Volunteering

Thank you so much for your interest in our volunteer program! Every animal shelter, humane society, and SPCA is different, so we have tailored our volunteer program to best suit the needs of the animals here awaiting adoption. We've researched how best to decrease stress, increase comfort, and help animals learn good manners while awaiting their forever homes.

The Volunteer Orientation covers some basic information about the RHSPCA, logistics of the program, and humane training and handling techniques for animals awaiting adoption. Orientation attendees only need to bring a clipboard or something to lean on while they fill out their volunteer profile. Typically, orientation lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a tour of the adoptable pet areas and demonstrations. Pre-registration is required, as seating is limited. You can sign up online with SignUp.com.

Sign Up for Volunteer Orientation

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For A Great Volunteering Experience...

We are looking for compassionate volunteers that can make socializing animals part of their weekly or monthly routine. Kind hearts and positive attitudes are a must. The animals don't care if you're an extrovert or an introvert, they only care that you are gentle and offer them the love and comfort they need. Availability during the week and during weekdays is helpful but not necessary.

Sign Up for Volunteer Orientation

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Adult (16+) Volunteers

Volunteers 16 years of age and older work with animals available for adoption. Cat cuddlers enrich our felines' stay with playtime, some time in the sunshine if the weather allows, and lots of love and cuddling. Our small mammals need love too! Volunteers can help our little guys get used to being handled by new people from day to day.

Volunteers also help our canine friends by providing walks and exercise along with a reward-based training program. Volunteers provide overall enrichment, stress reduction, and promote polite behavior for our canine furry friends. 

Register for Orientation

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Youth Programs

Junior Volunteer Program: Teens 13-15 may apply for this program with the permission of their parents or guardians. Junior volunteers will come with a parent/guardian who is over 18 to an orientation covering safety and reward-based training, along with what our expectations of them are and what they can expect from us. Since we do not require parents to accompany this age group when they come volunteer, their interactions with pets are more limited than the adult program. Our junior volunteers' main responsibilities are to teach our dogs good manners and help kitties come out of their shells. They will not be permitted to walk dogs, so this program may not be for everyone. 

Junior Volunteer Registration

​Kids' Club: For kids 6-12 and their parents or guardians over 18 to come learn about and work together with animals awaiting adoption. Kids' Club meets monthly during the academic year beginning in September. Kids graduate at the meeting in May. Those who have come through the whole year and graduate may then volunteer together whenever they like.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this program, there may be a waiting list. Orientation for Kids Club is in September, coinciding with the academic year. Interested kids and parents/guardians MUST attend orientation unless otherwise arranged in advance.