Join Us in Making a Difference!
Retrieving Independence volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, playing a vital role in the successful integration of our service dogs into the homes and communities of their future partners. Our volunteers share a deep love for dogs and a commitment to serving others. By becoming a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact—changing lives, one dog at a time.
There are so many ways to be part of this work; we can’t do it without you! Whether you’ve got time to give, a story to share, or a community ready to hear more, your involvement keeps us moving forward. Together, we can create more second chances, one partnership at a time.
Please note: Volunteers must reside within a 60-mile radius of Nashville, TN, and be over 18 years old.
Types Of Volunteers:
There are several ways to get involved, depending on your availability and the level of commitment you’re ready to make.
Some volunteers support puppies during their earliest weeks. Others provide longer-term daily care and training as a dog progresses. If your schedule is more flexible, you may step in short-term or assist with operational needs.
Every role plays an important part in preparing our dogs for the work ahead.
Explore each volunteer type below for a full breakdown of responsibilities and expectations.
Puppy Raising Timeline:
When do you get to start working with puppies?
1. Explore Your Options:
Read through the descriptions of the different volunteer roles we offer—Starters, Raisers, Sitters, and Flex Volunteers—and decide which path aligns best with your interests, availability, and skills.
2. Complete Your Application:
Once you’ve decided on the role that’s the best fit for you, fill out the appropriate application form. This is your first step towards joining our dedicated team. You can find the link for each role at the bottom of its description. Someone from our team will connect with you following the submission of your application.
(After onboarding, you are free to switch between roles based on your availability and desires, simply inform staff as early as possible. Starters can always become Raisers, Raisers can always transition to become a Sitter, etc.)
3. Onboarding and Orientation:
After we receive your application, you’ll receive instructions for completing a self-paced onboarding and orientation process, tailored to the role you’ve chosen. This will ensure you’re well-prepared and confident in your new responsibilities.
You’ll need to review our manual and pass a quiz, but you are allowed to take the quiz as many times as needed. You will also need to attend 2 hours worth of training. Our staff will keep you updated with the dates and times of upcoming meetings once you begin onboarding.
4. Get Started:
Upon completing your onboarding, you’ll be officially approved to begin working with our dogs. If you’ve chosen a role that involves direct dog care, you may be placed on our waitlist for the next available puppy or matched with a co-raiser.
The onboarding process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on schedules & availability.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need prior dog training experience?
No. We provide the training, structure, and ongoing support you need. What matters most is consistency and a willingness to learn.
Are there any costs involved?
None on the volunteer’s end. RI covers veterinary care, training, and program-related expenses. There is no financial requirement to volunteer.
How much time is required?
Time commitment varies by role, but volunteers should expect daily care responsibilities along with regular training and outings.
Can I volunteer if I live in an apartment or rental home?
Yes. Many of our volunteers live in apartments or rental homes. We can provide documentation and guidance if needed. Under the Fair Housing Act & Tennessee Code § 66-28-406 raising service dogs is permitted.
Do I need a fenced yard?
No.
What happens if I need to travel or have an emergency?
We maintain a network of approved volunteers who can provide temporary coverage when needed.
What happens if a dog changes career paths?
Each dog is carefully evaluated and placed where they can thrive. Some pursue alternative working careers or are placed in carefully selected homes. You can learn more about those pathways here. We have a firm belief that every dog ends up where it is meant to.
How do I get started?
Complete the volunteer application. Qualified applicants will be contacted with next steps.
Volunteer Type Quiz:
Read our quiz below to get an idea of what role would be a good fit for you. Keep track of your answers!
1. How long are you able to commit to caring for a dog?
A. I can commit to a short period, like 1 week to 1 month.
B. I’m ready to commit to a longer period, like several months to 2 years.
C. I prefer to offer care on an as-needed, temporary basis.
D. I’m interested in helping out with various tasks and can offer flexible, on-call support.
2. What level of responsibility are you comfortable taking on with a dog’s training?
A. I’m comfortable providing basic care and socialization but prefer not to handle formal training.
B. I’m ready to help maintain and reinforce training skills over a longer period.
C. I can help maintain training temporarily but prefer not to take on long-term responsibilities.
D. I’m interested in supporting with tasks other than direct dog care, like event support or transport.
3. How flexible is your schedule?
A. I have a specific, short window of availability.
B. I can commit to a regular schedule over several months.
C. My schedule varies, so I prefer to help when I’m available.
D. I have a flexible schedule and can step in for different tasks as needed.
4. Are you comfortable with the idea of having a dog in your home?
A. Yes, but only for a short period.
B. Yes, I’m prepared to have a dog in my home for an extended time.
C. Yes, but only temporarily or on an emergency basis.
D. Not necessarily; I’m more interested in helping in other ways.
5. Do you prefer working directly with puppies or helping with broader tasks?
A. I want to work directly with young puppies for a brief period.
B. I’m interested in working with dogs over a longer period, including puppies and older dogs.
C. I prefer short-term, direct involvement with dogs when needed.
D. I’m more interested in supporting with broader, flexible tasks across the organization.
Mostly A’s: Starters
You’re best suited for the Starter role, where you can work with young puppies for a short period (1 week to 1 month) without taking on long-term training responsibilities.
Mostly B’s: Raisers
You’re a great fit for the Raiser role, where you can commit to a long-term relationship with a dog, helping to maintain and reinforce their training over several months to 2 years.
Mostly C’s: Sitters
The Sitter role is ideal for you, providing temporary care and support when needed, without the long-term commitment. You’ll step in to maintain routines and provide care on an as-needed basis.
Mostly D’s: Flex Volunteers
You’re best suited for the Flex Volunteer role, offering versatile support for various tasks like event assistance, transport, and other organizational needs, with a flexible schedule.
Share Our Mission, Your Way:
You don’t need to volunteer in a traditional role to make an impact. Some of our most powerful advocates and supporters are people who use their platforms, creativity, or community ties to uplift our mission in other ways.
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Types of Volunteers:
Puppy Starters:
As a Puppy Starter, you’ll work with our youngest puppies, aged 8 to 12 weeks, for short-term periods ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. This role is perfect for experiencing the joy of puppy raising without a long-term commitment and plays a crucial part in the early development of our service dogs.
Responsibilities:
- Basic care and training: Feeding, potty training, crate training, and exercise. Attend an hour-long training session weekly.
- Teaching household manners: Exposing puppies to household & neighborhood sounds, sights, and experiences.
- Record Keeping: Submit a monthly report on the puppy’s progress.
Commitment Level:
- 1-4 weeks
- 1 training meeting per week
Support and Resources:
You’ll have access to our community of experienced volunteers, trainers, and staff for support and guidance. RI provides food, necessary supplies, and covers the cost of vet appointments.
Puppy Raisers:
As a Puppy Raiser, you’ll guide our puppies from 8-12 weeks old until they’re ready for advanced training around 2 years old. This role is crucial in maintaining and reinforcing the skills our dogs learn, ensuring they’re well-prepared for their future as service dogs.
Responsibilities:
- Comprehensive care: Daily feeding, potty training, crate training, socialization, and exercise.
- Skill maintenance: Reinforce training cues, behaviors, and socialization techniques.
- Advanced socialization: Expose the puppy to various environments, including work and public places.
- Record keeping: Submit a monthly report on the puppy’s progress.
- Furlough care: Provide one week of care each month for dogs in secondary training. Attendance at an hour-long training session once a month. (Available twice a month)
Commitment Level:
- Choose your own Adventure: 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year (full-time care for puppies under 6 months, 1 week/month afterward)
- Required while Raising: 1 training meeting/month, 1 report/month
Co-Raising Option:
- Partner with a friend or get paired with another volunteer to share responsibilities and balance commitments.
Support and Resources:
You’ll have access to our community of experienced volunteers, trainers, and staff for support and guidance. RI provides food, necessary supplies, and covers the cost of vet appointments.
Puppy Sitters:
Puppy Sitters offer flexible, temporary care for service dogs in training when their primary Raisers or volunteers are unavailable. This role is ideal for those looking to support our program on an as-needed basis.
Responsibilities:
- Temporary care: Provide daily care, including feeding, exercise, and companionship.
- Consistency: Follow routines and guidelines provided by the dog’s Raiser or trainer.
- Training reinforcement: Maintain basic commands and behaviors.
- Socialization: Continue exposure to various environments, if appropriate.
Commitment Structure:
- Flexible involvement: Care durations range from a few days to a few weeks.
- As-needed availability: Be ready to step in when required.
- 1 training meeting each month while actively sitting.
Support and Resources:
Receive detailed instructions and ongoing support from the dog’s Raiser or trainer. You’ll have access to our community of experienced volunteers, trainers, and staff for support and guidance. RI provides food, necessary supplies, and covers the cost of vet appointments.
Flex Volunteers:
Flex Volunteers are versatile members of our team, stepping in to support various needs across the organization. This role is perfect for those who want to contribute in different capacities and enjoy flexibility in their involvement.
Responsibilities:
- Event support: Assist with setup, logistics, guest coordination, and more.
- Transportation: Provide reliable transport for dogs to training, vet appointments, etc.
- Administrative tasks: Help with data entry, volunteer records, and communication.
- Special projects: Participate in one-time projects or unique tasks as needed.
- General support: Offer help with any additional tasks as they arise.
Commitment Level:
- Flexible involvement: Choose activities based on interests and availability.
- Ad hoc participation: Engage as needed based on organizational needs.
- Time committed: Very flexible!
Support and Resources:
- Orientation: Receive appropriate training before starting.
- Team support: Work closely with staff and volunteers, with ongoing guidance.
Current Volunteers:
Current Volunteers can access the Volunteer Hub by clicking the button below.
Password Hint: Our trainers’ favorite answer.