For the Love of Volunteering
Give your time, change a life.
Volunteer Blessings
Volunteers are the heart of our rescue. Every hour you give helps save lives and bring joy to families.
Volunteering at a pet rescue organization can be meaningful and rewarding for lots of reasons, especially if you care about animals. Here are some of the main benefits:
🐾 You help save lives
Rescue organizations often rely on volunteers to care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or lost. Your time can directly improve an animal’s health, comfort, and chances of being adopted.
❤️ You make a real difference
Simple tasks—walking dogs, cleaning enclosures, socializing cats, or helping at adoption events—have a big impact on an animal’s daily life and emotional well-being.
🧠 You learn responsibility and skills
Volunteering helps you build skills like teamwork, communication, time management, and basic animal care. These are useful for school, jobs, and future careers (especially if you’re interested in veterinary or animal-related fields).
😊 It’s good for your mental health
Spending time with animals can reduce stress, boost mood, and give you a sense of purpose. Many people find it calming and uplifting.
🤝 You join a caring community
You’ll meet people who share your love for animals and compassion for helping others, which can lead to friendships and mentorship.
📚 It can count toward service hours
For teens, volunteering often counts for school service requirements, college applications, or community service goals.
🐶 It’s fun and fulfilling
Playing with animals, seeing them gain confidence, and watching them find forever homes is incredibly rewarding.
Volunteer Opportunities
Animal Care
Feeding, cleaning, walking, socializing pets.
Event Support
Helping at adoption fairs, fundraising events (like a bake sale), or community outreach.
Foster Program
Temporary homes for pets until adoption.
Administrative Help
Assisting with paperwork, phone calls, or social media.
Special Skills
Photography, training, vet tech support, or transport.
Volunteering Guidelines and Safety Rules
Your safety and the well-being of our animals are our top priorities. Please follow these rules at all times.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Sign in and out for every shift.
- Follow all staff instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Perform only tasks you are trained and approved to do.
- Ask questions if you are unsure—never guess.
- Be dependable and notify staff if you cannot attend a scheduled shift.
- Treat all animals with kindness, patience, and respect.
- Never force interaction with an animal.
- Use approved handling techniques and equipment only.
- Do not give food, treats, or toys unless authorized.
- Never remove an animal from the facility without permission.
Animal Care & Welfare
Safety & Health
- Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
- Wash or sanitize hands before and after animal contact.
- Report bites, scratches, injuries, or unsafe conditions immediately.
- Do not volunteer if you are sick.
- Follow all cleaning and sanitation guidelines.
- Keep doors, gates, and kennels securely closed.
- Keep walkways and work areas clean and uncluttered.
- Use supplies and equipment properly and return them after use.
- Respect restricted or staff-only areas.
Facility Rules
Conduct & Professionalism
- Be respectful to staff, visitors, and other volunteers.
- No running, yelling, or rough behavior.
- Keep personal belongings secured.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding animals, adopters, and shelter operations.
- Represent the Humane Society positively at all times.
- Refer questions about adoption, medical care, or behavior to staff.
- Do not make promises or provide advice outside your role.
- Help create a welcoming, safe environment for the public.
Visitors & Adopters
Personal Safety
- Wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing at all times.
- Wash or sanitize hands before and after handling animals.
- Do not volunteer if you are sick or injured.
- Report all bites, scratches, or injuries to staff immediately.
- Follow staff instructions and posted signs at all times.
- Only handle animals you are trained and approved to work with.
- Never force interaction with an animal.
- Watch for signs of fear, stress, or aggression.
- Use leashes, carriers, and equipment correctly.
- Keep fingers and hands away from mouths and kennel bars.
- Never remove an animal from the facility without staff permission.
Animal Handling
Facility Safety
- Always secure doors, gates, and cages.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.
- Use cleaning supplies as instructed; never mix chemicals.
- Dispose of waste and sharps in designated containers.
- Keep walkways clear of clutter.
- No running, yelling, or rough play around animals.
- Do not feed animals unless approved by staff.
- Keep personal belongings stored safely.
- Respect confidentiality of animals, adopters, and staff.
Volunteer Conduct
Emergency Procedures
- Know emergency exits and evacuation routes.
- Notify staff immediately if an animal escapes or becomes aggressive.
- Do not attempt to break up animal fights unless trained.
- In any emergency, stay calm and alert staff right away.