ANIMALS: Dog Walking/Sitting at O-Lot Safe Sleep Site

Dreams for Change offers a special volunteer opportunity focused on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness who have pets. Many of these pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of responsibility for their owners. This volunteering session helps engage pets and supports pet owners who may be struggling with challenges walking and playing with their animals. Upon arrival, volunteers will check in with security at the first canopy when turning into the parking lot. You will be directed to staff who will help identify owners who have expressed interest in having their pets walked. Each walk can last up to 20 minutes, or hang out in the dog run with multiple dogs. Dreams for Change asks that you remain on or near the site during this time. This opportunity takes place at O Lot, the City of San Diego’s safe sleeping program, which is a low-barrier, nontraditional, unsheltered intervention program providing tents, sleeping bags, cots, meals, bathrooms, showers, laundry, charging access, case management, and connections to housing, employment, and health services for individuals who choose to engage. If pets are not present on-site, Dreams for Change invites volunteers to engage with the participants of the program by playing games or sitting down and having a chat. Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes Key Responsibilities: Walking dogs of various sizes and strengths Looking after and playing with said dogs Skills & Qualifications: Comfortable handling and walking dogs of varying sizes Comfortable, patient, compassionate, and respectful when engaging with vulnerable unsheltered individuals Ability to follow safety and site policies Must pass a Megan’s Law screening Attire: Comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. This opportunity takes place outdoors rain or shine. Physical Requirements: Unfortunately this opportunity is not able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations. The space where this project takes place is wheelchair accessible. Photos: Dreams for Change has a no-photo policy in place. Communication: All emails will be sent from View email address on click.appcast.io. Note: Clearing a Megan's Law California Sex Offender search before your first shift is required to participate in this opportunity. You must download the HandsOn Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in at this volunteer opportunity. If you do not sign in using the app, your service hours will not be verified and their team will not go back and modify them. The HandsOn Connect App can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. If you do not download the app and sign in with the on-site Hands On San Diego QR code, your hours will not count. (The QR Code and Dreams for Change Sign in kiosk are not the same. You must do both.) About Dreams for Change The mission of Dreams for Change remains its guiding beacon: To respond to the needs of communities by creating innovative and cost-effective programs to empower and stabilize the lives of families and individuals. Population Served: Homeless Activity Type: Caring for Animals Requirements: Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+ , Minimum Age: 18+ 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. Additional notes: Your donation means more volunteers making an impact on San Diego nonprofits, schools, and parks. Signup Questions Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity: Your response to these questions will help us process your volunteer application. #J-18808-Ljbffr HOSD.org/211sandiego.