Volunteer
New to volunteering? We can't wait to add you to our team! We are seeking dedicated volunteers who can make a commitment to provide care and socialization for our animals on a consistent basis.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
> Age 18 or older
> Ages 8-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
> Commitment to a weekly, recurring shift for at least six weeks
> Ability to read and comprehend the volunteer guide
> Will follow instructions and remember policies
> Access to an active e-mail account
> Agreement to pay a program fee of $20 for adults and $10 for minors
Program Fee
We are asking new volunteers to help offset the cost of their training so that no money is being diverted from animal care. The one-time program fee will cover your orientation, training materials, and volunteer t-shirt.
Orientation
All new volunteers will receive a one-hour orientation on the day of their first shift. You will have the opportunity to tour our facility and learn the skills necessary to be successful on your first day of volunteering!
Current Opportunities:
Please read about our current opportunities and shift availability. We accept new volunteers based on available openings. If you don't see an opening that works for your schedule, continue to check back. If you see a shift that interests you and fits your schedule, please submit a volunteer application and the Community Involvement Coordinator will reach out within 5 business days to discuss your preferences.
CANINE SOCIALIZING
Provide one-on-one socialization for our canine friends by taking them for walks on our trail. Daily exercise and human companionship are vital for a dog's mental wellbeing while living in a shelter environment.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be able to handle a large, strong dog on leash. Most of our dogs are still working on their leash-walking skills and we need volunteers who understand this can result in a challenging walk. Volunteers are not expected to train the dogs, just to give them the opportunity to develop the skills they need while getting much needed exercise.
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Current Canine Socializing Openings:
Weekdays starting at 2pm
PARK PALS
Take one of our dogs to a local park to enjoy much-needed exercise and stress relief — enjoy the mutual benefits for dog and human! We welcome walkers and runners. By exercising our dogs off-site, you not only allow them to get a nice dose of fresh air and mental stimulation, you also expose them to community members who may be interested in adopting.
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Additional Requirements:
- Must be able to handle a large, strong dog on leash. Most of our dogs are still working on their leash-walking skills and we need volunteers who understand this can result in a challenging walk. Volunteers are not expected to train the dogs, just to give them the opportunity to develop the skills they need while getting much needed exercise.
- Personal vehicle is required to transport dogs to-and-from local parks.
- Should be able to lift up to 50 lbs in case your dog needs assistance into your vehicle.
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Current Park Pals Openings:
Weekday mornings starting at 10am and afternoons at 1pm and 3pm
FELINE SOCIALIZING
Provide socialization and care for our feline companions. This may include one-on-one time with a chill cat or play time with active kittens. Petting, playing, brushing and human companionship are very important for a cat's wellbeing during their stay at the shelter.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to bend, sit or kneel while interacting with feline friends.
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Current Feline Openings Include:
Weekday mornings starting at 10am and afternoons at 1pm and 4pm
SLUMBER BUDDIES
Our Slumber Buddies program allows volunteers to take approved dogs for a temporary stay at their home. This allows us to gain valuable information on the dogs behavior that will help us place them with adopters! Volunteers will hang with their pup, take them for walks, take lots of photos, and report back on their dog's behavior. We will set you up with food, dishes, crates, toys, etc.
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Slumber Buddies Requirements:
- Minimum one week commitment
- Safe home/apartment environment that allows pets
- Dog savvy (able to work with minor behavioral issues or strong dogs)
- For everyone's safety, most dogs will require a home with no other pets or small children
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Can't have a pet long-term? Considering adopting? Just want to give back? Slumber Buddies is a great way to get your dog fix with a short-term commitment! Visit our Foster Page to sign-up!
PAWS FOR PICS
In efforts to capture photographs and videos that showcase our residents’ personality, we are seeking photographers and videographers who are able to provide high-quality images and videos for our marketing content.
If you own a professional camera, video equipment, or are very skilled at taking striking portrait photos on your iPhone — we could use your talent and time! Shifts are available on weekdays between the hours of 8am-5pm and we are seeking volunteers who can commit to a recurring schedule. Pairs of volunteers are ideal so one person can photograph and the other can assist with animal handling. Email hats.community@gmail.com to get started!
OTHER WAYS TO HELP NOW:
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Sign-up to foster! We need lots of loving foster homes all throughout the year! Click here to learn more.
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Donate wish list items! We are always in need of animal care supplies that can be dropped off anytime. View our wish list here.
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Share our posts! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share our posts to spread awareness and help animals get adopted!
COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE:
To schedule a community service shift, please call us at (989) 775-0830 x6. Must be 18 years or older and available weekday mornings. Community service workers complete cleaning tasks around the shelter. We reserve the right to refuse community service applicants based on the nature of their charges or past criminal history.