Join Our Team
Become a Therapy Dog Volunteer
Nepean Therapy Dogs relies on dedicated local volunteers to bring comfort to those who need it most. Whether you want to visit facilities with your dog, or support our operations behind the scenes, your time makes a profound difference across Greater Western Sydney.
General Requirements for All Volunteers
Our volunteer teams work closely with vulnerable people across Greater Western Sydney. To ensure the highest level of safety and care, please take a moment to review our baseline team requirements.
An Empathetic Heart & A Love for Dogs
First and foremost, our volunteers are compassionate, patient, and deeply dedicated to animal welfare and community service.
Essential Background Vetting
To protect the communities we serve, all volunteers must hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and be willing to undergo standard background verification.
Reliable Personal Transport
Our volunteers need access to their own reliable vehicle to safely and independently travel to their assigned facility placements.
Proximity to Our Core Hub
To ensure sustainable travel times for our team, applicants should ideally be located within a 15km radius of the Penrith CBD.
​Commitment to Training & Development
We ensure our team is fully equipped for the rewarding work ahead. New volunteers must be available to attend a mandatory orientation session at our Penrith hub.
Volunteering With Your Dog
Bringing joy to the community alongside your best friend is an incredibly rewarding experience. To ensure the safety of our placements and the welfare of your pet, all therapy dog candidates must meet our baseline standards.
Suitability Criteria for Your Dog
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Age & Health
Dogs must be aged between 12 months and 9 years, fully vaccinated, on a regular parasite prevention program, and in excellent health. Male dogs must be desexed. Please note, wee do not accept dogs over 10 years of age, aggressive breeds, or dogs displaying anti-social behaviours.
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Temperament & Manners
Your dog must be naturally calm, gentle, and genuinely love meeting strangers. They should comfortably accept clumsy affection, tight spaces, and sudden noises without showing fear or anxiety.
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Training & Equipment
Dogs must walk politely on a loose leash and reliably respond to basic obedience cues using strictly positive-reinforcement, force-free methods. To ensure gentle control, all dogs must wear a soft flat collar or a martingale collar (no check chains or harnesses are permitted during assessments or volunteering).
Our Handler & Dog Training Journey
Every dog-and-handler team is unique, meaning your exact training timeline will adjust based on your dog's age, size, and breed (larger dogs typically require a bit more advanced management training).​​​
01.
Suitability Checks
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Behaviour Assessment
Training Assessment
02.
Tailored Training
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Basic Dog Obedience
Therapy Dog Skills
Role-Playing Tests
03.
Field Readiness
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Scenario Training & Safety
Support & Admin Roles
You do not need a pet to make a massive impact. As a growing non-profit, we rely heavily on passionate locals to keep our operations running smoothly behind the scenes and to represent us out in the community.
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Volunteer Trainers & Assessors
Use your canine knowledge and experience to assist our core team in evaluating, guiding, and supporting new dog-and-handler teams during their assessment days at our Penrith hub.
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Office Administration & Community Advocacy
Provide vital behind-the-scenes support! This role involves assisting with day-to-day office administration, data entry, and general operational tasks. Beyond the desk, you will also have the rewarding opportunity to attend regular local events across Greater Western Sydney, representing our charity and advocating for our mission.
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Field Support Teams
Get out into the community! In this role, you will accompany our certified dog-and-handler duos on their placements. You will provide vital hands-on logistical support, assist with facility compliance, and ensure our team visits run smoothly and safely.
How We Support Our Volunteer Community
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At Nepean Therapy Dogs Inc., we are deeply grateful for the time and energy our volunteers give. We make sure you are fully supported, safe, and valued every step of the way.
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A Safe & Protected Environment
Your safety—and the safety of your dog—is our absolute priority. We provide robust insurance coverage, safe work protocols, and full support while you are out on placement.
Flexible Placements
We work closely with you to match your team with local schools, healthcare facilities, or community settings that suit your preferences and schedule.
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Covering Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Volunteering shouldn't cost you your own pocket money. We provide necessary expense reimbursements and ensure light refreshments are available during our core team activities.
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Transparent, Low-Cost Membership Structure
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As a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to Greater Western Sydney, we keep our operational fees as low and transparent as possible. Your small contribution helps us maintain high-quality resources and safety standards.​
What It Covers
Cost
Details
Annual Membership
$30.00​
Keeps our volunteer network sustainable and fully insured
Uniform Deposit
$30.00​
A one-off, fully refundable deposit for your volunteer uniform.
Training & Matching
FREE
All specialised training, assessments and facility matching are provided at zero cost to you.
Proudly Serving Our Local Communities
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While our central training and administration hub is based in Penrith, the demand for our therapy dog services continues to grow. We actively match and place our volunteer teams across a wide network of partner facilities throughout Greater Western Sydney and beyond.
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Our dedicated teams regularly service placements across:
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Penrith & The Hawkesbury
Blacktown & The Hills District
The Blue Mountains Region
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Depending on community needs and volunteer availability, placements in other Sydney Metropolitan areas may occasionally be offered.