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Volunteer With Us

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. You must provide proof of medical insurance.
  2. Chatham County Animal Services highly recommends volunteers be up-to-date on tetanus vaccination, however this is not a requirement.
  3. You must be 18 years of age to volunteer independently in the shelter. Those age 17 are also permitted to volunteer independently in the shelter, but may be restricted to certain tasks.
  4. You must be able to donate at least 8 hours per month for at least 6 months
  5. All volunteers are subject to a 16 hour probation
  6. Must have internet access and valid email address-most communication, updates and scheduling will be done online
  7. Hours open for volunteering: 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F; 8:30am - 4:30pm Sat-Sun

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER:

  1. Download and review the VOLUNTEER POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL.
  2. Review the GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
  3. Fill out the Volunteer Policy and Procedure Manual waiver and Volunteer Application Form and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator for review. Please submit applications via email or drop off in person, do not fax applications.
    Upon review, applicant may be contacted for an interview. Once past the interview phase an orientation will be completed to provide you with an overview of the shelter, including history and statistics, volunteer opportunities, general safety protocol, our expectations, and more. A tour of the shelter is offered as well.
    Applicants are selected based on availability (weekends versus weekdays), current needs of the shelter, interests of the volunteer, etc. All applications are reviewed within 10 business days. Applicants who are not selected will not be contacted, but the application is kept on file. Thank you for your patience and your interest!
  4. Have an acceptable background check.
  5. A $25.00 fee is required to offset costs of volunteer t-shirt and badge.
  6. Upon completion of orientation, you will be trained in your areas of interest before working independently.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Cat Enrichment - Play, groom, socialize cats
Dog Enrichment - Walk, bathe, socialize dogs
Dog/Cat Caretaker - Assist in kennel cleaning and feeding
Dog Trainer - Assist in training basic behaviors and cage manners
Play Group (Must be trained in Dog Enrichment and active for 6 months prior to being placed in this position) - Off leash play group for dogs to assist in socialization and adaptability
Customer Service - Assist in greeting of public, walk through, general questions, paperwork
Event Help - Set up, marketing, community outreach
Laundry/Dishes - Over 5,000 animals a year means LOTS of dishes and laundry
Ground Maintenance - Help us keep our shelter looking great
Pet Locator - Assists in reuniting lost pets with owners by reviewing our lost/found reports and shelter intakes
Photographer (Must have own camera and photography experience) - Help us show every adoptable animals best side with pictures

CCAC and the Volunteer Coordinators reserve the right to temporarily or permanently deny entry to the volunteer program. Possible reasons for denial may include, but not limited to, the following:

  • Personal goals that are not compatible with the goals and philosophy of CCAC
  • Questionable background check
  • Lack of respect and professionalism with staff, community or the animals
  • A person experiencing a period of physical or emotional stress
  • Poor attitude or uncooperative with the task set forth to be fulfilled

If you have any questions, please contact Jodi Lewis, Assistant Director, at jlewis01@chathamcounty.org either by phone at 912-652-6575

Again, thank you for your interest in helping the animals of Chatham County Animal Services!