Volunteer
Volunteer with us
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our shelter. Walking dogs, socializing cats, helping at fundraisers or keeping the shelter clean: your time directly saves lives.
Where you can help
Volunteer roles
Canine Care & Dog Walking
Provide essential exercise, outdoor playtime in our play yards, basic leash manners, and loving companionship for shelter dogs awaiting homes.
Feline Socialization & Enrichment
Spend quiet time reading to, brushing, playing with, and comforting shelter cats and kittens in our open Cat Room and intake suites.
Adoption Event Ambassador
Help staff off-site mobile adoption fairs, charity car shows, pancake breakfasts, and community education tables throughout Monroe County.
Shelter Operations & Facilities
Assist animal care staff with morning sanitization, daily laundry turnover, dish washing, donation sorting, and facility grounds upkeep.
Before you apply
Volunteer guidelines
Age requirements
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Younger volunteers are welcome when a parent or legal guardian volunteers alongside them.
Orientation & training
All accepted volunteers attend a 45-minute orientation covering Fear Free animal handling, shelter safety and emergency procedures.
Flexible scheduling
We ask for at least 4 hours per month. Weekend and weekday morning dog-walking shifts are our greatest ongoing need.
Questions
Group projects and service hours
Contact our volunteer coordinator about group volunteer projects, court-ordered community service verification or corporate service days.