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.
Service Dog in Training Host Home
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Puppy Raisers
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Training Outing Assistants
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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
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Clear instructions for each outing
Guidance on how to interact with dogs and clients
Hands-on learning opportunities
Exposure to real training scenarios
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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
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Flexible and event-based.
Opportunities may include:
Weekday evening sessions
Weekend group outings
Special training events
You can participate as your schedule allows.
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Submit an interest form
Attend a brief orientation
Join available outings as they fit your schedule
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.
