Join The SoHumane Family
Thank you for considering joining our team of volunteers at SoHumane. Each year, our volunteers donate more than 30,000 hours of service to animals in need. Not all volunteers choose to work directly with the cats and dogs, but contribute greatly to the many other tasks that keep our operation running smoothly. These are just a few of the most popular volunteer opportunities at SoHumane.
- Be able to physically bend over/kneel down to get animals out of kennels.
- Be able to lift 25 lbs to carry dogs/supplies when necessary.
- Be available to volunteer between 11am-5pm for most volunteering opportunities.
- Can commit to a regular/semi-regular weekly schedule (1 hour per week).
- Can commit to volunteering for at least 5 months (depends on what program you are doing).
- Must be at least 12 years old. (volunteers between the ages of 12 and 15 are required to have a parent or guardian present during all service hours). At-home volunteering opportunities may be available for volunteers under the age requirement.
Interested in volunteering?
Here's how it works:
- Check out what opportunities we offer to see what interests you! Our adult and youth programs are listed below. Please be sure to note the volunteer requirements for each program, including: age, time, and frequency in addition to the general volunteer requirements listed to the left.
- When you find the program(s) that excite you, fill out our digital application, or download a paper version and drop it off at the shelter.
- The Volunteer Coordinator will contact you via email to add you to our Volunteer Orientation Schedule and go over the process of becoming a SoHumane volunteer. *So be sure to check your email after you have submitted an application.
- Most Volunteer Opportunities require the completion of both the Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training.
- Volunteer Orientations are held regularly each month.
- Shelter Safety Trainings are scheduled one-on-one with each volunteer.
Interested in fostering?
Check out our fosters page
for more information:
Ready to apply? Fill out an application:
OR
Youth/Student Volunteer Opportunities
Find out all the ways you can give back to animals in need! Age requirements vary.
*Unless otherwise noted, all volunteer opportunities require a minimum 1 hour commitment each week.
Please note on your application if you have irregular availability.
PALS Program
The PALS program matches students with a specific dog or cat. The individual attention received from quality time with a PALS volunteer is vital to ensuring that animal stays highly adoptable while in our care.
- Minimum age requirement is 16 years old.
- Volunteer must complete the Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training.
- Requires extended time commitment of 2-3 hours per week (must be completed over multiple days).
Pet Partner
Young volunteers spend quality time with a parent or guardian while learning the responsibility of caring for a pet, developing empathy for living things, and experiencing the positive rewards of community service.
- Minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
- Students under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Both volunteers must complete Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training.
Reading Program
Young volunteers spend quality time with a parent or guardian reading to dogs or cats in the shelter.
- Minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
- Students under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Both volunteers must complete the Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training
Find out all the ways you can give back to animals in need! For Volunteers 18 Years and Older.
*Unless otherwise noted, all volunteer opportunities require a minimum 1 hour commitment each week.
Please note on your application if you have irregular availability.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Dog Walker
SoHumane's goal is for each dog to be walked at least once a day. Walks reduce stress, provide stimulation, maintain obedience training, and allow for one-on-one human interaction.
*Requires completion of Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training
Tasks may include:
- Socialization with the dogs in and out of kennels
- Cleaning
- Providing enrichment
- Agility
- Obedience training
- and more...
Cat Crew
Positive attention and regular interaction with humans keep our cats happy and stress free. Providing enrichment from play and treats helps to create a more positive environment for our long-term cats.
*Requires completion of Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training
Tasks may include:
- Socialization with the cats
- Cleaning cat rooms/kennels
- Providing enrichment
- Supervising floor cats
- Customer service
- and more...
Clerical Tasks
We would not be able to function without the rock stars that work behind the scenes. We are always looking for volunteers to help with organization customer service.
*Requires completion of Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training
Tasks may include:
- Filing paperwork
- Completing post-adoption check-in calls
- Returning phone calls
- General organizational tasks
- Customer service
- and more...
Adoption Events
SoHumane holds monthly adoption events on and off site. Each event relies on a group of committed volunteers. These events require animal handling experience and an understanding of the organization and the adoption process.
*Requires completion of Volunteer Orientation and Shelter Safety Training
Tasks may include:
- Showing dogs and cats to customers
- Transporting animals
- Assisting with medical intake
- Organizational tasks
- and more...
Fundraising Events
As a private, non-profit animal rescue and adoption center, we do not receive federal, state or municipal financial support. This means we rely on grants, donor contributions, adoption fees, fundraisers, and of course OUR VOLUNTEERS! We host a number of events that require volunteers. Prior knowledge and experience with the organization is preferred but not required.
*Requires completion of Volunteer Orientation
Tasks may include:
- Set-up and Take-down
- Transportation
- Organizational tasks
- and more...
Maintenance
- Sorting recycling
- Cleaning
- Preventative maintenance
- Daily upkeep
- and more...
