste.
Typical responsibilities: Sort washable or repairable items; sew or mend approved bedding and fabric toys; trim unusable material when directed; clean and organize repaired supplies; and identify items that should be discarded rather than repaired.
Best suited for: Volunteers with basic sewing, mending, craft or repair skills who enjoy project-based work.
Requirements: Only items considered safe for reuse may be repaired. Volunteers must not return damaged items to service if they could create choking, entanglement, ingestion or containment hazards.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Foster & Adoption Support
Purpose: Support the people and processes that help foster dogs remain well cared for and ultimately move through the originating shelter’s adoption program.
Typical responsibilities: Help organize foster supplies; assist with approved dog photos, biographies and updates; support adoption or meet-and-greet events; help prepare materials; assist foster caregivers with approved logistical needs; coordinate information back to the appropriate team; and support partner-shelter adoption processes without representing Ozzy’s as the legal adopting agency when the dog belongs to a partner shelter.
Best suited for: Organized, communicative volunteers who enjoy helping both dogs and people.
Requirements: Volunteers must follow the originating shelter’s rules for foster dogs and may not independently promise placement, approve adopters, transfer custody or alter adoption requirements.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Transportation & Dog Support
Purpose: Provide safe, reliable transportation for approved mission-related needs.
Typical responsibilities: Transport dogs, supplies or equipment between approved locations; assist with veterinary, shelter, foster or event logistics; verify destination and handoff instructions; maintain secure containment during travel; keep vehicles reasonably clean; and promptly report delays, incidents or concerns.
Best suited for: Reliable volunteers with good judgment, punctuality and comfort transporting dogs or supplies.
Requirements: Driving roles may require a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, appropriate insurance, a safe vehicle and additional screening. Dogs must be transported using Ozzy’s or partner-approved restraint or crate procedures.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑Events, Outreach & Behind-the-Scenes Support
Purpose: Strengthen Ozzy’s mission through public engagement, fundraising, creative work, administration and professional support.
Typical responsibilities: Help with event setup and breakdown; greet community members; staff information tables; support fundraising activities; photograph or film approved activities; write or edit stories; assist with social media or design projects; organize records or supplies; help with data entry and administrative projects; or contribute professional expertise such as legal, accounting, technology, construction, marketing or grant support when appropriate.
Best suited for: Volunteers who want to contribute without direct dog handling or who have useful professional, technical, creative or organizational skills.
Requirements: Role-specific confidentiality, media, safety, financial-control or professional-scope requirements may apply. Volunteers must not speak officially for Ozzy’s, commit funds, sign agreements or provide regulated professional services on the organization’s behalf without authorization.
Back to Volunteer Roles ↑