THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VOLUNTEERING!

Without the support of our dedicated volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to provide such a variety of programs for our animals and the community. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please review this page, and request a Welcome Session packet below to get started. 

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

• A desire to make a difference in the lives of animals and people.
• 18+ years of age.  Too young to volunteer?
• Specific cognitive and physical requirements to safely perform volunteer tasks.
• Effectively communicate with TJO staff, volunteers and the public.
• Volunteers in animal care positions must be able to read, write, hear, see, and have the ability to physically respond and move in order to keep themselves safe.

• Volunteers must be able to complete all aspects of the volunteer process independently.
   

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  Please note, due to high volume at the shelter we are not in a position to monitor and evaluate internships or learning plans. Community service requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
              
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VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION OVERVIEW

In order to become a volunteer, we ask that everyone reviews the Welcome Session packet and take the associated quiz in order to attend further training. This is a change in the overall Volunteer training program to accommodate busy schedules. All prospective volunteers will shadow a seasoned volunteer at least twice before taking on a shift, with the exception of fosters. Volunteers can do more than one role at a time, so prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend all relevant training in areas of interest in addition to the Welcome Session. The quiz is a way to assess understanding of the shelter practices, the quiz cannot be failed.

** Make sure to read the information contained in the confirmation message once you submit the quiz. The confirmation message provides signup links in order to attend required training! **

DOGS IN SHELTER
-Once the quiz has been submitted you will receive the signup link to the Safe & Ethical Dog Handling session.
-Mark your calendar with the next Safe & Ethical Dog Handling session (required for all prospective dog volunteers): December 11, 2025, 5:30 pm
-For a head start, view the webpage about Dog Body Language & Bite Prevention to be prepared for the required session. 

FOSTERING DOGS
-Foster Application
-Once the Welcome Session quiz has been submitted you will receive the signup link to the Safe & Ethical Dog Fostering session.
-Mark your calendar with the next Safe & Ethical Dog Fostering session (required for all prospective dog fosters): TBA
-For a head start, view the webpage about Dog Body Language & Bite Prevention to be prepared for the required session. 

CATS / NON-ANIMAL ROLES
-Due to an overwhelming response, we are putting a pause on volunteer recruitment for cats until the holidays are over. In January we will reopen recruitment for those interested in working with cats. Thank you!

 
VOLUNTEER ROLES  

Volunteers can participate in a number of ways, such as greeter, laundry, cat and dog kennel cleaning, dog walking/exercise, various types and levels of ENRICHMENT which are incorporated into most animal care roles and FOSTERING. Once the Welcome Session slides have been reviewed, volunteers are encouraged to join the private volunteer page for announcements, and current openings. This is also a great option for volunteers who are unable to make a time commitment at the shelter. We frequently post per diem assignments such as errands, transports, events, and projects. For descriptions of each role, please visit the VOLUNTEER ROLES page. 

Hours available for volunteer shifts range between 8 am and 4 pm. There are no evening hours. Most shifts last from 1.5 to 2 hours, but some roles last longer depending on a volunteer's interests and availability. 

Contact the Volunteer & Education Coordinator with questions