Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are an essential part of our mission. Every walk, every clean kennel, every moment of comfort you provide helps improve the lives of the animals in our care.
Whether you have a few hours a month or more time to give, there is a place for you in our volunteer community.
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Volunteering is not only a way to help animals, it is also an opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and be part of meaningful work that makes a difference right here in Caroline County.
Why Volunteers Matter
Every volunteer hour directly impacts the animals. More walks mean less stress for dogs. More socialization means more confident cats. More helping hands means more lives saved.
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Our volunteers truly change outcomes.
How to Apply
Becoming a volunteer is simple
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Complete a volunteer application below
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Attend a volunteer orientation
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Complete any specialized training
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Begin making a difference
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Our team will guide you through each step and help you find a role that matches your interests, comfort level, and availability.
What to Expect as a Volunteer
There are many ways to get involved, and volunteers support nearly every aspect of shelter operations. Opportunities may include:
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Walking and socializing dogs
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Socializing and caring for cats and kittens
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Assisting with animal enrichment activities
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Helping with cleaning and daily care tasks
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Supporting adoption events and community outreach
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Administrative or behind-the-scenes projects
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Transport assistance
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Foster care (link to foster page)
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No prior animal experience is required for many roles, just a willingness to learn and a commitment to the animals’ well-being.
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Working with shelter animals can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotional at times. Volunteers may interact with animals that are shy, energetic, or still learning manners. Our team provides guidance and support to help volunteers feel confident and safe in their roles.
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We strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment where volunteers feel valued and connected to our mission.
Eligibility for Volunteers
To ensure the safety of our animals, staff, and volunteers, we have the following general requirements:
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Age requirements; Must be 18 years of age to work independently with animals, must be 16 years of age to volunteer without parental supervision, under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent or guardian who has also attended orientation.
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Ability to follow safety guidelines and instructions
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Reliable and respectful behavior toward animals, staff, and other volunteers
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Completion of orientation and any required training
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Signed liability waiver
