Volunteer Opportunity: Shelter Program Leader

The Happy Pet Project | Dallas–Fort Worth Area

Do you love dogs, have confidence handling them, and enjoy leading others? The Happy Pet Project is looking for a Shelter Program Leader to help coordinate and guide our volunteer efforts with local shelter partners in the DFW area.

As a Shelter Program Leader, you’ll play a key role in creating a safe, positive experience for both dogs and volunteers — helping make each event a success while supporting the animals who need us most.

What you’ll do:

🐶 Coordinate and set up volunteer events with our shelter partners

🦴 Lead event-day orientations, including quick safety reminders such as:

• How to approach and interact with dogs appropriately
• How to recognize and respect canine body language
• Common best practices (using both hands to hold leashes, giving space when dogs are uncomfortable, etc.)

👥 Split volunteers into task groups based on shelter needs

👀 Observe interactions between dogs and volunteers, offering gentle guidance when needed to ensure the comfort and safety of both

What we’re looking for:

✨ Confident and compassionate dog handler

💛 Strong but kind communication and leadership skills

🐕 Experience working with or around dogs

📍 Must be located in the Dallas–Fort Worth area

🕓 Availability to attend volunteer events as scheduled

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys connecting people to purpose — and helping create positive experiences that change lives for both humans and dogs.

We partner with several shelters across the metro plex so although there is a physical location for each event, it rotates between partners.