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 read this page thoroughly, and get started by reviewing the Welcome Session materials where you'll find the associated quiz. (Please be sure to read the confirmation message after you submit the quiz - this is where you'll find relevant sign-up links. If you closed out your quiz before seeing the signup links, please email for assistance).

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, as well as effectively interpret animal body language. Volunteers must be able to complete all aspects of the volunteer process independently.
• 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.
• We are not able to accommodate group projects.
   

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION OVERVIEW
In order to become a volunteer, we ask that everyone reviews the Welcome Session materials and the included 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. There is no volunteer application online, the application will be provided when in-person training begins. ** 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
-As you finish the Welcome Session materials and submit the quiz, you'll see a confirmation message that contains the signup link to the Safe & Ethical Dog Handling session to reserve your spot.
-Be sure to mark your calendar with the next Safe & Ethical Dog Handling session (required for all prospective dog volunteers): February 26, 5:30 pm
-For a head start, view the webpage about Dog Body Language & Bite Prevention to be prepared for the required session, which will last between 1.5-2 hrs. 

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): January 25, 11 am
-For a head start, view the webpage about Dog Body Language & Bite Prevention to be prepared for the required session. 

CATS
Once you submit the quiz from the Welcome Session materials, your contact information will be forwarded to the Cat Coordinator who will provide additional training, including at least one day to shadow a seasoned volunteer. 
 
VOLUNTEER ROLES
Volunteers can participate in a number of ways, such as greeter (new shifts available), 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