Volunteer

🌟 Our Approach

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to support our mission at APAD. Whether helping directly with the dogs, assisting at events, or supporting behind the scenes, your time and dedication give our dogs a second chance at life.

🤝 Our Commitment — and Yours

We welcome people from all backgrounds who want to help, and we deeply value consistency and commitment. Our dogs rely on familiar faces, stable routines, and the trust they build with those who care for them. You will receive training and ongoing support, and we hope you can maintain a regular schedule to help our dogs feel safe and secure.

🐶 Educational Approach

At APAD, positive reinforcement is a core value. We recognize that there are many dog training methods, each with its merits. Our method is based on canine psychology, focusing on understanding the difference between behavior and emotion, and addressing each in the most positive way. This allows us to guide our dogs with empathy, patience, and respect.

📘 APAD Educational Program

Our current program, with tools that grow every day, is dedicated to helping volunteers understand these principles and apply them in daily interactions, ensuring each dog receives the support they need to prepare for a future home.

🤝 How You Can Help

🐾 Dog Companion

Much more than a simple walk. You help the dog feel calm, respected, and safe. Walks last around 30 minutes in quiet areas near the shelter. We provide basic tools for walking as a dog companion: safety information for both the animal and the person.

We welcome both short-term and long-term collaboration. If you want to use this opportunity to meet a dog with a view to possible adoption, it’s an ideal way — just indicate it in the comments of your application form.

Availability: Every day · Mornings 10:00–13:00 · Afternoons 17:00–19:30 (18:00–19:30 in summer)

🎓 Canine Training

After orientation, volunteers with experience or interest will have the opportunity to train and support dogs in leash skills, basic commands, confidence building, and response training. Activities are coordinated with the Volunteer Mentor Team to ensure consistency and are especially valuable for dogs preparing for adoption. These tools are offered through Canis Education, via videos or in-person.

Availability: As applicable, after orientation.

🏠 Shelter Work

Practical work: cleaning kennels, feeding, walking, laundry, washing dishes, and general maintenance. Essential for the arrival and care of new dogs.

Availability: Every day · Mornings 10:00–13:00 · Afternoons 17:00–19:30 (18:00–19:30 in summer)

🤝 Outreach & Events

Essential help to raise awareness of the dogs and fundraise. Assist at Monday markets, donation tables, or fundraising events. Tasks can include setting up tables/tents, talking to visitors, and encouraging donations. Direct dog handling is usually reserved for experienced volunteers, but support roles are fundamental.

Availability: As applicable.

📘 How to Volunteer

1. Submit the volunteer application form — include your details, interests, and availability.
2. Wait for confirmation — we will contact you by email within a week (check your spam folder if you don’t see it).
3. Schedule the orientation — usually takes 1–1.5 weeks, depending on language availability.
4. Orientation session (1 hour) — with a Volunteer Mentor. Covers safety, walking protocols, and daily routines. Includes your first supervised walk with a dog.
5. Regular shifts — once orientation is complete, you can start volunteering in the areas you choose.

📌 Note: From submitting your application to confirmation of orientation, the process may take approximately two weeks. This allows us to coordinate the availability of volunteers and mentors in different languages and ensure a proper introduction.

If this process does not fit your availability, there are many other ways to help! You can join our fundraising events, support donation campaigns, or share our adoption campaigns on social media.

🌟 Other Ways to Support APAD

• 💳 Donate
• 👨👩👧 Become a member
• 🏠 Foster temporarily
• 🐾 Sponsor
• 👕 Shop at the APAD store
• 🧺 Donate supplies (deliver directly to APAD):
  • Dish soap
  • Floor cleaner
  • Detergent
  • Garbage bags
  • Bleach
  • Dry and wet dog food
  • Pâtés / sausages
  • Dog biscuits
  • Yogurt