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Volunteers are the heart of AAHS
Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give! Join us in our mission to save more lives and help animals in need. We could not do our lifesaving work without the help of our beloved volunteers.
What makes a great volunteer?
Aside from loving companion animals (and being okay with a little mess here and there), the best volunteers care about our mission, help in all areas, and show up to support us time and time again.
Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you want to cuddle with some cuties or would prefer to lend your operational/logistical skills, we have the perfect opportunity for you to volunteer with AAHS. Please note, all volunteers must be 10 years or older.
Once you have submitted your volunteer application, our volunteer manager will review it. Our review process could take 2-5 business days. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with a link to our volunteer portal, along with further information and instructions about scheduling your orientation. If you need to complete court-ordered community service or mandated academic dishonesty service, please visit our court-appointed community service opportunities.
Applications are available under each corresponding section’s description—please click through the tabs below for more info.
Shelter Support
Help us with any needs at the shelter! This includes but is not limited to answering phones, cleaning cages, doing dishes, and assisting the shelter staff with anything needed. Volunteers must be 10 years or older.
Application and Training must be completed prior to volunteering
Canine Companions
Help socialize and take care of the dogs and puppies at our shelter. This means playing, petting, as well as taking them for walks, picking up after them, and keeping their space neat! Volunteers must be 10 years or older.
Application and Training must be completed prior to volunteering
Feline Friends
Help socialize our adoptable cats and kittens at the shelter. This includes playing with them, helping them get exercise, brushing them, and giving them lots of love! Volunteers must be 10 years or older.
Application and Training must be completed prior to volunteering
Spay/Neuter & Wellness Center
Help our spay/neuter staff by doing laundry, sanitizing surgical equipment, unfolding newspaper, and wrapping surgical packs. This is a huge help to our team! All volunteers must be 10 years or older.
Application and training must be completed prior to volunteering
Volunteer application
Doggy Day Out
Doggy Day Out is a special program that allows you to take one of our adoptable dogs out for a few hours, so they can just “be a dog”! By bringing one of our dogs out, you’ll not only be giving them a break from the shelter, you’ll be sharing an enriching experience together. The information you learn about them will also help with getting them adopted. Any photos, videos, or stories you might share goes a long way in helping them be seen by adopters, and goes toward finding a paw-some fit for their future home.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome groups of volunteers to help AAHS complete larger projects like gardening, shed organization, kennel cleaning, and more. Tasks vary group to group and are discussed with the groups prior to arrival. Groups are only accepted on certain days.
Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteers
How do I schedule myself for shifts?
Your approval email will also contain a link for SignUp.com, the platform we use for scheduling shifts. PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE ANYONE BUT YOURSELF. Everyone that volunteers must fill out their own application, receive their own approval email, and must sign themselves up in an available slot on SignUp.com
When can I come in to volunteer?
All available shifts are listed at SignUp.com. If there is a slot available, then you can come in for that shift. Please do not sign up anyone as a guest. They must sign up themselves in an available slot.
Do I need to attend orientation in-person?
You do not! If your schedule doesn’t permit you to attend the in-person training, you can find all our training online through our volunteer portal. You will have access to the link in your approval email.
Can my kids volunteer with me?
Yes, absolutely! There are special requirements for youth volunteers:
- Volunteers must be at least 10 years old.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 MUST have their own application.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 MUST be signed up in their own slot on SignUp.com, along with their parent/guardian in an adjoining slot. That means there must be 2 slots available at the time you wish to volunteer. If there are not 2 slots available, then you must choose another time.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate multiple minors at the same time. This is for the safety of both the animals and the minors. Shelter animals are very unpredictable, so parents/guardians must be incredibly vigilant which can be difficult with multiple children.
Can my friend who is visiting come to my volunteer shift with me?
Only if they have filled out their own application and have signed up for their own slots. You may not bring a guest if they have not been through the application process. This can take up to 72 hours, and they must have gone through the training site before beginning, therefore they will not be able to volunteer that day.
Can you track my hours for school/service projects/resume?
We welcome and encourage student service hours and projects! However, we do not track your service hours for you. You must track your hours for your own project and/or resume.
We strongly encourage students wishing to complete service hours to coordinate their hours with us in advance, as there may be limited or no remaining opportunities toward the end of the semester to successfully complete your hours.
*For academic dishonesty related questions, please refer to our community service FAQs.
Having trouble with your online application?
Visit our shelter in-person at 1030 Mitchell Bridge Road for assistance or email our volunteer manager, Jen, for more information!
