Dog Behavior Evaluator

About the Role:

The Happy Pet Project is seeking experienced, hands-on volunteers to serve as Dog Evaluators. This critical role helps ensure that the dogs we rescue are a good fit for our programs, supports our shelter partners, and sets up our fosters for success.

As a Dog Evaluator, you’ll use your knowledge and experience to perform behavioral assessments on dogs of all sizes — helping the rescue make informed decisions for sustainable care.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct hands-on evaluations of dogs at partner shelters to assess behavior and temperament.
• Work with dogs ranging from 5–100 lbs, both indoors and outdoors, year-round.
• Document observations and provide feedback to support foster placement and care decisions by our leadership team.
• Collaborate with shelter staff to understand each dog’s background and needs.

Requirements:

• Located in the DFW area of Texas and able to travel to partner shelters.
• Dog handling experience required; knowledge of canine body language is a bonus.
• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes, indoors and outdoors, year-round.
• In-person training required (2–4 hours).
• Flexible schedule — you can sign up to evaluate dogs based on your availability and shelter operating hours after training.

Why Volunteer with Us:

Dog Evaluators play a key role in the success of our rescue efforts, ensuring that each dog is set up for a happy, safe future in foster or adoptive homes. Your expertise directly helps save lives while supporting both our rescue and community partners.