Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you choose to support Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) financially by making a gift online, or share your time and talent, WCC appreciates your involvement in our work to support wounded Veterans and their families. In addition to group volunteer projects, there are many individual volunteer opportunities including:

Puppy Parent/Raiser

Puppy parents raise our Service-Dogs-in-Training (SDiT) for 4-18 months (about 1 and a half years) before the dog graduates and is placed with a Veteran or Military Family. Our puppy parents will be the first to tell you that the time, attention, and love they give to these future service dogs is rewarding and joyful. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this volunteer role, but a minor may co-raise with a parent/guardian. Learn more about becoming a puppy raiser.

Furlough Puppy Parent/Raiser

Furlough Puppy Parents (FPP) work hand in hand with our prison program at Jessup Correctional Institute (JCI). At JCI, our Warrior Trainers work with the pups for three out of four weeks, and the Service-Dog-in-Training (SDiT) goes home with an FPP for one week to provide proper socialization and outings and work on house manners. FPPs can choose to raise more than one dog. Our trainers will help you with advice on appropriate outings and provide training guidance. In addition to housing and socializing the SDiT for one week out of four, our FPPs transport the dog to and from JCI or WCC headquarters in Boyds for each furlough week. FPPs are not required to attend weekly training classes but are welcome if they want to. Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older to be eligible for this role, but a minor may co-raise with a parent/guardian.

Puppy Sitter

Puppy sitters are like our puppy parent volunteers but in a short-term capacity. Puppy sitter volunteers play an important role by providing a safe, nurturing environment for WCC Service-Dogs-in-Training (SDiT) on a temporary basis in their own home. Sometimes, SDiTs need a place to stay for a few days or even a few weeks. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this volunteer role (minors may puppy sit with a parent or guardian). Learn more about becoming a puppy sitter.

Whelping/Puppy Watcher

Whelping/puppy watcher volunteers support WCC’s breeding program by assisting staff with continuous care of our breeders and future Service-Dogs-in-Training. In addition to ensuring optimal development by providing physical and mental enrichment, volunteers also assist with daily tasks to maintain a clean and safe environment. Individuals must be 18 years of age. Completion of a training course is required. *This volunteer opportunity is only available at the Healing Quarters location in Boyds, MD.

Canine Care Volunteer

Canine care volunteers assist with day-to-day tasks in our training center to maintain a clean, sanitary and orderly environment for our Service-Dogs-in-Training. Volunteers can progress from entry level Tier 1 where volunteers wash bowls, fill Kongs, and fill water buckets up to Tier 2 where volunteers can walk, bathe and do enrichment activities with the dogs. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age or 11 years of age (6th grade) and accompanied by an adult. Completion of orientation is required. *This volunteer opportunity is only available at the Healing Quarters location in Boyds, MD.

Transport Volunteer

Transport volunteers assist in transporting Service-Dogs-in-Training of all ages to and from vet appointments, local airports and other service dog organizations. Volunteers must be 21 years of age with 2 years driving experience and have the option of utilizing their own vehicle or requesting the use of one of WCC’s vehicles, if available. Volunteers will need to provide a copy of their driver’s license to WCC.

Administrative Volunteer

Administrative volunteers provide support to staff by helping with common office duties such as data entry, filing, stuffing envelopes and organizing materials. Volunteers should be able to maintain confidentiality, be comfortable working independently and have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs. Opportunities take place during regular business hours, Monday-Friday.

Facilities, Gardening and Landscaping

Facility volunteers will volunteer in various jobs as needs arise. Duties may include weeding, seasonal gardening, mulching, raking, sweeping, painting, cleaning and washing vehicles, or completing general maintenance tasks. We could also use help with small engine repairs or specialized fields in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, lite construction etc.

If you wish to volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection and contribute to the mission, please complete a Volunteer Application.