Become A Volunteer
Why volunteer with us?
An organization like ours needs volunteers, because without them, our dogs won’t get adopted. These dogs have already been through so much in their lives. They’ve been abandoned and/or abused, some have never known human kindness. By the time our dogs arrive at Mackenzie’s, they’ve gone through the shelter system. Every single one of them is nervous and scared. That’s why volunteers are so vital to our organization. Our volunteers play a huge role in helping us socialize our dogs so we can get them into their forever homes. Without volunteers, our dogs would not succeed.
It is because of people like you that are committed to the betterment of our local animal community that make our mission at Mackenzie’s possible and for that we are forever grateful.
Click the picture below to view our volunteer album.
Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary always has volunteer positions available. Volunteering can be very rewarding and a great way to meet new people, spend time with friends and family and of course, help the dogs at the sanctuary.
There are many different volunteer opportunities available at MAS:
- Helping the dogs at the sanctuary: walking, training, feeding, grooming, reading, playing, etc.
- Educational/community outreach events
- Meet and Greets
- Fundraisers
- Distributing and collecting donation boxes
How to get started
We’re thrilled to announce a more convenient volunteer orientation that fits your schedule! We’ve created a remote orientation module that covers everything you’d learn at the sanctuary, allowing you to participate anytime, anywhere.
How it Works: After you submit your volunteer application, you’ll receive a welcome email with details on the process and links to get started.
In the email, you’ll find a link to the orientation module. Click it to begin. Once you finish the module, we’ll receive a confirmation email to verify that you’ve reviewed all the content.
Important Note: If you prefer an in-person orientation, just let us know, and we can schedule that for you.
After completing the module, check the ‘training schedule’ link in your welcome email. You can choose a day and time that works best for you to come in for hands-on training with our Volunteer Coordinator.
During your session, the Volunteer Coordinator will help you sign in, give you a tour, and review everything from the module. You’ll also meet 2-4 dogs, starting with a discussion about their history and needs to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with each one. They’ll demonstrate how to safely manage the dogs in and out of their runs, assist you as needed, and accompany you on the walks. During this time, you’ll cover safe handling practices and other important topics related to your volunteer role.
Complete a Volunteer Application to get started!
Time Commitment
We are so grateful for your donation of time that we are willing to work with your schedule. Time spent at the sanctuary is usually scheduled in 2 hour increments based on your availability, but longer shifts are permitted. Volunteers are welcomed seven days per week, between 7am and 5pm, including holidays. We ask for at least 30 hours of your time per year so that you stay current in your relationships with the dogs as well as updated on safety policies.
Age Requirements
Youths age 8 to 15 may participate in our family volunteer program working with dogs alongside a parent or legal guardian. To work independently with our dogs, volunteers must be 16 years or older.
Each person in a family group must send in an individual application, even if they are a minor. Specific names and information is required.
Younger than 8 but want to help? Please see our page How Kids Can Help for more ideas for kids!
Interested in a one-day visit? Groups should visit our Group/Corporate Volunteering page.
