If you would like to help the SPCA with your time, then please email info@spcaonline.com, stop in to fill out a volunteer application, or download a copy of the application here. If your availability in the volunteer area you've chosen meets our needs, you will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule a time for orientation & training, after which you will become a TC SPCA volunteer.

Overview

As a volunteer at the SPCA, you're important to us! Volunteers can help the shelter run smoothly, increase adoptions by being knowledgeable and friendly, and make our animals more comfortable and happier. Volunteering is important for the organization and the individual. We want to make the volunteer experience as useful as possible. Please review the following information about our shelter and our volunteer program.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

There are two primary types of volunteer work with the TC SPCA: in shelter and out of shelter.

In-shelter volunteering

These volunteer positions support our day-to-day operations. Volunteers help us run the shelter and support our programs. These positions mainly have contact with the animals and with our visitors. Options for volunteering with the shelter include the following positions:

Kennel Cleaner*

Primarily responsible for helping the staff clean and feed the animals in the morning and helping to keep the animals clean and comfortable throughout the day. Volunteers are trained in the handling of animals and cleaning. (7:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. or 12:00p.m. to 5:30p.m. daily)

Adoption Desk Support*

Volunteers provide clerical support for the staff at the front desk. This includes answering the phones, completing adoption paperwork, and providing general animal care information to the public. Computer knowledge is helpful, and good customer service skills are a must. (12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Cat Socialization*

Volunteers spend quality time with the cats, socializing them and helping to keep their condos clean. Most volunteers provide 2-1/2 to 5 hours per week playing with and grooming the cats. Two shifts: noon to 2:30 pm and 2:30 to 5:30 pm.

Dog Socialization*

Dog walking and general handling, elementary obedience training focusing on good manners. Two shifts: noon to 2:30 pm and 2:30 to 5:30 pm.

*requires a specific time commitment  

Out-of-shelter volunteering

Foster Care

We often need families or individuals who are willing to offer their home on a temporary basis to animals in need. Foster care is most frequently needed for animals who are too young to be adopted. 

To download a printable version of the foster parent application click here.

Event Support

Raising the many thousands of dollars necessary to continue our operations every year is a massive undertaking requiring dedicated volunteers.  We need volunteers who are willing to help plan, organize and participate in special events and fund raisers in the community.  Other jobs may include hanging posters, stuffing envelopes, and other short-term projects as needed.

Adoption Follow-up Calls

We often need volunteers to help us call past adopters about how their how the adopted animal is adjusting to his or her new home and about their adoption experience at the shelter.  These phone calls can be made during shelter hours, but are most useful evenings and weekends.

Off-Site Adoptions

Once a month the SPCA Traveling Pets program goes to various sites around the county where cats and dogs from both foster care and the SPCA are available for adoption. These events are organized and staffed by volunteers who help setup/take down the tables and cages and assist potential adopters.  

Qualifications for a Volunteer Position

• To volunteer you must be at least 18 years of age.

• Reliable transportation to the shelter is a must.  A car is highly recommended.  The TCAT bus has only a limited route by the shelter.

• We ask for a minimum of 2.5-3 hours per week (depending upon volunteer position). There is some flexibility in scheduling, but you should plan on at least 10 hours per month, at a minimum, for one year.

• As a volunteer you will be expected to support and promote the mission of the SPCA and abide by all volunteer rules and regulations