Volunteering

May we add you to our growing list?

We always have a need for new volunteers! Won't you consider joining us in our efforts to help the animals?  Please contact the animal care center if you can donate just four hours a week. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization.  Contact Claire Berten, our Director of Events and Volunteer Services at 941-474-7884 x420 or email cberten@humane.org.  Volunteers must be at least fourteen years of age.

Click here to print out a Volunteer Application.

Below are some of our volunteer opportunities.

What Do We Ask of Our Volunteers?

  • A serious concern for animal welfare
  • An enjoyment of working with animals and people
  • An interview with the volunteer coordinator
  • Attendance at a 2 hour orientation program
  • A personal commitment of time, and to accept a regular work shift (Animal Care Center volunteers only)
  • An understanding and support of our philosophies and policies
  • Being honest with yourself and us concerning your needs and wishes

What Do You Get in Return?

  • A feeling of responsibility and accomplishment in contributing to the welfare of animals
  • A variety of volunteer opportunities
  • A chance to develop new skills or polish old ones
  • Training and education
  • The opportunity to work in a clean and pleasant animal care center
  • Support and feedback from a professional staff
  • Special benefits
  • Annual staff/volunteer events
  • Volunteer recognition awards
  • New friends and great fun
  • And many thanks!

Volunteer Opportunities 

 

Critter Bank Host 

Our Critter Bank program is a very important source of revenue for our shelter. Donated change really does add up! If you own a business and are willing to place a Critter Bank at your location, please contact Director of Education and Outreach Claire Berten at (941) 474-7884 *420.

Critter Bank Coordinators

These volunteers distribute Critter Banks and collect funds raised through the banks, which are placed in shops, restaurants and other establishments throughout our service area.  The collected funds are reported and turned into the shelter on a monthly basis.

Cat Cuddlers

Our feline friends can always use a little TLC. Cat cuddling volunteers spend their time in our adoption cattery, interacting with cats providing enrichment, socialization, and stress reduction. This is a vital part of our volunteer program and crucial to cats while living in a shelter environment. This position also ensures that the cat(s) will have a smooth transition into a new home when adopted and will have their basic manners! We always have up to 100 felines available for adoption that are in need of cuddling. 

Length of Commitment:  Minimum 6-month commitment
Frequency of Commitment:  Minimum 16 hours per month
Time Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per visit

Pre-requisites/Necessary Skills:
Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
Completion of the Cat Cuddler Training with a seasoned trainer
10 hours of shadowing with a trained Cat Cuddler

*Some bending and the ability to lift at least 15 pounds is required.

Dog Walkers

Dog walking volunteers take canines from our adoption kennels to designated exercise areas. They provide play time, exercise, manners training and socialization. The dogs are exercised twice daily. This is a great way to provide mental stimulation for our dogs and keep them used to the rituals they should have in a home environment.  This is also a good time to work with the dogs to maintain or instill good manners. It is not beneficial to just let them run until they are tired and put them back in their kennels. They need consistency and discipline and because of this we have high expectations from those approved for this volunteer position. 

Length of Commitment:  Minimum 6-month commitment
Frequency of Commitment:  Minimum 16 hours per month
Time Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per visit

Pre-requisites/Necessary Skills:
Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
Completion of Dog Walking Training with a seasonsed trainer
Basic knowledge of dog obedience
10 hours of shadowing a trained dog walker

*This position required willingness and ability to handle all breeds and various sizes of
  dogs.
*Many of our dogs are big and strong and require a physically capable handler.
*Volunteers may be restricted from walking some canines due to various sizes, 
  temperaments and strengths.

Matchmaking Volunteer

This is a volunteer position that will assist our Adoption Specialists in placing our adoptable dogs and cats into a good home, ensuring a good fit with the potential adopter.  If you enjoy conversing with people and helping our cause, why not become a matchmaking volunteer?  At the end of the day, if you helped just one animal find a home, you can be satisfied in knowing you’re making a difference!  Duties will include screening potential adopters, assuring they are prepared for the responsibilities of adopting a new pet. This position requires extensive training, which includes shadowing an experienced Adoption Specialist until you are comfortable with our procedures and policies.

Length of Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment
Frequency of Commitment:  Minimum 16 hours per month
Time Committment:  Minimum 2 hours per visit

Pre-requisites/Necessary Skills:
Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
Must be friendly and cordial
Have the ability to communicate competently and clearly with people of all ages
Must have basic knowledge of our shelter and who we are
10 hours of training with one of our Adoption Specialists

Special Event Volunteers

We frequently place tables or booths at various community functions within our tri-county service area. The distribution of literature, possible adoption of animals and general community relations require committed volunteers, usually taking 2 to 3 hour shifts, which are scheduled advance.  We also have several important fund and friend raising events throughout the year that greatly benefit Suncoast Humane Society.  These events require help with registration, coordinating activities, the soliciting of sponsorships and donations, the selling of raffle tickets, and much more!  This is a fun way to be able to attend our events while helping Suncoast Humane Society. 

Length of Commitment:  Mininum 6-month commitment
Frequency of Commitment:  Minimum 8 hours per month
Time Commitment:  Minimum 2 hours per shift 

Pre-requisites/Necessary Skills:
Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
Must be friendly and cordial
Have the ability to competently and clearly communicate with people of all ages
Must have basic knowledge of our shelter and who we are 

*Some bending and the ability to lift at least 15 pounds is required.

Visitor Assistance

This volunteer position greets visitors and responds to their needs. They may be seeking information, bringing in tangible donations for the animals or our thrift stores, or requesting to visit the adoptable animals. Visitors are asked to sign in, then if visiting the animals, escorted through the adoption kennels and/or cattery viewing the animals. Visitors having issues, questions or concerns beyond the training or expectations of the volunteer are referred to the appropriate staff member.  When you are not busy assisting guests at the shelter, you may be asked to help with miscellaneous tasks around the shelter, i.e. folding towels or folding brochures.  

Length of Commitment:  Minimum 6-month commitment
Frequency of Commitment: Minimum 16 hours per month
Time Commitment:  Minimum 2 hours per visit 

Pre-requisites/Necessary Skills:
Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
Must be friendly and cordial
Must have the ability to communicate competently and clearly with people of all ages
Must have basic knowledge of our shelter and who we are
You will be required to know the policies and procedures of our shelter as well as the duties/titles of our staff so you can refer to the correct staff member as needed

Transporters

Transporters pick up and deliver people, supplies and animals from the shelter to off-site locations. Requires animal handling ability and may require vehicles large enough to accommodate pet carriers and supplies. (The Shelter has one vehicle available for most uses.)

Administrative/Office Assistance

As with any organization, we are frequently backlogged with paper work, mailings, phone calls and general office projects. Volunteers in this category avail themselves to whatever the current needs are. 

Grounds Maintenance

These volunteers assist the Shelter staff in mowing and watering the lawn, raking and filling the driveway, weeding and tending to the plants in an effort to maintain our inviting professional appearance.

Transporters

Transporters pick up and deliver people, supplies and animals from the shelter to off-site locations. Requires animal handling ability and may require vehicles large enough to accommodate pet carriers and supplies. (The Shelter has one vehicle available for most uses.)

Foster Program

Animals that are too young, sick or injured are kept in a volunteer’s home until deemed adoptable. Food, litter and a cage are provided. The foster period may range from one week to three months. Click here for a Foster Parent Application.

Pet Therapy Program

Volunteers who enjoy both animals and people can help bring them together by taking their certified pets on scheduled visits to selected institutions such as managed care facilities for seniors, facilities for physically and mentally challenged people of all ages, nursing homes and hospitals. They also participate in classroom presentations and after-school reading programs.

Thrift Store Volunteer

Volunteers at our Suncoast Humane Society Thrift Store in Venice, North Port and Englewood assist customers, help with pricing donated items, and provide shelter information as part of our outreach program.