Volunteer Opportunities
Junior Volunteers (14 – 15 years old)
The Junior Volunteer (JV) position is a fun and rewarding opportunity for young people who are seeking ways to give back to their community and local animal shelter. Candidates for the JV position should be 14-15 years old and enjoy working with children. JVs will primarily be assisting the Humane Education manager during activities held in our classroom. Our Humane Education activities could include birthday parties, artisan workshops, exercise classes, Animal Aces Kid’s Club and our Animal Camps. There will also be occasional shifts open for events held off-site. Although our JVs will not be directly responsible for handling or caring for the animals, they will have opportunities to interact with them while assisting during events. We are looking for positive, responsible and outgoing individuals who aren’t afraid to be silly.
If you are passionate about animals and kids and aren’t opposed to leading a round of Happy Birthday, we’d love to hear from you. Once you have submitted the form, our Humane Education & Activities Manager will contact you to discuss the position and answer any questions. Read more >
Humane Education Initiatives:
Through our Humane Education programming, our hope is to help cultivate responsibility, compassion, and empathy and to increase their understanding of animal welfare and conservation. Active volunteers can help with our Humane Education initiatives that include – birthday parties, movie nights, Animal Camp, Animal Aces Kids’ Club, school visits, and more.
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 >
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 >