Volunteer

If you love animals…

If you've ever wondered what you could do
to help the thousands of homeless critters…

If you have eight hours each month…

If you have ever wanted to volunteer!

STEPS TO VOLUNTEERING:

If you are under 18 years old, then skip to the bottom of the page.

Step #1: Submit a Volunteer Application

Applications may be found online or picked up in person at either shelter. Be sure to answer all questions and mark the shelter (Orlando or Sanford) where you'd like to volunteer. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and be willing to commit at least six months, eight hours per month, to volunteering.

Step #2: Attend an Orientation

After submitting an application, if your qualifications & availability coincide with the needs of the program, we will invite you to a two hour orientation session. Be patient as we process your application. Generally, orientations are held once a month with limited seating.

If you're interested in foster care or our Pet Visitation Program, you will complete the specific program application at orientation. Office Wizards and Party Animals are not required to complete any further training after orientation.

After the first two steps, you'll proceed to the next level depending upon your program choice.

Step #3 - Pet Visitation Program

After submitting your PVP application at orientation, we will call you to set a time to evaluate your dog or cat. If you are approved for the program, you will be required to purchase a background check, submit current vaccination records, and complete four shadows of active PVP Volunteers at one of our facilities. Shadowing may take a while as visits are not scheduled every day. After your successful shadows, you will schedule yourself for a minimum of two visits per month. PVP team member may only do visitations at SPCA pre-approved facilities. Also, you will need to purchase a volunteer t-shirt and name tags for both you and your pet.

Please note we need people with flexible schedules who can go on visits during the week, too. For both hospitals and long term care facilities, weekdays are often the most opportune time for visits.

OR

Step #3 - Bark Buddy, Kitty Cuddler, Foster Care: Shelter Training:

At orientation, you will sign up for a two hour shelter training class. During this class you will learn more about the shelter operation and how to handle shelter pets. (Please note even individuals with pets at home will attend this training - there are very specific techniques for handling the shelter animals safely and securely.) In general, this class will be held one to three weeks after your orientation.

Step #4 - Bark Buddy and Kitty Cuddler: Complete a Shelter Shadow:

After shelter training, you will complete a three hour shadow with a lead volunteer. If you are available during the week, the time between your training class and shadow session will be shorter (approximately one to three weeks). If you are available only during the weekend, there will be a longer wait for your shadow session.

At the end of your shadow, you will purchase a volunteer t-shirt and nametag for $20. Also, you should be prepared to submit a regular volunteer schedule of at least eight hours per month. (Foster parents will not have to complete a shadow.)

Here's why we are asking for your commitment:

Just as every company makes a monetary investment in new employees through training, the training of volunteers also carries a cost factor to the agency. Just like a company works hard to reduce turnover in its employee ranks, we look for stability in our volunteer force. Your commitment to the homeless pets is critical to our success.

If the above steps are more than you can give at this time, please consider other ways you may be able to help our critters. Your monetary donations will help supply food, litter, shelter and medical care for thousands of homeless animals.

Thank you for your kind consideration of the SPCA of Central Florida! We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to our family.

Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to volunteer... but don't have the time?
Make a donation instead!

Kitty Cuddlers

Foster Care

Pet Visitation Program

Bark Buddies

Party Animal