Volunteer

Community members interested in supporting Hearts of Gold's mission may find it rewarding to participate in volunteer opportunities. Currently students of WVU are able to access volunteer opportunities via iServe. Non-students interested in volunteering can consider becoming a community foster.

Community Fosters Wanted

Hearts of Gold greatly relies on Hearts of Gold will gather information about foster families and foster dogs to ensure the best match possible. Applications will be reviewed, and prospective fosters will be contacted to schedule an interview and home visit. At the start of the program, community fosters will participate in some initial dog training with Hearts of Gold.
Community Foster Requirements
Live in a pet-friendly home within a 25 mi radius of Morgantown, WV (Please note that Hearts of Gold is not responsible for any fees, pet deposits, or damages)Be able to complete an online training and attend periodic obedience training sessionsBe willing to have an in-home evaluation and sign contracts for fostering and a media release formProvide current shot and medical records for all other animals in the homeCommunity Foster Responsibilities
Be prepared to foster a dog from 8-10 weeks of age to a year with an average of approximately 9 months (foster agreement can be canceled at anytime by either the foster or Hearts of Gold)Provide daily care of foster dog(s) including but not limited to, feeding, grooming, exercising, and monthly preventive administrationSocialize foster dog(s)Potty train and kennel/crate trainFollow the rules and guidelines of Hearts of GoldTeach basic obedience and good manners under the guidance of Hearts of Gold StaffOnly take the dog into pet-friendly places – first-year puppies are not considered service dogs and, therefore, are only allowed into pet-friendly places to care for dogs involved with their program. There is currently a great need for community fosters, and it is a highly rewarding and impactful way to support our mission. No experience is needed. All supplies, equipment, medical care, and support are provided. Community fostering is managed by our canine partner Human Animal Bond. If you are interested in applying to be a community foster, contact us for an application.

Community Fosters are an integral part of the Hearts of Gold Service Dog Training Program. Our fosters are volunteers who house a Hearts of Gold puppy for up to a year while helping with their training and socialization without the long-term commitment of a personal pet. No experience is needed! All supplies, food, equipment, medical care, and support are provided.

Provided or Covered by Hearts of Gold:

• Opportunities to schedule drop-off of dog(s) during working hours Monday-Friday at the Hearts of Gold training facility
• All necessary medical care
• Monthly preventive medications
• Food for the foster dog(s)
• Necessary equipment (leash, collar, harness, bowls, kennel)
• Guidance and obedience classes for each foster