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, come and attend one of our volunteer orientations. **when available, dates and link to the next orientation can be found at the bottom of this page** 

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.
  
   

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION SERIES

In order to become a volunteer, we ask that everyone attends the Welcome Session, required for all prospective volunteers and fosters. We then have two Safe Animal Handling sessions, one with a focus on cats, one with a focus on dogs. For folks who are solely interested in non-animal roles such as greeter or laundry, the Welcome Session may be sufficient. Anyone interested in working with dogs and/or cats must attend the associated Safe Animal Handling segments. However, for those who are undecided about direct animal care, we strongly urge you to take the safe animal handling sessions sooner rather than later. They are an opportunity for deeper learning, and prepare prospective volunteers for a variety of roles. 

Once the orientation series is complete, volunteers will shadow a seasoned volunteer. Schedules and needs can change at any time, so if a volunteer is unable to make a time commitment, or if there isn’t a specific opening when the orientation is complete, volunteers are encouraged to join the private Facebook group where openings and per diem assignments are announced. (See more below about roles).

Each orientation series is announced on our Facebook page, and can also be found at the bottom of this page. To view our Facebook feed, please visit our homepage and scroll to the bottom. You do not need a Facebook account to view our feed.  

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 series 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.  

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.    

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ORIENTATION SERIES DATES: 

**Please note, the Welcome Session is required in order to sign up for the Safe Animal Handling segments. The link for the Safe Animal Handling segments will be emailed to those who have attended the Welcome Session, so be sure to mark your calendar with both dates if your goal is to work with animals. The volunteer application will also be emailed to those who attend the Welcome Session. There's no need to fill out an application ahead of time.

Orientation Dates - please expect the sessions to last for approximately 1.5-2 hours. Orientations are typically held monthly on Thursday evenings. Sessions last from 5:30 pm - 7/7:30 pm. Next dates will likely post after the holidays. 

JANUARY DATES: 
Welcome Session: 1/16/25, 5:30 pm - volunteersignup.org/9MCYJ
Once the Welcome Session has been attended, prospective volunteers will receive the link/s to the Safe Animal Handling sessions via email, so please mark your calendars:

Safe/Ethical Animal Handling DOGS: 1/23/25, 5:30 pm
Safe/Ethical Animal Handling CATS: TBA

**GREATEST NEED**
TJO is in need of kennel cleaning/dog walking from 8 am to 10 or 11 am. We are seeking general backup coverage as well 7 days a week when assigned volunteers need time off for both walking/enrichment and kennel cleaning/walking roles. **Dog-related roles require physical strength/stamina - while there's no heavy lifting, it's quick paced, and there are often large dogs who may pull during a walk.