Senior Paws is 100% volunteer, all foster-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to rescuing abandoned, homeless and unwanted senior dogs from high-kill shelters in Florida. Our goal is to provide senior dogs with a new chance at life by matching them with loving, safe, forever families to live out their remaining years.

Volunteers with a variety of skills are needed and your help is very appreciated! The information you provide will assist us in matching your individual skills with work that we think you would enjoy most. After filling out the form, you can check our schedule on our “events page” for upcoming volunteer orientations. If you have other special skills, someone from our rescue will reach out to you when we can use your talents.

We’re so happy you’ve chosen to be an integral part of the lives of our wonderful dogs.We look forward to having you join our team!

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

• If you are under 18 years of age your parent or guardian must sign your application and waiver, and must always be signed by the parent/guardian when on event that you attend. More about events later.
• If you are under 16 years of age your parent/guardian must complete this application and waiver and you MUST be accompanied by a parent at all times whenever you are volunteering. There are no exceptions.
• All volunteers 17 years and younger are permitted to handle dogs in accordance with the requirements but may not assist any dogs who need help walking.
• Our focus is to build long-term relationships with you, our volunteers and with our community. Our priority for acceptance into our program will be those persons who are willing to make a minimum commitment of 8-10 hours a month for 6 months.

Senior Paws seeks to provide a safe, secure and fun environment for our resident dogs and volunteers. We require all volunteers to attend a Volunteer Orientation and other necessary training and to comply with our policies and procedures aimed toward maintaining animal health, welfare, and volunteer safety. You will also be provided with a volunteer manual.

If you need to complete required hours for school, court or judicial affairs, please use the Community Service application.

Senior Paws considers applicants for volunteering without regard to sex, race, age, religion, national origin or any other legally protected status. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities when it would not be an undue hardship. If you need reasonable accommodation, please contact the Volunteer Director and we will work with you as best as possible to make your volunteer experience as easy as possible.

AUTHORIZATION AND AGREEMENT BY APPLICANT

I certify that the facts set forth in this volunteer application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement, omission or misrepresentation in my application or placement interview may result in the rejection of my application or discharge from our volunteer program. I understand that Senior Paws Dog Rescue has the right to deny application at their discretion.

I acknowledge that my services are provided strictly on a volunteer basis, without pay or compensation of any kind, and without liability of any nature on behalf of Senior Paws Dog Rescue. All services will be performed at my own risk. 

I recognize that in handling animals and performing other tasks, therein exists a risk of injury, including physical harm caused by the dogs (bites, scratches, accidents or injuries). On behalf of myself, my heirs, personal representatives and executors, I hereby release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless Senior Paws Dog Rescue, its volunteers and members of the Board of Directors from any responsibility.