Volunteer Information

So, you've decided you want to set aside some time each week or month to volunteer at the R-H SPCA?  By becoming a Pet Socializer, you can help us improve the quality of life and adoptability of the pets awaiting their lifetime home.

In order to help our "furry friends" all volunteers must learn the policies and procedures that govern our shelter. Since we don't have the resources to test for, or treat, all of the possible diseases pets coming into the facility can have, these guidelines help us keep our volunteers and pets both safe and healthy. Please plan to attend a Basic Orientation workshop BEFORE attempting to walk or otherwise socialize with a pet. Due to space limitations, only 35 participants will be permitted to attend each class. From time-to-time extra classes are added to the schedule, but not posted on this site. Please feel free to contact Candy Barnes (see below) for information on these special sessions. 

To arrange an interview, please contact Candy Barnes, Humane Educator at humane@rhspca.org or by calling 434-5270. 

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Volunteer Policy

The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA welcomes the public to visit our “furry friends” any time during our regular hours of operation. While we welcome visitors, those who are not planning to adopt are not permitted to remove the animals from their kennels/cages. Individuals who desire to socialize the pets out of their cages are required to attend a one time 1 ½ - 2-hour volunteer orientation class. Since the pets we serve often come to us as strays, we can’t possibly know what disease or temperament issues might be present, thus the need for this training.

The class covers the shelter’s policies and procedures, as well as health and safety issues. Those who attend the class will be provided with a handbook to take home as a reference tool. The shelter has a regular schedule for volunteers that must be adhered to in order to allow staff the time it takes to properly care for our pets. There are two (2) volunteer shifts available, they are: 12:30 – 2:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday, volunteers may also socialize from 5:30 – 6:45 on Wednesday evenings (limited to 2 volunteers for dogs and 2 for cats). The shelter is closed to the public on Sundays.

The Rockingham – Harrisonburg SPCA works closely with the community to provide volunteer opportunities for individuals with special needs. Organizations such as the Op Shop, Summit House and Pleasant View, Inc. provide us with many hours of service annually. Because we want to welcome these groups, we sometimes make exceptions to the regularly scheduled volunteer hours on and as-needed basis. If clients/patients of these organizations need to provide service during off-hours, prior arrangements mustbe made. No volunteers are allowed to socialize pets after 3:30 pm, since the shelter closes at 4:00 pm. Our staff must insure that all animals are accounted for, and puppies are given an extra feeding prior to closing.

Community organizations that would like to have their clients/patients volunteer at the shelter must see to it that any staff supervising their residents receiving the proper training. It is also advisable that the clients themselves attend a workshop whenever possible, with agency staff determining who should attend. Regular sessions are offered monthly, however, if the agency prefers, a private class can and will be provided.

To arrange and orientation for your staff and residents, please contact Candy Barnes, Humane Educator at 540-434-5270 or by email at humane@rhspca.org.