Dog Bather – Help Dogs Shine Inside and Out
Give shelter dogs the fresh start they deserve — one bath at a time.
A clean dog is a confident dog. As a Dog Bather & Brusher Volunteer, you’ll help our shelter dogs feel fresh, comfortable, and cared for. From gentle baths to brushing out tangled coats, your time and attention help reduce stress, improve health, and increase each dog’s adoptability. Plus — who doesn’t love a little splash and a wagging tail?
Who We’re Looking For
This role is ideal for volunteers who:
Love hands-on time with dogs and aren’t afraid to get a little wet
Are calm, patient, and gentle — even when dogs are nervous
Want to make an immediate, visible difference in a dog’s well-being
Are comfortable working in a sometimes noisy, active shelter setting
Can follow basic grooming and safety guidelines provided by staff
Responsibilities Include:
Bathing shelter dogs using staff-approved shampoos and tools
Gently towel drying dogs post-bath
Brushing coats to remove tangles, reduce shedding, and prevent matting
Handling dogs in a calm, positive way to build trust and comfort
Helping create before/after moments that support promotion and adoption
The Impact
Your TLC directly improves a dog’s health, comfort, and adoption potential. Clean, well-groomed dogs photograph better, feel more confident during meet-and-greets, and stand out to potential adopters. Many of our animals come in dirty or matted — and your work is often the first step in helping them look and feel like the beloved pets they were meant to be.
What you need to get started:
Animal Health Training - Animal Health
Animal Handling - Animal Handling
Animal Behavior Training - Animal Behavior
Volunteer duties, access and privileges are only valid for the duration of the assigned shift in which they have chosen on the on-line volunteer scheduling system. There is a 15-minute grace period before and after each shift so that the volunteer may prepare and/or end their volunteer assignments.
