Pet Helpers: Volunteer

Interested in volunteering? Pet Helpers volunteers are currently needed to open their homes to foster kittens and special-needs dogs and cats, to care for shelter animals, and for the many other much needed opportunities listed below.

Pet Helpers volunteers are individuals 17 years of age or older, or are at least 12 years old and particiapte with a parent or guardian. Pet Helpers volunteers make a commitment of at least 4 hours a month for 6 months. Interested? Read on to find out more.

Volunteering at Pet Helpers is a rewarding and encouraging experience. The animals here love the attention and time spent with them and it makes their stay here a happy one. Without the help of our volunteers, we would be unable to accomplish all that we do with and for the animals.

Commitment and communication are the keys to a successful group of caring, compassionate people who are all here for the same reason – because they love the animals. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team of volunteers, read on to find out more about the volunteer opportunities we have available.

Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Bush, for more information: cbush@pethelpers.org .

****COMMUNITY SERVICE: If you are reporting to Pet Helpers to complete Community Service hours due to being in court, please contact Kristin Kifer at 795-1110 x 14 or kkifer@pethelpers.org*****

How do I get started?

All our volunteers must complete an orientation prior to volunteering. We ask each volunteer to commit to at least four hours per month. Volunteers can begin at the age of 12 years old with adult supervision. Supervising adults must also attend the volunteer orientation with the child. Teenagers 17 and older may volunteer without adult supervision upon completion of volunteer orientation. You can download and print an application here: Volunteer Application. Bring your completed application to your orientation session.

Please Note, there are only 25 slots open for each volunteer orientation. Please call 795-1110 x 25 to secure a space in the class.

See below for a list of Volunteer Opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christine Bush, Volunteer Coordinator, at 795-1110 x 25 or cbush@pethelpers.org . We will look forward to meeting you soon. On behalf of the animals here at Pet Helpers – thank you for your consideration!

In-House Opportunities

Cat Area Cleaning: This is one of the best ways to get involved at the shelter. Every morning between 9:00am and 11:00am the cat kennels and rooms are cleaned top to bottom. Volunteers are always needed in the morning to help the cat staff finish all the cleaning tasks before the shelter opens to the public at 11:00am. Volunteer in this position need to be ready to roll up their sleeves and work hard for our purring, four-legged friends!

Dog Area Cleaning: This is another of the best ways to get involved at the shelter. Every morning between 9:00am and 11:00am the dog kennels are scrubbed, hosed and sanitized. Volunteers in this position need to be ready to lift and clean, as well as be comfortable will dogs of all sizes. This can be hard work, but it is very rewarding and helpful to the staff!

Dog Walker: Our staff is so busy that we do not have time to give the dogs as much exercise and attention as they deserve. We need volunteers to come in between 11:00am and closing to walk dogs and give them a lot of love. If you would like to walk dogs, you will go through a brief class to be sure you are comfortable walking dogs of all temperaments and sizes! As a dog walker you can also assist with grooming, bathing, and training our lovable canines.

Cat Socializer: Do you love cats? We have so many cats that need homes, and our staff is much too small to give each one enough attention everyday. We need volunteers that can come in between 11:00am and closing to spend time with the cats so they get the love that they deserve and remain comfortable around people.

Office Assistant: Pet Helpers is always looking for volunteers to assist with clerical tasks and special projects. Volunteers in the position need to be great communicators, as well as be comfortable working independently.

Miscellaneous Cleaning Assistant: From washing dog bowls and folding laundry to ensuring the dog and cat areas have enough clean bedding, we need volunteers to help with all the miscellaneous cleaning tasks. The sinks are always full and the laundry is never ending around here! The staff is always grateful for volunteers that are willing to help with whatever task needs to be done.

Foster Program: Pet Helpers is always in need of volunteers to open up their hearts and homes to puppies, kittens, and special needs pets. These temporary homes provide love and caring for pets that are too young to come into the shelter, or may need special attention. Pet Helpers supplies the foster home with food, litter, medicine, and any other necessities during the foster period.

Special Events: Pet Helpers needs community liaisons at special events throughout the Charleston area. If you are interested in manning a table or showing off one of our four-legged friends, let us know that you would like to be an event volunteer.

Contact Pet Helpers

If you have questions about our volunteer programs or if you would like to register for an orientation, contact us with the form below.