Volunteer Tracker

How do I get involved?

Before you grab a rake and run to the dog park, it’s important to understand what resources already exist. To help the community get in touch with local volunteers, we put together a map of NYC dog runs and their respective advocacy groups, which you can view below. This is a great place to start to identify how you can get involved with your favorite dog run.

Note: The map is a living document and we would love community participation to increase its impact and ensure its accuracy.

If there is an existing group at your dog run, their contact info (via email, social media or website) is available on the map. Local volunteers are in charge of organizing events, fundraising and maintaining the run, so they are the best resource for how to help.

If there is not an existing group, that means the dog run needs your support. Starting a new volunteer organization is a challenge, but the benefits for the dog run and surrounding community are immense. Want to take it on? We have tools to help you get off the ground.

Volunteer Tracker Map Legend

  • Active Volunteer Group

    A green paw symbolizes a dog run with an active volunteer group, as judged by recent events, its social media presence or the existence of a functioning website.

  • Some Representation

    A yellow paw indicates a dog run with some representation, usually in the form of a Park Conservancy, but without an active volunteer group dedicated to the run.

  • No Active Volunteers

    A red paw signifies a dog run with no active volunteer community, as evidenced by dormant social media accounts, a dead website or lack of response to inquiry.

  • Off-Leash Area

    The dog symbol represents a designated off-leash area, pursuant to NYC Parks’ off-leash hours. Most of these areas do not have formal volunteer representation.

 Is there an error or omission in the Volunteer Tracker map? Need to update your social links? Please contact us!