A place to volunteer?

[leona2025]

I am hoping to purchase a puppy this year, but before I do I would like to Volunteer somewhere so that I can get some hands on experience. I don't care what breed as long as it's a mastiff.

I just want to volunteer on Saturdays. Most of the rescues I see don't have actual facilities and all the dogs are in foster homes. Any clue how I an get started?

I'm in Houston Texas.

 

[CeeCee]

Most Rescues exclusively use foster homes. The foster families then take on the responsibility of training their fosters, writing their bios, and taking them to adoption events? Are you looking for foster? If you are the best advice to search for your local Mastiff rescue and go through their process of being a foster family. "Local" is a relative term and may actually be miles away.

If you are not looking to foster, the rescue may need help processing applications, doing home visits, screening potential adopters, coordinating fund raising events, transporting dogs, etc, but that may not get you the hands on experience you're looking for. If you're looking to find a local Mastiff rescue, I would check out this thread where people listed local rescues.

If you are looking for general hands on dog experience, I would recommend your local shelter or humane society that is going to get you a TON of hands on dog experience with all sorts of breeds.

 

[leona2025]

Thanks CeeCee. I have dog experience. I have had dogs since I was old enough to say puppy. I've rescued a few pitbulls in bad situations as well.

I am not a suitable candidate for fostering as I have a 4 year old niece and a 4 year old Chihuahua which I would not want to be put in danger.

I suppose what I am looking for doesn't exist. I really just want a chance to spend some one on one time with mastiffs. I could visit breeders, but was hoping to help some dogs in need.

 

[CeeCee]

I, by no means, can speak for all opportunities. I would say it's worth reaching out to rescues and asking if they can use your help. Heck, they might be looking for handlers just to take their adoptable dogs to adoption events. Or maybe you can volunteer to help foster families with training and socialization. I know our foster families are always looking for volunteers to help ease the load. (I volunteer for a shelter.)

 

[leona2025]

That's a great idea. I will do that. That would definitely give me the hands on experience I'm looking for. I would love that. Thanks!