Homeward Pet Adoption Center. Rescue | Shelter

Volunteering to help the
homeless dogs and cats at
Homeward Pet Adoption Center

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Homeward Pet Adoption Center. Every year Homeward Pet cares for approximately 1200 homeless kittens, cats, puppies and dogs.

We are not able to help these animals without the support of dedicated and compassionate Volunteers. More than 200 Volunteers donate their time to assist in the direct care of the animals, education, administrative projects and offsite events.

Because of the time invested in our training, Volunteers are required to make a minimum 3 month commitment.

How to Become an Official Volunteer:

For the safety of Staff and Volunteers, all Volunteers must be well trained and educated in Homeward Pet’s procedures. Please note that it may take 1-2 months before becoming an Official Volunteer. If you are 17 years or younger, a parent must attend all training sessions until you become an Official Volunteer.

If you are interested in volunteering, there are several steps to take before becoming an Official Volunteer.

Email volunteers@homewardpet.org to sign up for a Volunteer Orientation and to find out which volunteer positions are currently available. Orientations take approximately 1 hour and are limited in size. At the orientation, available volunteer positions will be discussed and if a desired position is available, you will be requested to complete our Volunteer Application.
Depending on your availability, you will be invited back to Homeward Pet to attend a training session designed to your Volunteer Assignment. You must attend the entire training session.
For Dog Care Volunteers, you will additionally be invited to attend Dog Handling 101.
Once training is complete, you will be an Official Volunteer. You will be given a specific 2-3 hour shift that is consistent every week, a name tag and Volunteer t-shirt.
If you are looking to complete Community Service hours, either court-ordered or school-required, you must inform us before starting the volunteer process.

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Cat Care:	Cat Care volunteers are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the cat rooms and socializing the cats during their stay. You must be at least 16 years old.
Dog Care:	Dog Care volunteers help keep our dogs healthy and happy in a clean, safe environment until they are adopted. You must be at least 18 years old.
Reception:	Reception volunteers are responsible for welcoming visitors to the shelter. This position has the opportunity to be the public face of Homeward Pet and requires strong people and telephone skills. You must be at least 18 years old.

Groups

If you are a member of a group, company or service organization that would like to participate in a one day volunteer project with Homeward Pet, please contact volunteers@homewardpet.org.