Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Homeward Pet Adoption Center.  Every year Homeward Pet cares for approximately 1300 homeless kittens, cats, puppies and dogs. 

We are not able to help these animals without the support of dedicated and compassionate volunteers.  At any one time, there are 150-200 volunteers donating 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 a 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 a volunteer.  See Volunteer Job Descriptions below for minimum age requirements.

If you are interested in volunteering, there are several steps to take before becoming a volunteer. 

1. Complete the Volunteer Application by clicking here.
2. Applicants with availability matching Homeward Pet’s open positions will be invited to attend an orientation. Homeward Pet’s policies, procedures and volunteer positions will be discussed and a tour is given. You must attend the entire orientation. If you are 16 or 17 years old, a parent must attend the orientation with you.
3. If you are selected to join the Volunteer Program, you will be invited back to Homeward Pet to attend a training session designed for your Volunteer Assignment.  You must attend the entire training session.
4. For Dog Care Volunteers, you are required to attend Dog Handling 101.
5. Once training is complete, you are a volunteer.  You will be given a specific 2-3 hour shift that is consistent every week.  Required volunteer t-shirts are $6.00 to cover the cost. Arrangements can be made if this cost is prohibitive. 
6. You must notify the Volunteer Manager of required Community Service hours, either court ordered or school requirements, ahead of time.  Volunteer hours are not counted until you become a volunteer. 

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 HPAC and requires strong people and telephone skills.  You must be at least 18 years old.

Street Team:   Street Team volunteers work in an established territory to help post flyers and maintain donation barrels.   If you are under 16 years old, you must work with a parent or guardian.

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.