By Patti Loverink, Fences For Fido Co-Chair

Over the month, our community has mourned the loss of a Fido. And although we never built a fence for him, he was and always will be our beloved Fido. He died without a chain and tight collar. And he died, knowing he was loved, comforted by gentle pets, soft words, and warm blankets. 

14-year-old, life-long chained Fido Lucky first came to us as a neighbor referral. We had made plans for his fence on 3/16 and had arranged his vet care for very serious, painful internal infections.

We have a continual need for the following materials to help the dogs we build fences for. 

If you are able to donate any of the above listed materials, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , we really appreciate any materials donations!

•        4x4 8' pressure-treated posts

•        Metal T-posts in 6' and 7' lengths

•        Lengths of 6' fencing, either welded wire or chain link, new or used in good condition

•        Chain link gates 6' high, and associated hardware

•        Any size kennel or chain link panels (we make gates out of these)

•        Chain link fence hardware

•        Composite shingles (even partial packages) for dog houses

•        Heavy duty anchoring stakes

•        Materials for dog bedding (burlap sacks and cedar shavings)

Fences For Fido is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN 30-0554675, making all donations tax deductible.  As a charitable corporation, exempt from income tax, we are required to file the form 990 with the Federal Government, and all financial information is presented in accordance with IRS regulations.

“WELCOME -- Is this your first time here?”

Hi my name is CHEWY and I would like to introduce you to my friends at Fences For Fido.  I met them for the first time in the Summer of 2013 and never looked back.  Please join them as they unchain dogs in our communities of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington!  As you read about Fences For Fido below you will see pictures from the day Fences For Fido built my fence.  Doesn't it look fun? Wouldn't you like to help unchain a dog?

Fences For Fido is a 100% volunteer nonprofit group that is powered by wonderful people who donate their time, energy, expertise, skills and goodwill to improve the lives of dogs living outdoors on chains or tethers.  In one morning you can help build a fence and experience the joy of knowing your efforts made it possible to change a dog's life forever. Plus have fun with other dog lovers while doing it!

Everyone has something to offer!  Not good with a hammer?  Don't like to use power tools? No worries, there's still plenty to do and we need you!

• Cutting ground wire

• Tying the fence ties

• Or simply (but fabulously!) loving on our Fidos!

Besides fence building, we also have many important behind-the-scenes volunteer jobs available that we often need help with, so please contact us  or watch for these opportunities on the sign-up page if you'd be interested in any of the tasks listed below.

Additional volunteer opportunities include:

• Veterinary transport for spay/neuter and other health needs

• Community outreach, marketing and tabling at events

• Dog house delivery (truck required) and/or assemble dog houses at site

Plus we always need dedicated volunteers to help place the posts a few days before the actual fence build. We hope you will consider helping on this very important first step of freeing a dog from a chain or small outdoor pen. The special added bonus of this task is that you will get to meet the special dog before everyone else!

Our lives are touched by what we witness with every fence-build day. Together, we’re literally moved to tears as we soak up the magic that happens when a massive group of volunteers descends upon a yard, swiftly builds a fence, and un-chains a deserving, loving dog—our heart’s work is done.  

A dog who desperately jumped on people for attention, relentlessly barked, or who had become lethargic while on a chain becomes a dog that the family invites in to the home. The yard provides a place for kids to play with the dog. And soon, the dog who had been an outsider to the family becomes a cherished member. Fences For Fido builds fences to allow families to build close bonds with their dog and to offer dogs a healthier, safer, more satisfying life.  

We’re VERY excited about the great energy among our growing volunteer army throughout Oregon and SW Washington. We are making tangible, life-transforming differences for chained dogs, and every volunteer contributes GREATLY.

We look forward to having you join our Fences For Fido volunteer team!

Sign up to be a volunteer 

(you will need to have an account to sign up for builds and be 18 or older)

Volunteer Q/A

Build Schedule

(browse  thru our Calendar and click on the build to read about the Dog and to attend)

Regional Facebook Pages

FFF SW Washington Region Volunteers

FFF North Willamette Valley Region (Portland/surrounding areas) Volunteers

FFF South Willamette Valley Region (Salem & surrounding areas) Volunteers

FFF Oregon Coast Region Volunteers

FFF Central Oregon Region Volunteers