Volunteer Opportunity Statement

Volunteer Requirements for All Positions

  • Most positions require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age. Learn more about positions available for youth ages 8 to 17.
  • Volunteers must have an email account. It is our main way to communicate with you.
  • Most positions require a minimum six-month commitment to volunteer for a 2-3-hour shift per week. Exceptions of up to 12 months are in the position descriptions on the Volunteer Positions page.
  • Reliable attendance of volunteer shifts is required; and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Have the ability to understand, remember and follow instructions, protocols and safety procedures; and the ability to ask questions when appropriate.
  • Human interaction is a requirement of all volunteer roles. Volunteers must always communicate professionally with staff, fellow volunteers and members of the public; and be receptive to receiving constructive feedback.
  • Many roles require volunteers to stand and/or walk for up to two hours; lift and carry various weights; reach and lift; possess vision abilities including close and distance vision, depth perception; and speak to customers, employees and other volunteers.

Steps to Volunteer:

1

View our Volunteer Options

Before filling out an application to volunteer, review the entry level volunteer positions below to help best determine your preferences in helping staff in a wide variety of day-to-day tasks across the shelter.

Learn about available entry level volunteer options

Not looking for a weekly, longer term volunteer position, then view these options:

2

Complete Two Online Forms

Fill out and submit BOTH online forms below to start your volunteer journey.  

  1. Volunteer Application
  2. Essential Job Requirement Inventory (EJRI)

Your completed application and EJRI forms will help us find the best match for you. DCHS welcomes volunteers of all ability levels to the extent that it is safe to do so.

Learn about volunteering if you have physical, cognitive and/or emotional limitations.

Our Volunteer department will reach out to you within 1-2 weeks of receiving BOTH online forms.
 

3

Check your Email

We will contact you by email within 1-2 weeks of receiving both your online forms completed in Step 2. BOTH must be submitted before we contact you.

We suggest you add the two email addresses below to your email system's address book, safe sender list or white list to prevent your email system's SPAM filter from blocking our email messages to you.

dchsvolapps@giveshelter.org

volunteer@giveshelter.org

If you do not receive an email reply from us within two weeks after submitting your two online forms, contact us at either email listed above.

4

Onboarding Procedure for New Volunteers

All onboarding steps will be done via email and online forms. 

You'll learn about our programs and policies via an online New Volunteer Orientation so that you can start your volunteer journey equipped with the information you need to successfully contribute to our mission.

During the onboarding process if you decide we are the right fit for you, we will collect a $20 fee for each individual volunteering.  This fee covers non-animal related expenses: onboarding and training materials, subscription fees for online volunteer platforms, DCHS volunteer t-shirt, name badge and administrative costs. Financial hardship scholarships are available by request. 

5

Training for New Volunteers

Training varies based on the position.  New volunteers may receive either online training, "Hands On" training with a designated staff member or volunteer, or a combination of both.  

After these steps are completed, you're ready to volunteer! Please be aware that this entire process including training can take up to 1-2 months, depending on timing, position desired and other factors, so we appreciate your patience and hope that your commitment to volunteering remains strong. Thank you for your interest in joining our volunteer team!

Interested in volunteering?

CHECK OUT AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Other Volunteer
Opportunities


Looking for career or internship opportunities?

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