ANIMALS: Dog Walking/Sitting at El Cajon Safe Parking

Dreams for Change has a special volunteer opportunity. Many people experiencing homelessness have pets, which provide them with companionship, unconditional love, and something to take care of. This 2-hour opportunity involves helping people meet with their case manager, take a shower, eat dinner, while volunteers give their dog a walk or some pets and attention.

When volunteers arrive at 5:45pm, they'll ask people signing up for showers if they would like to have their dog(s) walked or watched during their shower or dinner time. The time of interaction should be limited based on the number of sign-ups. Please make sure to stay on the property or where the owners can see their dog.

This opportunity takes place at one of Dreams for Change's safe parking lots, a space where Dreams for Change hosts a safe parking program where individuals and families experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles can have a safe place to park and receive on-site services such as restrooms, handwashing stations, charging stations, and case management services.

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

• Patient, compassionate, and respectful when engaging with vulnerable individuals

• Ability to follow safety and site policies

• Must pass a Megan’s Law screening

Training Provided: 

• On-site training provided at the beginning of the shift

• Training includes guidance on handling dogs, communicating with staff, and respecting client privacy

Attire: Comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. This opportunity takes place outdoors with plenty of shade

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 [email protected]

​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.