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Volunteer

From in-shelter support to at-home foster care, volunteers support every facet of our work. Together we are achieving our mission - helping people help animals!

We look forward to helping you find a volunteer role that matches your skills, interests and schedule so that you can make a big difference in the lives of animals in need.

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. 
  • Most positions require a six-month commitment to volunteer for a 2-3-hour shift per week. Exceptions are in the position descriptions on the Volunteer Positions page.
  • Volunteers must read, comprehend, and follow all DCHS policies and protocols.
  • Volunteers must have an email account. It is our main way to communicate with you.
  • Human interaction is a requirement of all volunteer roles. Volunteers must always communicate professionally with staff, fellow volunteers and members of the public.
  • Most 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.

EXPLORE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

FOSTER VOLUNTEERING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CURRENT VOLUNTEER LOGIN

Steps to Volunteer:

1

View your 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 the two online volunteer forms below:

  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 from Step 2.

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.

nwomack@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

Attend a Volunteer Orientation for New Volunteers

All onboarding steps will be done via email and online forms. You'll learn about our programs and policies so you can start your volunteer work 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 processing/supply fee for each individual who will be volunteering, which includes both adult and youth volunteers. Financial hardship scholarships are available by request. You will receive an official DCHS volunteer t-shirt; and most positions, but not all, provide a name badge and role-specific training packet.

5

Attend Training for your Volunteer Position

You will meet with a designated staff member or volunteer who will provide hands-on training in your new role and finalize your volunteer schedule.

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

Group Volunteer

Group Volunteer

Volunteer on DCHS's behalf

Volunteer on DCHS's behalf

Youth Volunteer

Youth Volunteer

Youth Service Days

Youth Service Days

Looking for career or internship opportunities?

APPLY HERE