Raise your paw and volunteer with DDR!

Dogwood Doberman Rescue is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Every dog we save depends on dedicated people who are willing to give their time and talents. Whether you have a few hours a week or just want to help occasionally, there is a place for you on our team.

You can read more about our volunteer teams below! If you’re ready to get involved, fill out our volunteer application and let us know which areas interest you most.

Volunteer Application

Adoptions Team

Work with our Adoptions Coordinator to help match our foster dogs with the right forever homes.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Communicating with potential adopters

  • Reviewing adopter needs and preferences

  • Assisting with the matching process

  • Helping coordinate meet-and-greets

This team plays a critical role in ensuring every dog is placed in the best possible home.

Fundraising Team

Join a group of passionate volunteers dedicated to raising the funds that keep our rescue running.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Planning and hosting fundraising events

  • Reaching out to local businesses for partnerships

  • Brainstorming new fundraising ideas

  • Assisting with online campaigns and donation drives

Creative thinkers and community connectors are especially valuable on this team.

Volunteer Engagement Team

Support and grow our volunteer community by helping people stay involved and find the best ways to contribute.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Reaching out to volunteers to check in

  • Encouraging participation and engagement

  • Helping match volunteers with roles that fit their skills

  • Assisting with volunteer appreciation efforts

This is a great role for friendly, outgoing volunteers who enjoy building relationships.

Transportation Team

Help ensure our dogs get where they need to go safely and efficiently. From shelters to fosters to veterinary appointments, transport is often the bridge between rescue and a new beginning.

Transportation Coordinator

  • Organize and oversee transport plans

  • Coordinate volunteer drivers

  • Confirm routes, timing, and hand-offs

  • Communicate updates to the Intake and Foster teams

Transport Drivers

  • Drive dogs to and from shelters, vet appointments, or foster homes

  • Commit to full or partial transport legs as available

  • Provide safe, calm travel for dogs in transition

This role is perfect for dependable volunteers who enjoy being part of the hands-on rescue effort. Even a single transport can change a dog’s life.

Intake Team

Work closely with our Foster Coordinator to help bring dogs into the rescue and place them into foster homes.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Communicating with shelters about incoming Dobermans

  • Assisting with owner surrender coordination

  • Working with fosters to line up safe placements

  • Helping organize transport or logistics when needed

This role is great for organized, responsive volunteers who enjoy coordinating and problem-solving.

Applications Team

Work with our Applications Coordinator to process foster and adoption applications.

Reference Calls

  • Call personal and veterinary references

  • 5–10 minutes per call

  • Pre-written questions are provided

Foster/Adopter Interviews

  • Conduct interviews with potential fosters and adopters

  • 30–45 minutes per interview

  • Pre-written questions are provided

  • Doberman knowledge is required

  • Foster or adopter experience is a plus, but not required

This role is perfect for detail-oriented volunteers who are comfortable speaking with people on the phone.

Communications Team

Help keep our volunteers and supporters informed, connected, and engaged with the rescue.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Creating monthly or quarterly updates

  • Sharing rescue news and success stories

  • Assisting with email communications

  • Helping maintain a consistent voice across platforms

This role is ideal for strong writers and organized communicators.

Animal Behaviorist / Trainer

Support our foster homes by helping dogs adjust and thrive.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Consulting with fosters on behavior concerns

  • Offering training guidance and management strategies

  • Helping create adjustment plans for new arrivals

  • Providing support for basic obedience and confidence-building

This role is ideal for experienced trainers or behavior professionals who want to use their skills to directly impact a dog’s success in foster care and adoption.

Ready to Get Involved?

We’d love to have you on the team. Fill out our volunteer application and let us know which areas interest you most. Every role makes a difference in the lives of the dogs we save.

Volunteer Application

 Do I qualify to volunteer?

  • You are at least 18 years of age and are legally able to enter into binding contracts in the state of North Carolina.

  • You are willing and able to check our online forum system on a regular basis.

  • You have the availability to volunteer at least five hours each month.

    • Don’t worry! If you take an extended vacation, or just need a break, let us know – it’s ok!

  • You are able to attend at least one in-person training session per year.