Volunteer Descriptions
Thank you for your willingness to help us have a successful event where our guests have a great time with their dogs.
Set up and tear down assistance is appreciated for any position!
Set up and tear down assistance is appreciated for any position!
Position: Poop Patrol/Security
The primary focus of this position is to ensure our guests and vendors have a clean area that does not have bad odors.
Below are the basic duties:
Keep the floors clean (pick up poop and put waste into a poop bag; seal it and throw it away. If a dog urinates, clean it up with paper towels, then spray the area with vinegar, and wipe up the area again.)
If you see an attendee walking along while their dog is going potty, you may politely let them know that there is a clean up station available.
Example: Ma’am [or Sir], you may not have noticed, but your dog has gone to the bathroom. There is a station located xxxx that has clean up supplies for your use. Always say Thank You, or We appreciate you cleaning up after your pet before you walk away.
Make sure the clean up stations are always stocked. This includes paper towels, spray bottles with vinegar, poop bags and fresh water in the water bowls for the dogs.
Change trash bags from the cans. There will be times where the trash cans are not full, but there is a definite odor coming from them. In this case, change out the bag and throw the bag in the outside dumpster.
Keep perimeter doors closed. Many vendors will take a dog outside to go potty from the side doors. This lets much heat out of the room and makes the temperature uncomfortable for other vendors. Open doors also encourage people to come in without paying the entrance fee, which we’d like to avoid. If you see a door propped open, please remove the item holding the door open and make sure the door is closed.
Keep outdoor potty areas clean. There will be two fenced potty areas outside (North and South of the building). There will be a security person monitoring the door from the inside, however, the outside area will need maintained at least every hour.
At the end of your shift, please go outside and remove any poop from the grassy areas (again, place in poop bags, tie it shut and throw away in the outside dumpster).
QUESTIONS? Ask your Poopervisor
The primary focus of this position is to ensure our guests and vendors have a clean area that does not have bad odors.
Below are the basic duties:
Keep the floors clean (pick up poop and put waste into a poop bag; seal it and throw it away. If a dog urinates, clean it up with paper towels, then spray the area with vinegar, and wipe up the area again.)
If you see an attendee walking along while their dog is going potty, you may politely let them know that there is a clean up station available.
Example: Ma’am [or Sir], you may not have noticed, but your dog has gone to the bathroom. There is a station located xxxx that has clean up supplies for your use. Always say Thank You, or We appreciate you cleaning up after your pet before you walk away.
Make sure the clean up stations are always stocked. This includes paper towels, spray bottles with vinegar, poop bags and fresh water in the water bowls for the dogs.
Change trash bags from the cans. There will be times where the trash cans are not full, but there is a definite odor coming from them. In this case, change out the bag and throw the bag in the outside dumpster.
Keep perimeter doors closed. Many vendors will take a dog outside to go potty from the side doors. This lets much heat out of the room and makes the temperature uncomfortable for other vendors. Open doors also encourage people to come in without paying the entrance fee, which we’d like to avoid. If you see a door propped open, please remove the item holding the door open and make sure the door is closed.
Keep outdoor potty areas clean. There will be two fenced potty areas outside (North and South of the building). There will be a security person monitoring the door from the inside, however, the outside area will need maintained at least every hour.
At the end of your shift, please go outside and remove any poop from the grassy areas (again, place in poop bags, tie it shut and throw away in the outside dumpster).
QUESTIONS? Ask your Poopervisor
Position: Security
The primary focus of this position is to minimize any potential liability risks that could occur during this event. If you do not handle conflict in a professional manner, please do not consider this position.
If you see a dog that is reactive to other dogs, or is overly stressed, you have the right, at your discretion to ask them to remove the animal from the expo. Things to watch for are growling, snarling, snapping, posturing, etc.
Asking a dog owner to remove their dog will be offensive to them. You will often hear, “My dog never reacts like that.” Please always be as polite as you can.
Example: Sir [or Ma’am], events like this are extremely stressful for our pets when they are not used to conditions like this. We feel it is the best interest of your pet that you take him back home. We would be happy to have you come back without your pet.
Don’t offer to refund their money, but if they insist, we can certainly do that.
If they become rude, you can escort outside through the closest door. (professionally, of course!)
If you see a dog owner using a flexi-lead and the dog is not close to them, please ask them to shorten their leash and keep it in the locked position. Remind them that it is safer for their pet if they are close by them.
Dogs that require a muzzle should not be at the expo (except for police dogs). While we appreciate the fact that an owner has the foresight to muzzle his/her pet in case of a potential incident, we feel the expo is probably too stressful an environment for a dog that is potentially reactive.
NEVER TELL A DOG OWNER THAT THEIR PET IS AGGRESSIVE. (This would be offensive to any pet owner.)
Keep perimeter doors closed. Many vendors will take a dog outside to go potty from the side doors. This lets much heat out of the room and makes the temperature uncomfortable for other vendors. Open doors also encourage people to come in without paying the entrance fee, which we’d like to avoid. If you see a door propped open, please remove the item holding the door open and make sure the door is closed. There will be two specific side doors that lead to a designated potty area, these are the ONLY side doors that should be opened during the show.
The primary focus of this position is to minimize any potential liability risks that could occur during this event. If you do not handle conflict in a professional manner, please do not consider this position.
If you see a dog that is reactive to other dogs, or is overly stressed, you have the right, at your discretion to ask them to remove the animal from the expo. Things to watch for are growling, snarling, snapping, posturing, etc.
Asking a dog owner to remove their dog will be offensive to them. You will often hear, “My dog never reacts like that.” Please always be as polite as you can.
Example: Sir [or Ma’am], events like this are extremely stressful for our pets when they are not used to conditions like this. We feel it is the best interest of your pet that you take him back home. We would be happy to have you come back without your pet.
Don’t offer to refund their money, but if they insist, we can certainly do that.
If they become rude, you can escort outside through the closest door. (professionally, of course!)
If you see a dog owner using a flexi-lead and the dog is not close to them, please ask them to shorten their leash and keep it in the locked position. Remind them that it is safer for their pet if they are close by them.
Dogs that require a muzzle should not be at the expo (except for police dogs). While we appreciate the fact that an owner has the foresight to muzzle his/her pet in case of a potential incident, we feel the expo is probably too stressful an environment for a dog that is potentially reactive.
NEVER TELL A DOG OWNER THAT THEIR PET IS AGGRESSIVE. (This would be offensive to any pet owner.)
Keep perimeter doors closed. Many vendors will take a dog outside to go potty from the side doors. This lets much heat out of the room and makes the temperature uncomfortable for other vendors. Open doors also encourage people to come in without paying the entrance fee, which we’d like to avoid. If you see a door propped open, please remove the item holding the door open and make sure the door is closed. There will be two specific side doors that lead to a designated potty area, these are the ONLY side doors that should be opened during the show.
Position: Door Security
You will be asked to sit or stand (your preference) by a door. There are many other events going on at the event center besides our dog expo. Doors from Pavillion I are accessible from other rooms. We also share the concession area with the Flea Market next door.
Check for signs of proper admittance. Attendees will get a mark on their hand (pink or green, depending on the day). Vendors will have wristbands. Sponsors will have tags on a lanyard. Domesti-PUPS volunteers wear red tags.
Domesti-PUPS board members will be wearing name tags. If someone does not have a mark on their hand, or a tag around their neck, or a wristband, you should not let them enter. Advise them that they will need to go back the way they came in, and go through the admissions area.
You can advise them that the admission fee is $7 per person, and children under 10 are free. If they give you a comment about the price, please be sure to let them know that this is a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization and that we’d “really appreciate their support.”
OR
You may be stationed by the exit door. You will need to guide patrons out the appropriate door to help with the traffic flow. Ensure that people are not coming in the Exit door without paying an admission fee. The Admission clerks are also watching, but aren’t always available to see everyone that comes through.
You will be asked to sit or stand (your preference) by a door. There are many other events going on at the event center besides our dog expo. Doors from Pavillion I are accessible from other rooms. We also share the concession area with the Flea Market next door.
Check for signs of proper admittance. Attendees will get a mark on their hand (pink or green, depending on the day). Vendors will have wristbands. Sponsors will have tags on a lanyard. Domesti-PUPS volunteers wear red tags.
Domesti-PUPS board members will be wearing name tags. If someone does not have a mark on their hand, or a tag around their neck, or a wristband, you should not let them enter. Advise them that they will need to go back the way they came in, and go through the admissions area.
You can advise them that the admission fee is $7 per person, and children under 10 are free. If they give you a comment about the price, please be sure to let them know that this is a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization and that we’d “really appreciate their support.”
OR
You may be stationed by the exit door. You will need to guide patrons out the appropriate door to help with the traffic flow. Ensure that people are not coming in the Exit door without paying an admission fee. The Admission clerks are also watching, but aren’t always available to see everyone that comes through.
Position: Welcome Center/Entry Sackers
The primary purpose of this position is to insert information into a sack that each attendee will use as their shopping bag during the expo.
Brochures, flyers, etc may be available on the tables for you to insert into the sacks as people come through. It is often beneficial to have the sacks completed ahead of time to ensure you’re not causing traffic flow issues if attendees have to wait on you.
The primary purpose of this position is to insert information into a sack that each attendee will use as their shopping bag during the expo.
Brochures, flyers, etc may be available on the tables for you to insert into the sacks as people come through. It is often beneficial to have the sacks completed ahead of time to ensure you’re not causing traffic flow issues if attendees have to wait on you.
Position: Volunteer Check-in
The primary goal of this position is to ensure that Domesti-PUPS volunteers check-in before their shift. By checking in, they will receive a volunteer tag to wear around their neck. This allows them entrance into the expo without having to pay an admission fee.
When the volunteer arrives at the table, ask their name, and where their shift is (what booth). Ask if they have a completed release form. If not, provide them a form to fill out. We must have forms on all people volunteering for the expo.
Once this transaction has been completed, provide them with the appropriate volunteer instructions for their position. Show them where their position (booth) will be on the map. Remind them to return their lanyard/tag after their shift. Thank them for volunteering with us today.
Vendors may approach you to ask for additional vendor wristbands. Advise them that the tags are $3 each and ask how many they would like. Gather the appropriate number of tags, and hand them to the cashier to complete the payment transaction. If they grumble about having to pay, please advise them that most vendors will have their volunteers do a trade off, meaning that the person ending a shift will wait at the door for the next person’s shift. When they arrive, they transfer the lanyard/tag to the new person. This alleviates having to purchase additional tags.
There may be some tags left for additional people or groups. They will be marked on the envelope on the table. Please provide them with the tag once they identify themselves.
Your table may become very busy at the beginning of a shift, and somewhat lifeless during the shift. If you don’t have tasks to complete, we would appreciate you hand addressing thank you card envelopes for each volunteer (take their name and address from the release forms).
The primary goal of this position is to ensure that Domesti-PUPS volunteers check-in before their shift. By checking in, they will receive a volunteer tag to wear around their neck. This allows them entrance into the expo without having to pay an admission fee.
When the volunteer arrives at the table, ask their name, and where their shift is (what booth). Ask if they have a completed release form. If not, provide them a form to fill out. We must have forms on all people volunteering for the expo.
Once this transaction has been completed, provide them with the appropriate volunteer instructions for their position. Show them where their position (booth) will be on the map. Remind them to return their lanyard/tag after their shift. Thank them for volunteering with us today.
Vendors may approach you to ask for additional vendor wristbands. Advise them that the tags are $3 each and ask how many they would like. Gather the appropriate number of tags, and hand them to the cashier to complete the payment transaction. If they grumble about having to pay, please advise them that most vendors will have their volunteers do a trade off, meaning that the person ending a shift will wait at the door for the next person’s shift. When they arrive, they transfer the lanyard/tag to the new person. This alleviates having to purchase additional tags.
There may be some tags left for additional people or groups. They will be marked on the envelope on the table. Please provide them with the tag once they identify themselves.
Your table may become very busy at the beginning of a shift, and somewhat lifeless during the shift. If you don’t have tasks to complete, we would appreciate you hand addressing thank you card envelopes for each volunteer (take their name and address from the release forms).
Position: Admission
The primary function of this position is to charge attendees an admission fee. The cost is $10. Children under 10 are free. Well behaved dogs are allowed at no charge. Once you complete the financial transaction, you or another Admission clerk will need to mark their hand to show they have paid the fee (pink or green, depending on the day).
Answer Questions. You will receive questions about where a specific vendor might be located, where the concessions are located, where the ATM is, etc.
Help minimize any potential risks that could during this event. If you see a dog with behavior that makes you a little uncomfortable, you should advise the owner that the environment may be too stressful for their dog, and that we would not encourage them to bring their dog.
Also, when you see a dog on a flexi-lead, be sure to ask the owner to keep the leash short with the leash in the locked postion.
When you see small children walking, or in a stroller, please advise the parent that their child is at eye-to-eye vision with the dogs, and they should pay extra close attention to keep their children safe.
Dogs that require a muzzle should not be at the expo (except for police dogs). While we appreciate the fact that an owner has the foresight to muzzle his/her pet in case of a potential incident, we feel the expo is probably too stressful an environment for a dog that is potentially reactive.
NEVER TELL A DOG OWNER THAT THEIR PET IS AGGRESSIVE. (This would be offensive to our guests.)
The primary function of this position is to charge attendees an admission fee. The cost is $10. Children under 10 are free. Well behaved dogs are allowed at no charge. Once you complete the financial transaction, you or another Admission clerk will need to mark their hand to show they have paid the fee (pink or green, depending on the day).
Answer Questions. You will receive questions about where a specific vendor might be located, where the concessions are located, where the ATM is, etc.
Help minimize any potential risks that could during this event. If you see a dog with behavior that makes you a little uncomfortable, you should advise the owner that the environment may be too stressful for their dog, and that we would not encourage them to bring their dog.
Also, when you see a dog on a flexi-lead, be sure to ask the owner to keep the leash short with the leash in the locked postion.
When you see small children walking, or in a stroller, please advise the parent that their child is at eye-to-eye vision with the dogs, and they should pay extra close attention to keep their children safe.
Dogs that require a muzzle should not be at the expo (except for police dogs). While we appreciate the fact that an owner has the foresight to muzzle his/her pet in case of a potential incident, we feel the expo is probably too stressful an environment for a dog that is potentially reactive.
NEVER TELL A DOG OWNER THAT THEIR PET IS AGGRESSIVE. (This would be offensive to our guests.)
Position: Raffle
Those who volunteer at the Raffle table will encourage patrons to purchase raffle tickets to win a prize. The tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You will provide instructions to the patrons on how the raffle works. They fill out their tickets (name and phone) and place the ticket in the numbered sack that coordinates with the raffle item (ie, they get to choose which prize they want a chance at winning). The tickets will be drawn at the end of the day on Sunday. They do not need to be present to win. If you are in the last shift, you may call the winners to come and pick up their prize within the next hour. If they are not available, they will be called during the week to make arrangements to pick up their prize. The person volunteering at the last shift will also make a list of the winners names and phone numbers with the prize they won so that it’s easier to keep track of who picked up their prizes.
Those who volunteer at the Raffle table will encourage patrons to purchase raffle tickets to win a prize. The tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You will provide instructions to the patrons on how the raffle works. They fill out their tickets (name and phone) and place the ticket in the numbered sack that coordinates with the raffle item (ie, they get to choose which prize they want a chance at winning). The tickets will be drawn at the end of the day on Sunday. They do not need to be present to win. If you are in the last shift, you may call the winners to come and pick up their prize within the next hour. If they are not available, they will be called during the week to make arrangements to pick up their prize. The person volunteering at the last shift will also make a list of the winners names and phone numbers with the prize they won so that it’s easier to keep track of who picked up their prizes.
Position: Booth Volunteer
Being a booth volunteer is like being a program steward. You will provide patrons information about the program you are representing. Brochures and business cards will be available to hand out. A sign up sheet is available for patrons who are interested in receiving more information. Additional duties may apply depending on the Domesti-PUPS booth you are representing.
Being a booth volunteer is like being a program steward. You will provide patrons information about the program you are representing. Brochures and business cards will be available to hand out. A sign up sheet is available for patrons who are interested in receiving more information. Additional duties may apply depending on the Domesti-PUPS booth you are representing.
Position: Dog Art Booth
At this booth, any dog may paint a picture for their owner! The client will choose colors of paint. The volunteer will spoon or squirt paint onto a small canvas, and insert into a large ziplock bag that has been smeared with peanut butter. The dog will lick the peanut butter off, allowing the paint to distribute over the canvas, forming a painting. Article here: https://wearwagrepeat.com/paint-with-your-dog-lick-painting-tutorial/
At this booth, any dog may paint a picture for their owner! The client will choose colors of paint. The volunteer will spoon or squirt paint onto a small canvas, and insert into a large ziplock bag that has been smeared with peanut butter. The dog will lick the peanut butter off, allowing the paint to distribute over the canvas, forming a painting. Article here: https://wearwagrepeat.com/paint-with-your-dog-lick-painting-tutorial/
Position: Puppy raisers
Monitor and rotate puppies in the puppy pen. Take them outside regularly. Provide information and discuss puppy raising opportunities with people at the booth.
Monitor and rotate puppies in the puppy pen. Take them outside regularly. Provide information and discuss puppy raising opportunities with people at the booth.