NEADS currently has nearly 60 Nursery, ELC (Early Learning Center), and Kennel volunteers. In 2018, they contributed more than 2,700 hours to do a wide range of activities, including: spending one-on-one time with the puppies in the nursery and ELC and dogs in the kennel; and assisting with kennel operations like stuffing kongs and helping with cleaning. Other volunteers have special assignments, including puppy transports and landscaping and maintenance volunteer work.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, from retired couples to high school students to individuals to families with children. We have volunteers who are just starting out, and many who are long-time volunteers. In fact, 10% of our dedicated volunteers have been with NEADS for 10+ years, and more than a third have been involved for 2 or more years. But no matter who they are or why they volunteer, what unites all our volunteers is the satisfaction of knowing that the work they do will help change lives. Or maybe it’s those adorable puppy eyes?

Interested in joining NEADS as a volunteer? Find out how you can get involved here.