Volunteer

How to Become a Volunteer

• Explore our different volunteer positions below and choose which position best fits you!
• Our shelter volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of 6 hours a month when actively volunteering.
• Once you’ve submitted an application, you will attend an orientation to begin your training (Includes a $30 orientation fee and volunteer t-shirt). All orientations are currently held at our Sanford Shelter. (Foster Applicants will complete an online orientation if their application is approved)
• For Adult Shelter Volunteering, you must be 18 years old and be able to work independently. For Youth Volunteering, you must be 16-17 years old and be able to work independently.
• Youth ages 15 and under may participate in a donation drive in exchange for community service hours. Youth ages 13 and up may also join our foster volunteer program alongside a parent or guardian joining the program.
• Please Note: Our Volunteer Program and Donation Drive Forms cannot be used for Court-Ordered Community Service Hours. Thank You for your understanding.
• At this time, we will be taking a “paws” from our Volunteer orientations as we move into the holiday season and begin making some exciting updates to get ready for our program to launch at our new shelter! We invite you to follow us on social media for new shelter construction updates, as well as browse our website for helpful information about our volunteer programs to help prepare you for joining us in the future. New Volunteer Orientations will resume as the new shelter opens. We thank you kindly for your understanding, patience, and continued support!

Youth Volunteer Program Details

• We hold 4 Youth Volunteer sessions a year, each session running 3 months. A Youth may only attend one session per calendar year. Orientations will normally be held in February, May, August, and November. Applications will open a month before each orientation. 
• Must be 16 years old by the orientation date. 
• Must be able to attend both the orientation (1 hour) and interactive training (2 hours) classes. Both are held on the same day with a short break in between. 
• Must be able to commit at least one shift (2 hours) a week and willing to be active and engaged during their whole shift.
• Our youth are primarily involved in support tasks including cage/kennel cleaning, laundry, kitchen duties, and enrichment activities. Opportunities for advancement may be available for those who demonstrate dedication, passion, and strong performance. 
• At this time, we will be taking a “paws” from our Youth Volunteer orientations as we move into the holiday season and begin making some exciting updates to get ready for our program to launch at our new shelter! We invite you to follow us on social media for new shelter construction updates, as well as browse our website for helpful information about our volunteer programs to help prepare you for joining us in the future. Youth Orientations will resume in the new year. We thank you kindly for your understanding, patience, and continued support!