ANIMALS: Adoption Event Dog Handlers in Carmel Valley

ANIMALS: Adoption Event Dog Handlers in Carmel Valley Help dogs find their forever homes by volunteering at a new adoption event with A Way Home for Dogs at the Carmel Valley Farmers Market. The more hands they have, the more dogs get to attend since they do not place dogs in enclosures at adoption events. They have a 1 dog per handler ratio and all dogs are on a leash. Volunteers will hold leashes for adoptable dogs, wander around the market and/or the general vicinity. Chairs are provided to sit under canopies. ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRE EVENT. THERE IS ALSO A STRICT NO PHONE OR HEADPHONE POLICY FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes Key Responsibilities:

Hold leash and supervise assigned dogs throughout the event

Sit under a canopy or walk around the event with the dog

Ensure safety of the dog and attendees (no distractions like phones/headphones)

Assist in promoting dog adoption and answering basic questions, if comfortable

Skills & Qualifications:

Comfortable being around dogs of all sizes and temperaments

Able to follow strict safety rules

Friendly and respectful to event attendees

Training Provided: On-site training provided at the beginning of the shift. Attire: Whatever you are comfortable in that won't offend anyone attending the event. This opportunity takes place outdoors with little or no shade. Volunteers should wear sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat. Bring: Water and food if you don't want any of the options at the market. Treat pouch if you have one already. Physical Requirements: Able to hold a dog leash with the loop around a wrist and grip the excess. This project is able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations. Dogs of various strengths will be in attendance and their team can easily fit a dog's strength with your abilities. If you have physical limitations please let the Opportunity Coordinator know at least 24 hours before the event so they can bring an appropriate dog. Vision and hearing will be needed for their events due to dog behaviors. They can provide foldable camping chairs for those who cannot stand for long periods of time. The space where this project takes place is wheelchair accessible. A lap dog or more sedentary dog can be brought for wheelchair users. Waiver: All volunteers are required to fill out the A Way Home for Dogs waiver prior to their first shift. You'll need to date and initial the 1st page, read through the 2nd page, and provide your signature, the current date, your address and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number on page 3. Weather: This event is rain, heat, or shine. In the event the Event Host cancels we will text and email all scheduled volunteers. Make sure to have a phone number in your HandsOn San Diego account. Photos: Take as many photos as you want and post them on your social media platforms. IF you don't want your photo taken, please let the A Way Home for Dogs team know (and remind them). Note: You must download the HandsOn Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in at this volunteer opportunity. The HandsOn Connect App can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. Volunteers that do not sign in will be automatically marked as not attending at midnight the day of their shift.

ALL VOLUNTEERS NEED TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRE EVENT.

About A Way Home For Dogs The mission of A Way Home For Dogs is to provide free pet recovery service assisting owners with their lost pets on a global scale, as well as securing evasive street strays. When the strays are secured, they process them through the local shelter system. If those dogs don't get claimed and are deemed not adoptable, they enter them into our rescue, pending space. A Way Home for Dogs gives the dogs the time they need to decompress and show them who they are, before we start the rehabilitation process.

Issue Area(s) Animals

Requirements: Age Minimum (with Adult): 8+, Minimum Age: 16+, Court Ordered Volunteer - Allowed

Sign Up Sunday, January 11, 2026 From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

Add to Waiting list Currently full. Click the button above to be added to the waiting list and get notified if space becomes available.

Sunday, January 18, 2026 From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

Sunday, February 1, 2026 From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

Sunday, February 8, 2026 From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

Sunday, February 15, 2026 From 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

Your donation means more volunteers making an impact on San Diego nonprofits, schools, and parks.

In order to register for this opportunity you must log in to an existing account or register to create a new account.

This link allows you to participate in this opportunity with a team. A team can be a family team, corporate team, or any kind of organized group. When you click on the link you will have the option to:

Choose an existing team you're already a member or captain of, or

Create a new team to sign up.

Signup Questions Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity:

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