How to Volunteer With Dogs in Boston

Boston is a city full of dog lovers, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to turn that passion into meaningful volunteer work. Whether you want to walk shelter dogs, foster pups, help at adoption events, or even volunteer with your own dog in therapy programs, Boston offers countless opportunities to make a difference.

Not only will you help improve the lives of local dogs, but you’ll also enrich your own life, meet new people, and become part of a compassionate community. Here’s a guide to some of the best ways to volunteer with dogs in the Boston area.

1. Volunteer at Local Animal Shelters

Boston has several animal shelters that rely on dedicated volunteers to care for their dogs. Well-known organizations like MSPCA-Angell, Animal Rescue League of Boston, and Northeast Animal Shelter offer various volunteer opportunities, such as:

• Dog walking and exercise: Give shelter dogs much-needed time outdoors and socialization.

• Kennel care: Help clean, feed, and comfort the dogs.

• Behavior enrichment: Playtime, training, and activities to keep dogs stimulated.

• Adoption events: Assist staff in showcasing dogs to potential adopters.

Most shelters require an application process and orientation, but once you’re signed up, you’ll play a crucial role in improving dogs’ daily lives.

2. Get Involved With Rescue Organizations

In addition to shelters, Boston has many nonprofit rescue groups working to save dogs from overcrowded shelters or tough situations. Groups like Great Dog Rescue New England and Last Hope K9 Rescue need volunteers to help with:

• Dog transportation

• Home visits and reference checks for adopters

• Administrative tasks like data entry or social media

• Fundraising events and adoption meet-and-greets

Rescues are often run entirely by volunteers, so every hour of help goes a long way.

3. Become a Foster Caregiver

Fostering is one of the most impactful ways to help. By opening your home to a dog in need, you give them a safe space to recover and prepare for adoption.

Organizations like Last Hope K9 Rescue and Great Dog Rescue New England provide food, medical care, and supplies — you just provide love and day-to-day care. Foster needs can vary and include:

• Puppies too young to be adopted

• Dogs recovering from illness or surgery

• Dogs needing socialization or training

Fostering not only saves lives, but it also frees up space at shelters and rescues to help more dogs.

4. Volunteer With Therapy Dog Programs

If you have a well-mannered, friendly dog, consider becoming a certified therapy team. Therapy dogs visit hospitals, schools, libraries, and nursing homes to offer emotional support and companionship.

Organizations like Pets and People Foundation and Dog B.O.N.E.S. train and certify therapy dog teams in the Boston area. Once certified, you and your dog can volunteer to:

• Visit seniors in nursing homes or assisted living facilities

• Participate in children’s literacy programs at libraries

• Help relieve stress at colleges or hospitals

This is a wonderful way to give back with your own pet while brightening people’s lives.

5. Assist at Fundraising and Adoption Events

If you can’t commit to a regular volunteer schedule, helping at events is a flexible way to get involved. Local shelters and rescues often host:

• Adoption fairs

• Charity walks and runs

• Fundraising galas or auctions

Volunteers are needed for setup, registration, merchandise sales, raffles, and event promotion. These events are essential for raising funds and increasing public awareness.

6. Offer Your Skills and Expertise

Even if you prefer to help behind the scenes, your professional skills can make a huge difference. Many dog-focused organizations need volunteers with expertise in:

• Photography and videography (for adoption profiles)

• Graphic design and website management

• Marketing and social media outreach

• Grant writing and fundraising strategy

These contributions are crucial to improving adoptions, raising money, and building stronger community connections.

7. Support Pet Food Pantries and Outreach Programs

Boston-area organizations like MSPCA-Angell and Animal Rescue League of Boston run pet food pantries and outreach programs to help struggling pet owners. Volunteer roles may include:

• Collecting and distributing pet food and supplies

• Organizing food drives or donation campaigns

• Assisting elderly or disabled owners with basic pet care

• Offering outreach to educate the community about available resources

By supporting these programs, you help keep pets in their homes and reduce the number of animals entering shelters.

How to Get Started

Here’s how to jump in and start helping:

1. Research local organizations and review their volunteer needs.

2. Submit an application — many have online forms.

3. Attend orientation or training as required.

4. Start with small commitments — even a few hours a month helps.

5. Be flexible and open — animal work can be unpredictable, but it’s deeply rewarding.

Local Organizations to Check Out

• MSPCA-Angell → mspca.org

• Animal Rescue League of Boston → arlboston.org

• Northeast Animal Shelter → northeastanimalshelter.org

• Great Dog Rescue New England → gdrne.com

• Last Hope K9 Rescue → lasthopek9.org

• Pets and People Foundation → petsandpeoplefoundation.org

• Dog B.O.N.E.S. → therapydogs.org

Final Thoughts

Volunteering with dogs in Boston is a wonderful way to give back, improve the lives of animals, and connect with like-minded people in your community. Whether you’re walking a shelter dog, fostering a rescue, using your professional skills, or volunteering with a therapy dog, your time and effort can transform lives — both canine and human.

So why wait? Step into Boston’s vibrant dog volunteer community and start making a difference today. You might just find that the joy you bring to dogs is matched by the joy they bring to you.