Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer for the SPCA of Tompkins County!

As a volunteer, your time commitment will vary depending on your assignment.  We request a minimum of 2-2.5 hours (one shift) per week. There is some flexibility in scheduling, but a commitment of 8-10 hours per month, for 6 months (one semester for college students) is appreciated. Volunteers are asked to support and promote the mission of the SPCA and abide by the shelter’s written volunteer policies. All assignments are arranged with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the best placement for both the volunteer and the organization.

Transportation to the SPCA

• A car is highly recommended. The SPCA Annex, in the Shops at Ithaca Mall, is easily accessible via the TCAT bus system. The SPCA’s main adoption center is on TCAT’s Route 41 - Demand and Response (DAR) route during the week, so the nearest scheduled stop is ¾ mile away. If you plan ahead, you can get direct service to the Pet Adoption Center by calling TCAT ahead of time. On the weekend, the SPCA is on Route 74, which only passes the SPCA a few times per day. TCAT Homepage
• The Volunteer Coordinator will help arrange carpool among college students from the same campus. Please complete that portion of the application if you are interested in driving your classmates to the SPCA or if you will need a ride from your campus.

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer

• Complete and submit a volunteer application: You will receive an email within two weeks after submission to schedule an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Interview: This 20 minute meeting gives us a chance to meet you, discuss the position(s) that you are interested in, and to explore the responsibilities of the position(s) before arranging for orientation and training.
• Group Orientation: Within two weeks after the interview, there is a group orientation session. The day and time varies, in order to give everyone an opportunity to attend.
• Training: During the week following the group orientation, you will receive training by an experienced volunteer or the Volunteer Coordinator. This training session takes anywhere from 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on the position for which you are training.

We look forward to meeting you soon!