Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization
We are extremely grateful for all of our volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to our mission each and every day! If you are interested in volunteering with our program, we are accepting applications for the volunteer roles listed below!
Please note: volunteers are required to be 12 years of age or older.
For additional information on volunteering, please contact Amanda Walton at awalton@k94life.org or 610-869-4902 x229.
Volunteer Positions
Puppy Raising
Volunteer Puppy Raising
Puppy raisers are responsible for raising a CPL puppy in accordance with all CPL policies and procedures. Puppy raisers are responsible for training their puppy in basic obedience, and public socialization.
We ask volunteers to train and socialize puppies during the ages of 2–6 months. For this volunteer role, individuals under the age of 18 must have an adult in the home trained as well. Temporary puppy raising (for shorter periods of time) is also needed.
Puppy Whelping and Enrichment
Puppy whelping and enrichment volunteers help with the CPL breeding program by caring for our moms and their litters during delivery and up to their first eight weeks of life. CPL puppies are whelped at the CPL facility in Cochranville, PA.
Volunteer shifts are typically 4 hours long and volunteer support is needed 24 hours per day. If you are under the age of 18 and are interested in assisting with this volunteer role, you must have a trained adult volunteer with you.
Home Companion Training Homes
Home Companion Training Homes are essential to the success of our home companion program. These dogs serve as well-trained companions for people with a wide range of physical and/or cognitive challenges; often children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, or senior adults.
While the training protocol for home companion dogs is not as extensive as it is for full service dogs, it is critical that they have excellent house manners and obedience skills.
To ensure that goal is reached, the dogs typically spend 2 to 5 months in a Home Companion Training Home, where their behavior can be “fine-tuned” and potential issues assessed and modified. Companion dogs do not have public access rights like full service dogs, so public socialization practice is not required.
Transport Volunteers
Transport volunteers assist CPL by transporting our dogs on the go! A few places our dogs may need a ride to are:
- To and from a veterinary appointment
- To and from a temporary volunteer home
- To the airport
- To one of our prison programs
Transport Volunteers are welcome to use one of the CPL vans.
Cuddle Time
Yes, this is truly a volunteer position! Cuddle time volunteers spend time in our comfortably furnished “cuddle room” with our service dogs in training.
Volunteers pet, brush, and massage the dogs, read to them, watch DVDs, sit outside in nice weather, and generally ensure one-on-one personal attention for our kennel residents.
Dog Walking
Walking volunteers take out our service dogs in training individually from the kennel for leisurely walks around the CPL campus.
As with cuddle time, walks provide a break for the dogs during the day and help accustom them to working with different handlers.
Dog walking takes place year-round. Enjoy the changing seasons while exercising our dogs!
Become A Volunteer
Are you passionate about providing support to dogs and their future partners? Work alongside a team of individuals who share the same love and commitment. Volunteer at CPL today!
