Volunteering
May we add you to our growing list?
With the expansion of many new programs, we always have need of 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 even one hour a week. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Contact Cheryl Casey, our Volunteer Coordinator at 941-474-7884 or email ccasey@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
Retail Store Clerk
Volunteers at our Suncoast Humane Society Thrift Store in Venice assist customers, help with pricing donated items, and provide shelter information as part of our outreach program.
Project Coordinator
Leadership positions are the foundation of many successful SHS programs. Put your entrepreneurial, "go-get-em" skills into action for the animals.
- Event and Activity Chairpersons
- Chapter Representatives
- Community Outreach
Adoption Specialist
These volunteers assist potential adopters with selecting and socializing pets suitable to their lifestyle. They are further trained to approve adoptions and complete necessary paperwork at the shelter and at off-site adoption events.
Humane Education
Opportunities range from assisting Critter Camp (animal learning camp for children ages 5-11) to presenting curriculum in Sarasota and Charlotte County classrooms.
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.
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.
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.)
Cuddlers, Walkers, and Groomers
This program provides volunteers with the opportunity to allow our animals to put their best paw forward when being considered for adoption. Dogs are exercised and cats and dogs are brushed, groomed and bathed.
Critter Bank Collectors
These volunteers distribute and collect funds raised through our banks, which are placed in shops, restaurants and other merchant establishments throughout our service area. They report to the Critter Bank Coordinator, and funds collected are turned in to the shelter.
Shelter Maintenance
This group of volunteers assist the Shelter staff in the cleaning of the animal cages, kennels and general work areas. Additional tasks involve cleaning and filling litter pans, laundering of towels and rugs used by the animals, emptying trash containers, and washing animal feed and water bowls. (Hours are daily from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.).
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.
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.
Special Events
We frequently place tables or booths at various community functions within our tri-county area. The distribution of literature, possible adoption of animals and general community relations require committed volunteers, usually taking 2 to 3 hour shifts, scheduled advance.
Fundraising
As with any non-profit organization, we rely on contributions and the support of our surrounding communities. To that end, we are especially interested in those with experience in "chairing" events such as: Fashion shows, auctions, raffles, etc. Your experience here could be invaluable to the Suncoast Humane Society.