ADULT & YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
Make a difference in the lives of the animals at Ark-Valley Humane Society today.
Already a volunteer? Sign in here.
Due to COVID-19 We’re not currently onboarding new in-shelter volunteers. We’re looking for new foster homes. If interested read more here!
Join One Of Our Volunteer Programs
Fill out an application here!
Volunteers are a critical part of what AVHS does everyday for the animals.
There are so many opportunities to partner with us to enrich the lives of the animals currently at the shelter. From walking dogs, cleaning cat kennels, laundry, fostering animals, it’s all important to us.
Adult Volunteers
Adult Volunteers are 16 years and older. Opportunities to help include, walking our dogs to provide exercise, enrichment, as well as work with them on simple commands and social behavior. Adult Volunteers also assist our staff with household chores such as laundry, washing dishes, and keeping our facility clean. Adult Volunteers can also help with transporting animals, cleaning the Adoptable Cat Room and helping at special events.
Please note: the Ark-Valley Humane Society is unable to offer court-ordered or PTI volunteer hours.
Requirements
- Adult Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
- Comfortable around animals and willing to learn more about enrichment and training.
- Must purchase a $10 volunteer t-shirt. (if this is an issue please let us know)
- Complete a Volunteer Application and the accompanying release forms and contracts.
- Registration and completion of a New Volunteer Orientation Session.
- Attend their first shift and complete dog or cat proficiency with an AVHS Staff member.
Process:
Start by filling out a Volunteer Application (see forms and guides section below).
You will then receive an email from the volunteer coordinator who will provide you dates for upcoming new volunteer orientation sessions. Please note-it’s extremely important to respond to this email so we can add you to the list of attendees for orientation.
At the orientation session, you will be introduced to Ark-Valley Humane Society and receive a tour of the facilities and learn about our mission and values. You will also sign a Code of Conduct Contract as well as a Volunteer Release form.
After orientation, it is your responsibility to let staff know that you need to complete dog or cat proficiency on your first volunteer shift after orientation.
When you attend your first shift, you will complete dog or cat proficiency with a staff member. Here you will be trained on how to properly handle the animal’s at AVHS and learn more about how you will be helping.
Once you complete the dog or cat proficiency, you are a fully-trained volunteer!
Young Volunteers
Young Volunteers assist our staff with washing dishes, doing laundry, and loving on our cats/helping clean the Adoptable Cat Room. It is a fast-paced, hands-on job that requires proactive thinking and the ability to work independently.
Please note: Ark-Valley Humane Society is unable to offer court-ordered or PTI volunteer hours.
Requirements:
- Young Volunteers must be at least 12 years old.
- Comfortable around dogs and cats.
- Must purchase a $10 volunteer t-shirt.
- Complete a Volunteer Application and the accompanying release forms and contracts.
- Registration and completion of a New Volunteer Orientation Session.
- Attend their first shift and complete dog or cat proficiency.
Process:
Start by filling out a Volunteer Application (see forms and guides section below).
You will then receive an email from the volunteer coordinator who will provide you dates for upcoming new volunteer orientation sessions. Please note-it’s extremely important to respond to this email so we can add you to the list of attendees for orientation.
At the orientation session, you will be introduced to Ark-Valley Humane Society and receive a tour of the facilities and learn about our mission and values. You will also sign a Code of Conduct Contract as well as a Volunteer Release form.
After orientation, it is your responsibility to let staff know that you need to complete dog or cat proficiency on your first volunteer shift after orientation.
When you attend your first shift, you will complete dog or cat proficiency with a staff member. Here you will be trained on how to properly handle the animal’s at AVHS and learn more about how you will be helping.
Once you complete the dog or cat proficiency, you are a fully-trained volunteer!
Please note: Kids under 12 that would like to volunteer are not able to volunteer at the shelter. Please visit our page on DIY volunteer opportunities such as baking dog treats at home, hosting a fundraiser at your school or making cat toys.
