Volunteer

Volunteer

Ten easy steps

To become a volunteer

  1. Make sure your dog is at least 12 months old. If you have rescued or adopted your dog, you must have lived with it for a minimum of 6 months. If you don’t have your own dog you may apply with another person’s dog. However, you must know this dog very well, the dog responds to you and the owner will need to give consent.


2. Get your dog registered with your local council. Proof of registration is required.


3. You will be assessed with your dog by an independent expert dog trainer/behaviourist. To get ready for this, watch the Dog Team Assessment video (see video on this page) and practice the Dog Team Assessment (summary in the Volunteer Information Pack) with your dog. 


4. Your dog’s health is very important to us. After a positive Assessment outcome, a Story Dogs Vet Health Check will be required OR proof of your dog’s recent vet health check (within the last 3 months).


5. Your dog must be vaccinated and proof of vaccination is required OR proof of a positive Titre Test is required.


6. If your dog is also your assistance/ support dog or works as a therapy/ visiting dog, please consider the impact the Story Dogs role will have on your dog and you. Points to consider are:

a) If your dog is distracted for long periods of time from its primary task, to keep you safe, this could pose a risk to you.

b) If your dog is undertaking multiple visits and roles during the week, then this can place them under a lot of pressure/ stress, which is not healthy for your dog.


7. Please ensure you have a current Working With Children/ Vulnerable People Check, applicable to your State.


8. Attend volunteer Training – approx. 6hrs. Training includes: Introduction to the Story Dogs program. Expectations – What do Story Dogs expect from its volunteers and what you should expect from Story Dogs. How to run a fun Story Dogs session. Literacy - how do children learn, how can we best help them.


9. Attend In School Training - approx. 2hrs. Being an observer to an experienced Story Dogs volunteer.


10. With our help; find a sponsor for you and your dog.


Make an

informed decision

Check out the Volunteer Information Pack, Dog Team Assessment video and the FAQ’s below.

Dog Team Assessment Video (8.07mins)

After you have had a good read of all our information and feel this program is a good fit for you and our dog, please complete the Volunteer Application form below. Once we have this we will be in touch to let you know the next steps. Generally, if you are in an existing Story Dogs area, where we have a Coordinator, then we will pass your application on to that Coordinator who will contact you to organise to meet you and your wonderful dog.

Thank you for your interest in joining Story Dogs!

Woof Woof!

FAQ's

  • I don’t have a dog, can I still volunteer?

    No. However if you have a close association with someone else’s dog such as a family member or neighbour then you may be able to use that dog.

  • I am under 18yrs old, can I volunteer?

    No. We only accept volunteers who are over 18yrs old

  • What type of dog leads are best for the Story Dogs program?

    Dogs can only wear either a flat collar with a 1-2m webbing lead, a Martingale collar, or a well-fitting harness. No training collars, halties, muzzles, aversive collars or retractable leads are permitted.

  • I go away for weeks at a time, can I still volunteer?

    Yes as long as the time away is not greater than 10 weeks and you can let us and the school know well in advance. It is best if you have a trip coming up to delay your application until you get back so when you start, you are with the students for many uninterrupted weeks.

  • I have two dogs, can I volunteer with both?

    Yes. However they cannot both be taken into the school on the one day. You must only take one dog at a time to school.

  • I would like to volunteer at my children’s school, is this possible?

    Yes, if the school is happy to have the program.

  • Do I have to organise the school?

    No, we can do that for you. If you have a preferred school please let us know on the application form

  • Do I have to find a sponsor before I start?

    It is wonderful if this is the case, but you do not have to. We can help you with that once you have had a few school visits.

  • Do I have to get a Vet Check before I can complete the application form?

    No, but be aware if you and your dog are successful with the Dog Team Assessment you will need a current Vet Check.

  • My Working With Children Check has expired can I still apply?

    Yes, but be aware you will not be able to start in a school until this comes through. In some States this may take many weeks, so we recommend that you get the process started ASAP.

  • Is there an upper age limit for the dog?

    No, as long as your vet signs off that your dog is healthy and fit enough to enjoy the sessions. The dog’s welfare is very important to us. If they are not happy with children patting them, car rides, walking around the school, lying down etc then please consider not volunteering.

  • Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

    To interact safely with children, your dog must be vaccinated or have a positive Titre Test result. 

  • Is there an upper age limit for our volunteers?

    There is no upper age limit. However, you need to be mobile enough to cope with going to school every week and also be able to control your dog. 

  • Do I have to volunteer for a minimum period?

    Yes, ideally for 12 months. The children we help often need a whole year with you and your dog and look forward to your weekly visits. 

We encourage you to advocate for your dog and make sure students and staff at the school only pat your dog and do not hug it.

A happy dog is a safe dog.

Volunteer Coordinators

Story Dogs is always seeking individuals who are keen to be organisers, doers and go getters. Supporting our Volunteer Dog Teams is an important role and one to which we give a lot of mentoring support and training. If you think you could support a group, approximately 10 Volunteer Dog Teams or would like to start a new chapter of Story Dogs in your region, then please contact Janine on janine@storydogs.org.au. Alternatively, you can submit an expression of interest using the form below, noting in the comments that you would like to be considered for a Coordinator Role.


Please find more details of the Volunteer Coordinator Role by clicking the button below.

Expression of Interest

We ensure an environment in which children do not feel insecure or judged

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