The SPCA was absolutely besieged with calls about Mr. Buttons, the little
terrier mix described as a “nearly-hairless flea-bag” when he first came
to us. The day his story was featured in the Ithaca Journal, calls started
pouring in at 6am and didn’t stop for over a week! Unfortunately for our
callers, but very happily for Mr. Buttons, he found his forever home the
night before his story ran in the paper!
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Volunteer Opportunites
 Download Volunteer Application
Download Cat Foster Care Application
Download Dog Foster Care Application
There's a world of opportunities for you to use your special skills to
help homeless animals in our community. While we always need volunteers
to help care for our shelter dogs, cats, and bunnies, we also need
people to answer phones at the adoption desk, assist with maintenance
and carpentry projects, monitor and greet guests in the dog wing,
counsel potential adopters, and help with special events and creative
projects like our float for the Ithaca Festival parade.
If you love animals, are at least 18 years old and can give us one shift per week, ten
hours per month, with a one-year commitment, (one school year for students) we can
promise you good feelings and fun.
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.
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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. (various shifts from 7 am to 5:30 pm 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. daily)
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, cleaning up after and grooming the cats.
Two shifts: noon to 2:30 pm and 2:30 to 5:30 pm daily,
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 daily.
*requires a specific time commitment
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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.
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Qualifications for a Volunteer Position
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To volunteer you must be at least 18 years of age.
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Reliable transportation to the shelter is a must. A
car is highly recommended. The TCAT bus has only a limited route by
the shelter.
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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.
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As a volunteer you will be expected to support and promote
the mission of the SPCA and abide by all volunteer rules and regulations
Thank you for choosing our SPCA for your volunteer work!
Download Volunteer Application
Download Cat Foster Care Application
Download Dog Foster Care Application
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