Become Part of the Bark Nation Pitness Protection Team
Bark Nation's Pitness Protection program is looking for dedicated, compassionate individuals who want to be part of a team committed to ending animal cruelty while providing exceptional care for canine survivors. Our Michigan State Registered Pitness Protection shelter provides temporary care for dogs rescued from suspected organized dogfighting cases and other severe neglect and cruelty situations. Many of the dogs in our care are being held as live evidence during criminal prosecutions. Every volunteer plays an important role in helping these dogs learn while ensuring their safety, security, and well-being.
What Makes Our Program Unique?
At Bark Nation, we believe that how we care for dogs matters just as much as the care we provide.
Our team is committed to:
Force-free, positive reinforcement-based training
Non-aversive, low-stress handling techniques
Fear Free principles and compassionate care
Consistency, safety, and confidentiality
P2 Shelter Team
P2 Enrichment Team
Volunteer Pathways at P2
Our P2
Responsibilities may include:
Scooping poop! Lots of it!
Hanging out with the best dogs ever!
Helping survivors experience positive human interaction and an improved quality of life!
Providing enrichment and mental stimulation!
Every task, whether you're cleaning kennels or celebrating a fearful dog's first brave step, is so incredibly important and is truly Life After Dogfighting
Commitment: Minimum of two 3-hour shifts each month.
P2 Daily Care Crew Onboarding Program
To ensure the highest level of care and safety for both our volunteers and our dogs, all shelter care volunteers complete our structured onboarding program before becoming active members of the team.
Our onboarding program is offered monthly and includes a limited number of participant spots each month to ensure every volunteer receives individualized instruction, mentoring, and hands-on support throughout the process.
The program includes:
Session 1: Virtual Orientation & Handling Foundations
Session 2: Hands-On Foundations
Session 3: Skills Development & Transition to Active Volunteer
Our Enrichment Team provides one of the most important forms of support by creating the enrichment items that keep our dogs mentally engaged, emotionally healthy, and set up for success. This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers who want to make a significant impact behind the scenes while supporting the care team, or may not be comfortable handling dogs.
Enrichment volunteers prepare items such as:
Stuffed KONGs
Peanut Butter Nylabones
Frozen Enrichment Meals
Enrichment Boxes
Peanut Butter Frisbees
Licki Mats
AND MORE!
Enrichment Team Onboarding
Enrichment Team volunteers complete Session 1: Virtual Orientation & Handling Foundations to learn about Bark Nation, our mission, safety procedures, confidentiality expectations, and how enrichment supports canine welfare.. Following orientation, new enrichment volunteers complete hands-on training alongside an experienced Enrichment Team member before volunteering independently.
Fill out the form below and let’s work together to End Dogfighting
