Volunteer
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.
How do I get started?
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older; children under 16 can volunteer with an adult supervising them at all times. You can download and print an application here: Volunteer Application. Once you have filled out the application, sign up below for the next Orientation session. All our volunteers must complete an Orientation prior to volunteering. Once the Orientation is completed, we ask each volunteer to commit to at least two hours bi-weekly week or four hours per month. This commitment runs for a six month period, at which time it is reviewed.
See below for a list of Volunteer Opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kristin Kifer, Operations Manager, at 795-1110. We will look forward to meeting you soon. On behalf of the animals here at Pet Helpers – thank you for your consideration!
Next Orientation is May 17th at 11am. Be sure to bring your completed volunteer application.
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In-House Opportunities
CAT ROOM CLEANING: This is one of the best ways to help the staff. Every morning the cages and rooms are cleaned and the cats are fed. Volunteers are always needed here to help finish the tasks at hand before the Shelter opens to the public. People in this position should be ready to roll up their shirt sleeves and get busy. Think about how much the cats appreciate being clean, fresh and fed!
DOG KENNEL CLEANING: This is another one of the best ways to help the staff. The same is done every day for each of the dogs here at the Shelter. These special people must be able to lift, clean, and be comfortable with dogs of all sizes. Our dogs love to be clean!
SMALL ANIMAL CAGE CLEANING: We can not forget about the little creatures here at Pet Helpers. We are in need of gentle people willing to help us clean the cages for the rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. If you might be a little intimidated by a large dog, maybe cleaning small animal cages is for you.
BATHING AND GROOMING DOGS: Make our dogs look and feel their best by helping out with their bathing. Our dogs love to look clean and shiny. This position would require you to be able to lift. This is a very helpful job for the staff here at the Pet Helpers.
CAT SOCIALIZER: Loving people needed for socializing with the cats to help keep them used to being held and loved. There are also needs for grooming the cats to help keep them looking adorable.
OBEDIENCE TRAINER: Patient people willing to take the time to work with shelter dogs individually. This training allows reinforcement of positive behavior and helps socialize the dogs. This is a very rewarding experience for both the dogs and the volunteers!
OFFICE HELP: There are many tasks available for volunteers to help with, from general clerical work to special projects. People in this position need to be able to work independently and be self-motivated and have great customer service skills.
ANSWERING PHONES: Our Shelter is very busy, especially on weekends and Mondays. We have a need of receiving assistance in answering telephones during business hours. Persons answering phones need to have great speaking skills and be able to manage the telephone.
TOUR GUIDES/MONITORS: Great personality people who can guide potential adopters around the shelter, answer questions, and assist them in general. Monitors must be terrific with the public!
LAUNDRY CLEANERS: This is a very important position. Our animals need fresh bedding, blankets, etc. and we count on these dedicated and thoughtful people who help us.
GENERAL SHELTER MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPING: This position is everything from sweeping the floors to mowing the lawn and everything in between. It could include building shelves, small repairs, washing windows, etc. This position is a perfect match for that Mr. or Mrs. Fix It person good at everything around the house. We appreciate and respect the abilities of people like this and could certainly use your assistance here at the Shelter.
Outside Programs
DONATION BOX MONITORS: We have a number of donation boxes throughout Charleston County. We need trustworthy people to be responsible for picking up the monetary donations every other week and delivering them to the Shelter. This can be done at whatever time is best for the volunteer. We appreciate people able to do this task without being reminded.
FOSTERING KITTENS: Are you in love with kittens as soon as you see them? Do you have a room separated from your own pets? A great way to help is to foster kittens while they are in need of care and too little to be adopted. Just take care of the kittens at your home until they are large enough to be spayed or neutered. Everything is supplied for you. You supply the love and care in a good home temporarily. Sometimes, you will even be able to take care of the mother.
SPECIAL EVENTS: We have a variety of events throughout the year there is always something for the volunteers to help us with. If you are an individual who enjoys something different every once in a while – these special events are for you!
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Volunteer Scheduling
If you have completed an application and orientation session, you may use the form below to schedule a time you'd like to volunteer! If you'd like to help out with events, please visit our Special Events page to sign up for specific events.
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