C.A.R.E.S. Volunteer Program

C.A.R.E.S. is a small community shelter that depends on our dedicated volunteers for daily operations, animal care, and special events. Volunteers play an essential role in supporting our staff, caring for animals, and keeping our facility running smoothly.

Volunteer Requirements & Safety Guidelines
Because our shelter environment can be fast-moving and unpredictable, safety is our top priority. Many animals come from unknown or difficult backgrounds, so we have guidelines to protect volunteers, staff, and animals.

Age Requirements

• Volunteers must be 18 or older to work directly with animals.

• Volunteers 16–17 may be approved on a case-by-case basis for school-required service hours.

• Youth under 16 may participate only in non-animal-handling tasks, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• No one under 16 is permitted in kennel areas or around dogs.

• Youth may assist with safe, non-animal tasks.

Why Minors Cannot Work With Animals
Even with a parent present, children cannot safely react to sudden movements, noise, or dogs exiting kennels unexpectedly. For safety and liability reasons, minors are not allowed in animal-handling or kennel areas.

Physical & Safety Requirements - All Volunteers
Volunteers working with animals must be able to:

• Move independently through kennels and tight spaces

• React quickly if an animal jumps, pulls, or startles

• Maintain balance around sudden or unexpected movement

• Follow staff instructions in fast-changing situations

Phone Use & Situational Awareness
For everyone’s safety, volunteers are expected to limit phone use while on shift. Dogs, staff, and other volunteers may move quickly or come around corners, and staying aware of your surroundings is essential.

Please keep phones put away except for brief, necessary use, and step out of active areas if you need to take a call or send a message.

Some animals may react to mobility devices, noise, or unfamiliar equipment due to past trauma. These guidelines help ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of ways to help:

Animal Transport

We need reliable drivers to transport animals to and from spay/neuter appointments.
Typical times:

• Fridays: 6:15–8:30 AM

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 6:30–8:30 AM / 2:00–4:00 PM

You can help once a month, weekly, or as often as you’re able.

Non-Animal-Handling Roles (Great for Youth & All Abilities)

• Event and fundraising support (limited / as needed)

• Retail Store / Pet Pantry organizing help

• Laundry and cleaning

• Donation sorting

• Preparing enrichment items for animals

Court-Mandated Community Service Hours

We have limited capacity for court-mandated hours. Please:

• Contact us in advance to schedule

• Complete an application in person

• Attend an orientation

• Plan for 2 to 4-hour shifts

• Note: Dog walking and cat socializing do not count toward hours

• No last-minute requests can be accepted

Get Started
To begin volunteering with C.A.R.E.S., please:

1. Fill out the Volunteer Application in person or at top of page

2. Sign up for a Volunteer Orientation through SignUpGenius

3. Complete a release form during your first visit (required for all minors 16–17)

If you’d like to sign up regularly for specific tasks, you can use the same SignUpGenius portal.

Thank you for your interest in being a C.A.R.E.S. volunteer!
Your time and support truly make a difference for the animals and the community we serve.