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Adult Volunteers

Our Adult Volunteer Program is designed to provide a fulfilling experience for volunteers while also serving the needs of the organization. After appropriate training, VBSPCA Adult Volunteers are able to:

  • walk dogs and assist in the kennel
  • assist in the cattery, feeding and socializing our cats
  • assist with clerical and customer service tasks
  • provide home-based foster care
  • assist at partnering PetSmart cat adoption centers
  • work with children and animals through our Humane Education Program
  • visit residents at nursing homes through our Visiting Paws Program
  • provide transportation for our animals to-and-from the shelter
  • attend fundraising, awareness, and adoption events
  • and more!

We invite you to apply for our Adult Volunteer Program if you are:

  • 18 years of age and out of high school. Any interested parties still in high school must participate in our Junior Volunteer Program.  
  • Able to commit to 3 hours every month
  • Able to bend, squat, stand, twist, and lift for extended periods of time when volunteering
  • Have regular access to the internet and an email address
Important Notes:

Eligibility: The VBSPCA accepts adult volunteers without regard to age, sex, race, religion, or ability. Adults who are developmentally or physically challenged must contact our Volunteer Manager to schedule a one-on-one meeting and initial orientation so we may find the best way to utilize your volunteer time at the VBSPCA.

Background Check: The VBSPCA requires ALL adult volunteer applicants to complete a standard national criminal background check. This will not check your credit. Applicants with prior felony convictions may be declined, depending on the crime.

Short-Term Volunteers: We are unable to accept applicants who cannot commit to our requirement of at least three hours per month.

Cost: All adult volunteer applicants must pay a registration fee of $45 to cover program costs. This registration fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are declined, discontinue your volunteer journey, or end the volunteer application process. Your registration includes your training, background check, volunteer t-shirt, and activation in our volunteer software.

Orientation: Once you are accepted into the Adult Volunteer program, you will receive an email inviting you to our volunteer portal. All Adult Volunteers must register for an orientation date through the portal and attend an orientation within four months of acceptance and prior to their first volunteer shift. All orientations are held on Saturdays. 

For questions about how to become an Adult Volunteer, send an email to volunteer@vbspca.com.


Volunteer Application Process:
  1. Fill out the registration form below and pay the registration fee. Once you have submitted payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt email with a link to our Adult Volunteer Application. Please check your spam mail folder if does not arrive in your inbox.
  2. Complete the Adult Volunteer Application. The application includes two qualification pieces. One is to electronically sign our policies and waivers. The second is completing the background check.
  3. Once your background check is submitted and has been processed, you will receive a decision email on your volunteer status.
  4. If accepted, you will receive a welcome letter with information on how to register for orientation and our VBSPCA Adult Volunteer Program.
To register for the VBSPCA Volunteer Program, click here. 

Volunteer Groups

Volunteer group visits are also welcome at the VBSPCA, but these must be pre-scheduled with the Volunteer Manager. Contact volunteer@vbspca.com for more information. 

Adults who are mentally or physically challenged in any way must contact our Volunteer Manager to schedule a one-on-one meeting and initial orientation so we may find the best way to utilize your volunteer time at the VBSPCA.


Court Ordered Community Service

If you need to acquire volunteer hours prior to a court hearing or to meet court-ordered community service requirements, there is a separate process for your registration and application. Click here for more information. Participation in and hours worked as a general adult volunteer will not count towards court-ordered community service hours.