Volunteering

Click here to fill out a volunteer form online.
Click here for a printable copy of the volunteer form.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Dorothy H. O’Connor Pet Adoption Center. The time and attention that our volunteers spend with animals helps to keep the animals well-socialized and better able to present themselves when people come looking for a pet to adopt. This, in turn, helps animals find good homes. You will need to attend our Volunteer Orientation which will be a basic training session on safe animal handling procedures before you begin your volunteer hours. If you are under the age of 16, you must be accompanied by an adult at all times during your volunteer hours. A strict ratio of one adult to every two minors will be enforced. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Following Completion of training, you are welcome to visit the shelter to work with the animals anytime during our regular business hours. Volunteers work under the guidance of the Shelter Manager, or the senior staff member on duty. A member of the shelter staff will always be available to assist you should a question or concern arise. You must pre-schedule your volunteer hours and you must attend a Volunteer Orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I be able to show animals to prospective adopters?
Yes, as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Your enthusiasm about the animal can “rub off” on the interested adopters and help them to make their decision. We follow strict rules about showing animals:
> ALWAYS be truthful.
> NEVER be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”

Can I bring home diseases or infections to my pets?
We encourage all volunteers to keep their own pets up to date on vaccination. Using common sense “infection control,” such as washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water, or using hand sanitizer, at the Shelter after handling each animal and before you go home, will help protect you and the animals. Wearing old clothes and removing them as soon as you return home gives an added protection.

Will I get bitten or scratched?
There is always the chance, when working with animals, that a scratch or bite may occur. Following our routine procedures for safe handling of animals will help to minimize this possibility. We strongly suggest that you only work with animals you feel completely comfortable with. Do not feel that you have to take every dog outside.

Must I commit to a minimum number of monthly hours to be eligible to volunteer at the Shelter?
Yes, - every volunteer is asked to commit to 8 hours minimum every month.