Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Fast Friends!

Our volunteers provide an incredible amount of support, and make our mission of changing dogs’ lives possible. Whether it is simply doing a load of laundry, sitting outside with one of the greyhounds, or helping with an event, everything you do enriches the dogs’ lives, and hopefully yours as well!

While we are best known for Greyhounds, Fast Friends also works with other sighthounds, including most commonly whippets, Galgos, Podencos, and Portuguese Podengos. Over the years we have also helped find homes for Borzoi, Salukis, Omani Wadi Dogs, Sato Dogs, and even an Afghan Hound. Almost none of our dogs have experience with home life, as they have lived in a racing kennel, on the street, or in another rescue for their entire lives. Everything you do for the dogs helps them get ready for a successful adoption and life of love.

What Can Fast Friends Volunteers do?

Working with the dogs: Taking the dogs for walks on our property, reading to them, or even just sitting outside with them are very important activities to both enrich the dogs’ lives and help them get used to being around some new people. When the time comes to meet a potential adopter, they will be much more confident.

Outside: We always need volunteers to help with outdoor tasks, likeweeding the gardens, picking up leaves, and simple painting or repair projects.

Inside: Doing laundry, washing dishes, and setting up kongs and enrichment games help keep our dogs happy and healthy.

Events: If you want to have a great time while making a huge difference for the dogs, sign up to help at one of our summer yard sales or other events help throughout the year.

Fundraising: Lots of local restaurants have opportunities for fundraising nights, we just need a host to take the lead!

Special Projects: We are happy to work with individuals or groups on special projects that would be eligible for scouting or other awards. Contact us to discuss your idea!

Who can Volunteer?

Fast Friends welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. No previous experience with dogs is required!

The volunteering program is open to ages 18 and up. Volunteers ages 16 and 17 may come with a parent or legal guardian; but cannot work with the dogs until they turn 18.

We do NOT currently have a program for court-ordered community service.

How do I Become a Volunteer?

Fill out an application online or print one out and bring it with you to orientation. Please check the calendar for upcoming dates and call 603-355-1556 or email our Volunteer Coordinator to reserve your seat. Once you complete orientation, you can begin volunteering! Some activities require additional training or time spent working with a mentor, the Volunteer Handbook you will receive at orientation contains more information.

What Happens When I’m Ready to Come in to Volunteer

Fast Friends is open for volunteers from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Some activities take place at different times. We do not host volunteers on major holidays.

We only have spaces for so many volunteers at one time; please email our Volunteer Coordinator at least 48 hours ahead of when you would like to come in so we can be ready for you. Please make sure you review your Volunteer Handbook before you come in as some activities have requirements, such as sturdy footwear for walking the adoptable dogs, that must be met before you can participate.

Questions?

If you have other questions about volunteering at Fast Friends, please email us at aley@helpinggreyhounds.org.

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with Fast Friends!

Other ways to give

– through PayPal
– in the Venmo app @fastfriends
– by calling 603-355-1556 with your credit card
– by sending a check or money order to: Fast Friends, PO Box 10093, Swanzey, NH 03446

Volunteer Applications

Print out a Volunteer Application  or complete Application online .

Questions

If you have questions or would like more information about volunteering, please call 603-355-1556 or email aley@helpinggreyhounds.org .