Volunteer

At Helping Howls, our volunteer roles are designed to directly support dogs in training while giving people meaningful, hands-on experience with structured, positive reinforcement work.

We offer several ways to get involved depending on your lifestyle and availability.

Two dogs sitting beneath cherry blossom trees in a park, with pink blossoms overhead and people in the background.

Service Dog in Training Host Home

  • Program Host Homes provide a stable, structured home for dogs who are already matched with their future handler but are still completing their training. These dogs are actively in a training program and regularly attend lessons, outings, and sessions with our team.

    This role is ideal for individuals or families who want to be involved in a meaningful way without the long-term commitment of ownership.

    • All dog food

    • Veterinary care and medical expenses

    • Crate and essential supplies

    • All training, guidance, and handling instructions

    • Ongoing support from our training team

    • Coverage during vacations or scheduling conflicts

    • A safe, structured, and loving home environment

    • Daily care including feeding, potty routines, and basic exercise

    • Consistency with training expectations and routines

    • Transportation to and from lessons during the week

    • Communication with our team regarding progress, concerns, or changes

  • This role is typically short to mid-term depending on the dog’s training stage. Most placements range from 3-15 months.

    We will always communicate expected timelines upfront, though timelines may shift slightly based on the dog’s progress.

    If you have travel plans or scheduling conflicts:

    • We will take the dog back for the duration of your trip

    • Advance notice is appreciated whenever possible

    • We will always ensure the dog has appropriate care and continuity

    This allows you to participate without feeling “locked in.”

    Dogs in Program Host Homes will:

    • Attend regular training sessions during the week

    • Participate in outings or exposure work as needed

    • Have structured rest, enrichment, and downtime built into their routine

    • Submit an interest form

    • Complete a short screening process

    • Schedule a conversation to ensure a good fit

    • Begin with a trial or initial placement

    Our goal is to make sure both you and the dog are set up for success.

Interest Form
A yellow Labrador retriever guide dog sitting in a cart at a store, wearing a harness labeled 'TRAINING.' Two other guide dogs, one black and one black with visible human handlers, are also present in the background.

Puppy Raisers

  • Puppy Raisers work with future service dog candidates before they are matched with a client. This is a foundational role that helps shape the dog’s confidence, neutrality, and overall outlook on the world.

    This role is more hands-on and plays a critical part in a dog’s long-term success.

  • What We Provide

    • Food and supplies

    • Veterinary care and medical expenses

    • Crate and training equipment

    • Structured training plan and guidance

    • Ongoing support and coaching

    • Coverage for vacations or scheduling conflicts

    • A structured, consistent home environment

    • Daily care, routine, and supervision

    • Participation in socialization and exposure outings

    • Consistency with training expectations

    • As a Puppy Raiser, you will have opportunities to take your puppy into a variety of real-world environments for guided socialization and exposure.

      This may include:

      • Pet-friendly stores and public spaces

      • Outdoor shopping centers and walking areas

      • Cafés, patios, and appropriate indoor settings

      • Car rides and new environments

      The goal is to build:

      • Confidence in new environments

      • Neutrality around people, dogs, and distractions

      • Appropriate public behavior foundations

      All outings are done under our guidance and within appropriate guidelines for the puppy’s age, vaccination status, and training stage.

    • Communication and updates with our team

  • Puppy raising is a longer-term commitment.

    Typical timeline:

    • Approximately 6-20+ months depending on the dog and program path

    We will discuss general timelines & availability before placement.

    Puppies will:

    • Follow structured daily routines

    • Participate in guided outings and exposure work

    • Attend training sessions as scheduled

    • Have built-in rest and decompression time

    If you need time away:

    • We will take the puppy back during your trip

    • Advance notice is appreciated

    • We ensure continuity in training and care

    • Submit an interest form

    • Complete a short screening process

    • Schedule a conversation to ensure a good fit

    • Begin with a trial or initial placement

    Our goal is to make sure both you and the dog are set up for success.

Interest Form
Four black dogs with orange bandanas resting on a park sidewalk, with people and tents in the background, trees with autumn leaves, and a clear sky.

Training Outing Assistants

  • Outing Assistants support real-world training sessions by helping create structured, controlled environments for our dogs and clients.

    This is a great opportunity for those interested in dog training, behavior, or gaining hands-on experience.

    No prior experience is required.

    This role is ideal for:

    • Future trainers

    • Dog enthusiasts

    • Current or past clients who want to stay involved

    • Clear instructions for each outing

    • Guidance on how to interact with dogs and clients

    • Hands-on learning opportunities

    • Exposure to real training scenarios

    • Willingness to follow direction and training protocols

    • Reliability and punctuality

    • Ability to act as a neutral or controlled distraction

    • Professional and respectful behavior in public settings

    • You may be asked to:

      • Walk through environments as a distraction

      • Assist with setup or positioning

      • Observe and learn training mechanics

      • Support clients under trainer guidance

  • Flexible and event-based.

    Opportunities may include:

    • Weekday evening sessions

    • Weekend group outings

    • Special training events

    You can participate as your schedule allows.

    • Submit an interest form

    • Attend a brief orientation

    • Join available outings as they fit your schedule

Interest Form

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

We recognize that not everyone can commit to a full-time host home or puppy raising role, but still wants to be involved in a meaningful way. We offer flexible volunteer opportunities for those who want to support our program in other capacities.

This may include:

  • Assisting with training days or special outings

  • Transportation support for dogs, supplies, or events

  • Photography or videography for training and program content

  • Administrative or organizational support

  • Event assistance or community outreach

  • Contributing specialized skills you may already have

If you have a unique skill set or an idea for how you’d like to contribute, we are always open to building a role that fits both your strengths and our program’s needs.

Interest Form
A young woman standing in front of a lush green hedge and a waterfall, holding a large black service dog wearing a blue harness that reads 'Working Service Dog'.