JOIN OUR TEAM
Apply to volunteer with Paws For Purpose.
Every dog we place takes a community to raise. Our volunteer program is how that community plugs in — on-site at our Batesville facility, helping with care, socialization, and play that makes our dogs the dogs they need to be.
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
Four ways to get involved.
Every role matters. Tell us which one fits and we’ll be in touch about next steps.
PROGRAM IN DEVELOPMENT
Puppy raiser
Foster a young dog in your home for 12–18 months while they complete their foundational training. The most involved volunteer role — and the most transformational.
12–18 MONTHS · DAILY COMMITMENT
Note: Coming soon — we are not currently accepting applications for this role while we finalize the program.
ROLLING APPLICATIONS
Facility helper
On-site at our Batesville campus: dog care, kennel maintenance, supplies, light grooming, and helping our handlers keep the home running smoothly.
FLEXIBLE · 4+ HOURS/MONTH
ROLLING APPLICATIONS
Dog socializer
Spend time on-site at our Batesville facility — playing with the dogs in training, calm interaction, group play, the unhurried hands-on time that helps a future service or therapy dog become well-rounded and people-comfortable.
FLEXIBLE · WEEKDAY HOURS
ROLLING APPLICATIONS
Skilled volunteer
Photography, graphic design, web development, marketing, veterinary, legal, accounting, fundraising. If you have a professional skill you would like to lend, we have a need for it.
PROJECT-BASED · REMOTE-FRIENDLY
APPLICATION FORM
Tell us how you’d like to get involved.
One adaptive form. Choose your volunteer role and the questions below will tailor to it. All applications are reviewed personally — expect to hear from us within 5–7 business days.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Volunteering, answered.
Do I need to live in Batesville to volunteer?
For on-site roles (facility helper, dog socializer), you need to be within reasonable driving distance of our Batesville campus. Skilled volunteer roles are remote-friendly and open to anyone in the U.S.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be at least 18 to volunteer independently. Volunteers aged 16–17 are welcome with parental consent and on-site supervision from a parent or guardian.
Will there be a background check?
Yes — we run a background check on every volunteer before they begin, at no cost to you. Because our work involves dogs being placed with vulnerable populations, this is non-negotiable.
How much of a time commitment is required?
It varies by role. Facility helpers and socializers typically commit a few hours per month, scheduled around your availability. Skilled volunteer projects vary in scope. The puppy raiser program (when active) is a 12–18 month, full-time household commitment.
When will the puppy raiser program start accepting applications?
We are finalizing the program now and expect to open applications in the coming months. If you would like to be notified when we begin accepting puppy raiser applications, send us a brief note via the Contact page.