Nursery, Laura J. Niles Early Learning Center, and Hawkins Canine Center Volunteers

A: In addition to the commitments in the role description section of this document, all volunteers must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Have a great work ethic and an enthusiastic attitude; be willing to assist staff in any area or for any project that may come up, which may include cleaning tasks projects, or being shifted to the other facility (Breeding Kennel or Nursery)
• Work independently and be able to follow instructions, including reading posted signage
• Be able to lift up to 30 lbs easily; bend, kneel, stoop, stand for 2-3 hours at a time, as this is an active volunteer role physically engaging with dogs
• Perform cleaning tasks with approved chemical cleaners, some of which have strong odors.

Additionally, ideal volunteer applicants live within a 45 minute one-way commute of NEADS. Previous experience indicates that volunteers living outside this radius are unable to sustain the commute long term (due to expense, traffic patterns, or long periods of adverse weather), and thus become unable to complete their 6 month commitment to NEADS.

A: All ELC and Canine Center volunteers must be 16 years of age or older for insurance/liability purposes. NEADS cannot make exceptions, even if a parent/legal guardian chaperones. For minors under the age of 16, other ways to get involved with NEADS include

• Coordinating a supply drive: visit our wish list for our most needed item
• Fundraising for NEADS, and which can include supporting a client, naming a puppy, or donating
• Doing a school project or presentation about NEADS and Service Dogs

A: 1:1 time always includes a quick walk to toilet the dog, but also encompasses playing with or walking a dog, and giving the dog love and attention. Or, instead of playing, some dogs may prefer to sniff all over the play room, to have their coat gently combed, or to have a volunteer sit on the floor with them and pet them. This all counts as valuable 1:1 time.

Most NEADS dogs on campus are still in training and not yet mature, and so will not have perfect gentle service dog behavior just yet. Many will exhibit typical puppy or adolescent behavior.

ELC and Canine Center volunteers will not:

• Socialize dogs. For those interested in socializing NEADS dogs, please consider becoming a Puppy Raiser.
• Train dogs on obedience or task work. This is done exclusively by inmates at partnered prisons, under the direction and supervision of NEADS Trainers.
• Bathe or medicate NEADS dogs.
• Take NEADS dogs running. Many NEADS clients have physical disabilities, so NEADS dogs are not trained or conditioned to be running companions.

A: No, volunteers are assigned to the ELC or Canine Center based on the volunteer’s hours of availability and what gaps on the volunteer schedule need to be filled. However, volunteers can be cross-trained as need and opportunity arises.

A: No dog experience is required. Supervisors will train volunteers on NEADS handling policies and procedures, and build the volunteer’s confidence when interacting with dogs. All volunteers will also attend an orientation with staff prior to working in the Breeding Center. 

A: Puppies in the ELC typically range in age from 8-12 weeks, and dogs in the Canine Center typically range in age from 7-18 months.

NEADS primarily works with Labrador retrievers. Less frequently, there may also be golden retrievers, poodle mixes, or shelter dog mixes in the program.