We stand for an animal-loving community.
Our #BlueShirt army of volunteers make it possible for us to do what we do. If you’re interested in joining them, we have a ton of different opportunities available. Keep reading to learn more!
Individual Volunteering
Our #BlueShirts help keep the shelter running smoothly. From answer calls at the front desk to walking dogs, there isn’t a single area of the shelter that our volunteers don’t get involved in; we have something for everyone!
Cat Volunteers
Cat volunteers assist in caring for the cats, including feedings, cleaning the rooms (and litter boxes), and introducing them to potential adopters.
Dog Volunteers
Our dog volunteers assist in taking the dogs on walks, feeding them, cleaning their kennels, and introducing them to potential adopters.
Behavior Volunteers
We have an amazing behavior team and we always need more help! Behavior Volunteers are able to assist with evaluations, rehabilitations, playdates, trainings and much more.
Our Behavior program is a five-step program after which you are eligible to take the a test and become a certified dog or cat trainer.
Additional Volunteering Opportunities
Reception & Admin Volunteers
Our reception and admin volunteers help the front desk staff with their day-to-day activities—answering the phones, returning messages, keeping up with the calendar, directing people to the right place for appointments, and getting the appropriate people for appointments/interviews.
There are different administrative tasks we could always use volunteers to help with. If you are good with data entry type work, this may be the right fit for you.
Event Volunteers
After volunteers have completed 12+ hours of volunteer time, they’re eligible to assist with events. Responsibilities might include helping set up the event, managing animals brought to the event, answering questions from the public, and helping with breakdown after.
Adoption Counselors
Adopting counselors help our Adoptions Team review and process adoption applications. They’re an integral part of helping find amazing homes for our adoptable animals. These volunteers are trained on what to ask and how to relay the information to help support our animals, and those looking to adopt.
PetSmart Cattery
In addition to having cats at the shelter, we also showcase cats looking for their forever homes at our PetSmart Cattery. We’re always looking for volunteers to give our cats over there some love and enrichment!
Volunteer requirements
- All volunteers must be at least 16 years old
- You’ll need to attend volunteer orientation and training before you can start
- Community Service hours cannot be completed through the Friends For Life Volunteer Program
Group Volunteering
Looking to volunteer as a group? We have a lots of projects ready to go! While you need to be a trained volunteer to handle our animals (walk dogs, etc.) we have a lot of ways to include the adoptable pets in your group volunteer activity, whether it’s beautifying their outdoor space or making enrichment toys for our cats.
Fill out the form with at least 30-days notice and our team will get back with you about what projects we have available.
Opportunities for those 15 and under
You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer at the shelter, but we have a lot of ways for people under 16 to get involved!
Frequently asked questions.
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Department via email.
How do I become a Friends For Life volunteer?
- Fill out our Volunteer Application
- Watch the online ‘Volunteer Orientation’ video
- Complete any online trainings related to the area of the shelter you’re interested in (e.g., dogs, cats, behavior, etc.)
- Sign up for your first shift!
Is there an age limit to volunteering?
Due to the nature of working with live animals in a stressful environment, we do have an age limit and cannot authorize children under the age of 16 to volunteer – though we do appreciate their philanthropic spirit!
People 16-17 years of age may volunteer once they submit a signed parent waiver.
Are there any ongoing requirements for volunteers?
We ask that all volunteers commit to at least monthly service.
Our volunteer management system has a licensing fee for each user, so we regularly remove volunteers who do not actively volunteer each month. Volunteers who have not volunteered within the last year may need to re-complete some of the on-boarding and program specific training prior to regaining full volunteer access.
Additionally, we require all volunteers to adhere to the Friends For Life Volunteer Policies. You must agree to these policies in order to submit a volunteer application.
I need to fulfill community service hours. Can I do that here?
At this time, we are not offering hours for those seeking community service hours for a pending or completed court case.
If you are seeking community service hours for school, an organization, or personal pleasure, please follow the steps above to apply to volunteer. You will be in charge of any documentation, including tracking your volunteer hours, on your own time sheet (though our volunteer portal gives you a pretty fancy report as you log your hours).
You may request that a Friends For Life supervisor initial your time sheet at the end of our volunteer commitment.