Find volunteer opportunities near you
Search for volunteering opportunities near you in the box below.
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Search for volunteering opportunities near you in the box below.
Volunteering with Guide Dogs is life-changing – and not just for the people we support. Join our volunteering community and you’ll quickly see how the time you give benefits people with sight loss, our four-legged friends and you!
However you choose to support us, you’ll be making a massive difference to the lives of children and adults with sight loss, and you’ll also get to have amazing experiences that you couldn’t find anywhere else.
We couldn’t deliver our vital services without our incredible volunteers; they make change that matters. Be part of that change and join us today!
Got any questions? We want to make sure you have all the information that’s important to you, find out more by visiting our frequently asked questions about volunteering.
Open your home to a puppy and help them learn the basic skills they need for guide dog training.
Join us at one of our volunteering events
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Nurture and care for our amazing dogs. Our young puppies, guide dog mums and dads, and dogs in training need loving homes with volunteers.
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Get involved by volunteering with your local Guide Dogs group for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.
Help share our story in your local community and champion people with sight loss or help at your local Guide Dogs centre.
Find out how we support out volunteers and say thank you
Uncover the powerful stories of our volunteers and why they volunteer with Guide Dogs on our YouTube playlist.
I’ve made so many friends through Guide Dogs over the years. I meet new people, I go places that I wouldn’t normally go to. It’s a good excuse to get out and try different things too. I just love it. The guide dog owners I’ve met have made me realise just how important volunteering is.
Yes. You can apply for up to two roles via our website – but once you get started with us, you can apply for more if you wish!
We offer a maximum of two roles to begin with so you can get settled in properly when you first join us.
A few of our roles are suitable from age 14 or 16, with parental permission and supervision. However, most of our roles, particularly involving the handling of a dog, are only suitable for those over 18 years old.
If you are under 18 and you are unsure which roles you could consider, please contact our friendly Volunteering Office team on volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk, or give them a call on 0345 143 0191.
You’ll also find the minimum age requirement detailed under each role.
Apply by providing your postcode on the apply for a role page; you will then be presented with a list of the roles available in your area. Select the ones you’re interested in and fill out our application form!
For a full breakdown of what’s needed from you to get started, check out our step-by-step guide to becoming a Guide Dogs volunteer.
Yes. We believe you should never be out of pocket when volunteering with us, so all appropriate expenses related to your volunteering will be reimbursed - your volunteer manager will support you to do this.
Our roles are regularly updated so please keep checking our website – unfortunately, we cannot facilitate waiting lists for roles at this time.
If you’re struggling to decide on a role and want more information, please contact our Volunteering Office team on volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk or give them a call on 0345 143 0191.
Some of our roles require a longer commitment due to their nature, mainly our dog-supporting roles – however, some roles, such as fundraising, are more flexible where you can give as much time as you can!
No, as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your benefits, they will not be affected, however we do advise that you discuss this with the office that pays your benefits before applying.
A few of our roles require a disclosure check, but this will be clear when you apply.
We aim to get you started within 8-12 weeks, but this depends on the type of role, the training involved and the level of checks (such as disclosure checking) required.
Yes! You will have a named volunteer manager contact who will support you throughout the duration of your role.
No, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor Charity Worker visas as we do not have the relevant licences to support this.
Yes, if you have refugee status or have exceptional leave to remain, or if you’re an asylum seeker then you’re welcome to volunteer with us.
However, if you are an asylum seeker and your final appeal is refused and you’re denied leave to remain then you will need to stop volunteering with us.
