From day one, all of our workshops and training sessions are based on this foundational principle: “All dogs and all people are individuals.” We help our participants recognize how our own assumptions, guesses, and preconceived ideas about a dog or an adopter can have a negative impact on our work. Everyone is encouraged to see the dogs and people around them as unique individuals, with the goal of creating more successful adoptions and providing better pet owner support.

Hardworking, enthusiastic change-makers who work or volunteer for an animal welfare organization. In previous years, we’ve welcomed participants from all across the US, including parts of Canada and even Australia!

Not only are our interns geographically diverse, but their jobs and volunteer work are as well. Some come from large, open admission, municipal shelters, while others come from smaller, private rescues, shelters, and advocacy groups. We appreciate how the diversity of their personal experience winds up enriching the group’s experiences. Not only do participants learn from us, but they learn from each other. And all while teaching us a thing or two, as well!

AFF is located on a 400 acre working farm in Dutchess County, NY. We provide housing for all participants on our property. They’ll even get to share their living spaces with our very own shelter dogs. Participants get a snuggle buddy at night and our dogs get a break from their kennels. It’s a win-win! Plus, we get to learn more about our dogs in a home environment, thanks to detailed daily diaries participants fill out about their time with each dog. It’s slumber party central!