1,943 LIVES were saved in 2022 with help from volunteers like YOU!

How to Become a Volunteer

Age Requirements:
For your safety, Heritage Humane Society requires that every volunteer be at least 16 years of age. 
STEP 1:
Complete the online application. Paper volunteer applications are also available at our Adoption Center. The Front Desk Team is available to help you from 8 AM – 4:30 PM daily.
STEP 2:
The Volunteer Coordinator will review the application and contact you with information about our Volunteer Orientation.
STEP 3:
Complete the Fear Free Shelter Training online. It takes roughly four hours to complete and is free and online. Volunteers that complete the training will receive volunteer hours for completing the online training.
STEP 4:
Complete 6 hours of volunteer service that is not directly working with the animals like cleaning cat cages, helping with dishes, or doing laundry. Once you have completed your 6 hours of volunteering, you will receive additional training on other volunteer fields (dog walking, Fido Field Trips, cat socialization, PetSmart cat adoption center, offsites, etc.)
Learn More About Our Volunteer Opportunities
Fido Field Trips:

Our Fido Field Trip Program encourages HHS-trained volunteers to take our adoptable dogs for outings and adventures in the community. The field trip is often tailored to the dog’s personality! Common outings include a car drive, a hike, a trip to a beach, a visit to a volunteer’s home, or even a nice stroll in Colonial Williamsburg. Read more >

Foster Care:

Provide a temporary home for adult dogs/puppies, cats/kittens, and cats/dogs with special needs (sick, learn to socialize with humans and/or animals) until they are ready to be adopted (Additional application, screening, and training required). Read more >

PetSmart Cat Adoption Center:

We house cats at the location on Monticello and we always would love to have a volunteer to help clean the cages in the morning and evening and also spend some extra socialization time with the cats.

Transporter:

Transport animals either to our facility from other rescues or from our facility to another rescue or their forever home.

Special Events:

Help with offsites, humane education, school presentations, and fundraising events.

Cat Socialization:

Petting, brushing cuddling, and playing with our cats/kittens to improve their temperament and quality of life while in the shelter.

Dog Socialization/Dog Walking:

Help the dogs in our care by taking them for walks, brushing them, playing with them, taking them on fido field trips, and making enrichment for them.

Clean-Up Crew (8 AM-11 AM daily):

Help clean kennels, cat cages, bowls, laundry, mopping, sweeping, etc.

Shelter Maintenance/Landscaping:

Mowing the lawn, weeding, and gardening, assisting with general maintenance and repair.

Auxiliary Volunteers:

Join the HHS Auxiliary and help with events, programs, and community engagement initiatives. (Additional application, screening, and training required). Read more >

STEP 4:
Become an active HHS Volunteer!