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

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. Once the quiz is complete, prospective volunteers are welcome to attend the Safe & Ethical Dog Handling session (including those interested in fostering dogs) or coordinate further training with the cat coordinator for those interested in working with cats. All prospective volunteers will shadow a seasoned volunteer, with the exception of fosters. For folks who are interested in non-animal roles, the Welcome Session materials and quiz will be sufficient. 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. 

WELCOME SESSION REQUESTS

For those interested in working with DOGS, please email to request the Welcome Session slides here, and mark your calendar with the Safe & Ethical Dog Handling session below.  *Folks interested in working with dogs may also consider other roles once the quiz has been submitted.

For those interested in working with CATS, or NON-ANIMAL roles, please email to request the Welcome Session slides here. You will be contacted for follow-up once the quiz has been submitted. 

SAFE & ETHICAL DOG HANDLING DATES:
**October 2nd - CANCELLED
October 23, 5:30 pm, 627 Cottage St, Springfield 

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 orientation is complete, 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. TJO is especially in need of kennel cleaning volunteers. 

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, up to 3 or 4 hours.    

Contact the Volunteer & Education Coordinator with questions