Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. Reuniting lost dogs is very rewarding, and creates happiness - not only for the dog and their family, but also for the people who help make it happen. That can be YOU!
All you need is a computer, which means you can volunteer from home during the hours that are convenient for you. We need responsible, detail-oriented people who can commit to volunteering on a consistent basis. Training is provided and required. Since our main method of communication is Facebook, volunteers must have a personal Facebook account and be prepared to participate in online training and communication with the team.
*** Please note: At this time, we are not able to provide community service volunteer hours.
Please take a few minutes to look over our website and Facebook page to learn a bit about us. Lost Dogs Florida is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. All of our services are completely free. We are the Florida arm of Lost Dogs of America, a coalition of all 50 states working to reunite lost dogs. We post each listing to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but we are more than just a posting service. It is our belief that providing effective advice on how to find a lost dog, or reunite a found one, is the key to success.
We're proud to be partnered with Helping Lost Pets and PetFBI. The sites have merged their map-based, searchable database of lost and found pets making it the largest and oldest lost/found pet database. Pet FBI provides free flyers. All of these services are 100% free to the public and shelters. We're working to get all lost/found pets listed in one central database. Imagine how easy it will be when all listings (shelters and the public) are in ONE easly searchable place that is accessible 24/7.
The ASPCA estimates 40-60% of pets in shelters are lost. Many of these pets have families desperately searching for them. They have a very limited amount of time to find their pet before he/she is placed for adoption, or unfortunately may be euthanized. Giving owners the tools to find their lost pets will help not only that pet, but another pet who needs that valuable kennel space at the shelter. Reuniting lost pets will help decrease shelter euthanasia rates. Many animal lovers want to make a difference, but aren't able to go to the shelter during the hours the shelter is open, or are uncomfortable in a shelter environment. If this describes you, or you just want to make a difference, Lost Dogs Florida is the perfect fit for you!
* At this time, we are not able to provide hours for students looking to fulfil volunteer hours or for court-mandated volunteer hours.
We believe you'll enjoy helping reunite lost dogs with their families, and we're excited to have you join our team!
Please take a few moments to complete the application below. We'll be in touch with you soon! Thank you!
Code of Conduct Agreement
By electronically applying to be a volunteer you agree to to abide by the following Code of Conduct:
This code of conduct is required because you will not just be representing yourself now in person and on social media, but Lost Dogs/Cats of America, Lost Dogs Florida, PetFBI, and Helping Lost Pets, all organizations that set high standards for behavior.
I understand that safety is always first and foremost! I will never jeopardize the safety of myself, another person or an animal with my words or actions.
I will not put flyers into U.S. mail boxes or advise anyone else to do so. I understand that this is a federal offense.
I will not put flyers on utility poles or light poles. These are private property and doing so may endanger the lives of the workers who have to climb the poles. I will not advise anyone else to do so.
I will always respect personal and private property and ask permission to access property and to post signs on property. I will always advise owners or finders of the same.
I will always maintain a positive outlook with the owners and finders of lost pets. I will serve the interests of the pet from a neutral position of authority that comes from the platform of the organization. I will not criticize, use harsh language or shame individuals who I encounter in person or who post on our social media platforms.
I will never express doubt about a pet's ability to survive.
I understand that we are always obligated to return the pet to the owner. If at any time, this is not in the best interest of the pet, I will direct the finder to contact the correct authorities.
Working Relationships
I understand that establishing and maintaining good working relationships with the other volunteers is essential to the successful operation of our pages. I will treat all other volunteers with respect in both my words and actions. (addition here about tolerance) I understand that we are all volunteers and I will not criticize others for mistakes made or micromanage their work. We work as a team to make our pages successful.
I understand that establishing and maintaining good working relationships with humane societies, animal control facilities, police departments and other government agencies can save the lives of many animals. I will never jeopardize those relationships with my words or actions.
I understand that I am the public face of the my organization. When interacting on public groups, forums and other social media sites, I will always act and speak in a professional manner. I understand that my actions affect not just my group but the organization as a whole.
I will not recommend paid services including listing sites, psychics, trackers, pet detectives or volunteer groups which solicit a fee for their services. If I find myself in a conflict of interest or am unclear if a post is allowed, I will not respond publicly and will contact my director for direction.
I will conduct myself with respect for all and will not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.