your student can volunteer with Canine Inspired Change

Youth Volunteers provide Therapy Dogs in training the opportunity to practice in a controlled setting with multiple CIC Dog Trainers present. Both the dogs and their humans need to practice their skills before they serve our community to ensure they are fully prepared for their experiences.

We also have opportunities to help socialize puppies in CIC Puppy Class, help with office tasks like envelope packing, packing items for events, and more! We also have events in our community in which students can attend to show off the valuable work CIC Therapy Dogs provide!

Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Volunteering

What age does my student need to be to volunteer?

We ask that students are between 8 and 18 years of age to volunteer with CIC. If you have a dog savvy student under 8 years of age, you may still apply to volunteer, but there will be additional requirements for their volunteer sessions including direct parental supervision during the session.

Does my student need any special skills or experience?

No previous experience with CIC is required! The student just needs to be comfortable around dogs, willing to work with adults and peers, and be willing to learn from the CIC Trainers and Teachers!

How often do they have to volunteer?

There is no time requirement to become a volunteer with CIC. Our team will send out an email once a month with upcoming volunteer opportunities (or more if an event pops up!) that you can sign up for if you’re student is available!

How long are the volunteer opportunities?

Most volunteer opportunities are about 1 hour long or less. However, some events may be longer, or there may be opportunity to volunteer at back to back sessions. If your student is able to attend part of a session, but not all, we still welcome them to attend!

Can my student earn school service hours through CIC?

Yes! We are happy to verify hours for school, church, or other community service requirements.

My student can be shy, can I attend the session with them?

We are SO happy to have you join with your student! Not only can this help your student feel more comfortable, you’ll get to enjoy some doggy therapy for yourself. ;) We will ALWAYS take things at your student’s speed - they will always have choice & voice during their volunteer session.

How do we sign up?

Simple! We ask the parent/guardian to fill out this form. Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email and electronic volunteer waiver.

Have other questions? Send us a message!