Get Involved
Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound is working on several new programs this year and we need your help! We exist through the altruistic spirit of folks who want to make a positive difference in our community. We know that your time is valuable, so we have listed ways in which you can help our effort.
Sign up to Volunteer Today!
(A new pop-up window will open)
Volunteer Opportunites For Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound, Inc. 2009
Volunteer Information and Waiver: (download)
Dog Walkers Agreement: (download)
Walk in the Park Events: (Community Adoption Events)
These events are held at various Indy Parks venues or downtown on the IUPUI campus. Starting this year, they will be conducted mostly on Sunday afternoons and eventually extend to weekday evenings as we acquire the volunteer assistance! Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound will be the host for the various local shelters as well as foster groups.
General event assistance: Help with the event set up and take down; Prepare and monitor treats and water for dogs and other needs; assist with check in and “crowd control”
Shelter/ Foster group liaison: work with local shelters to select dogs for events, temp testing when necessary and arrangement of transportation. Help prepare dogs for events when necessary.
Dog Handlers*: work with community members as they select dogs to walk; instruct them on dog handling (attendance at volunteer training required) and socialization techniques
Monon/ Indianapolis Greenway Walkers*: (Advanced Dog Walkers/Community Outreach)
This is a new program we are starting to create opportunities to exercise and socialize adoptable dogs amongst other people and dogs in a more public setting. We also hope to create more exposure for the local shelters and foster groups as well as upcoming Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound events.
Event coordinator: Coordinate walking events among the participating shelter/ foster groups/ venue and the public contact. Arrange for necessary supplies such as water, aprons, “adopt me” vests and literature for distribution.
Advanced Dog Walker: Work w/ assigned shelter to pick up/ transport shelter dogs to designated walking area. Walk dogs in designated areas; work with dogs on socialization skills Distribute information regarding local shelters dogs and shelter adoptions and other Walk a Hound events
On-Site Walking Programs: (Advanced Dog Walkers/ Fitness Walking)
This year we also hope to implement a walking club type program which will allow community members to gain the health benefits that come along with dog walking. This will take place at the Humane Society of Indpls ( HSI) and the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. (IACC). Educational sessions regarding physical activity and fitness, along with monitoring and documenting progress will be included in this program. One of the “first steps” we will need to take is create some trails for us to take those steps. See opportunities under “Habitat for Dogmanity” to help with this!
Advanced Dog Walkers: Volunteers who wish to gain some healthy lifestyle benefits while volunteering their time at the HSI or IACC shelters. Will need to commit to a minimum of three times per week, complete occasional questionnaires related to their physical activity and health. In addition, they will need to keep records of their progress over the time they participate in the program.
Fitness Leader/Coach: Work with walkers to create and maintain a safe and appropriate walking program. Assist in data collection. Hold education session related to fitness and related healthy lifestyles.
* Advanced Dog Walkers will be required to attend a training session(s) designed to work with dogs on socialization skills as well as handling the dogs in public walking areas.
Other volunteer opportunities:
Marketing assistance: Assist with designing/ revising website under direction. Assist with data collection and upkeep of volunteer lists, communication with program contacts and inquiries. Act as a liaison with participating shelters to highlight animals in advance that will be at various Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound events. Assist with photography and video at events.
Fundraising: Assist with identification and outreach to potential sponsors of donors.
Seamstress: Assist with sewing construction and repair aprons and “adopt me” vests for Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound events.
Transportation**: Assist with transporting dogs to and from different events
**requirements will vary depending on the group/ shelter for whom you are transporting.
SPONSORSHIPS Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound needs your help Sponsorship opportunities exist to help purchase supplies. In turn, Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound will promote your generous contribution by including your company logo on all of our printed promotions. This is an excellent opportunity to get your name out in front of your targeted audience and to help a very worthwhile civic cause!
Sign up to Volunteer Today!
(A new pop-up window will open)