about volunteering at dpvhs
who can volunteer?
Some volunteer positions have minimum age, skill, and commitment requirements to ensure the safety of the volunteer, animals, visitors, staff, and other volunteers. However, we are committed to working with volunteers of all ages and abilities as much as possible while still ensuring a positive and productive experience for all.
Specific information on requirements for each volunteer position can be found on the following pages. Mentors or parents/guardians of prospective volunteers with special needs should contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Services directly to discuss possibilities. If you have community service requirements to fulfill for school or court, please continue reading for more information.
volunteer positions inside the adoption center
For volunteer positions inside the adoption center, we are looking for volunteers who can commit to one shift each week for two to four hours per shift, for 6+ months. Because of the tremendous community interest in volunteering with DPVHS, we have to limit adoption center volunteer positions to one shift per week, two to four hours per shift.
The orientation and training process for these positions generally takes a month to complete, or a bit longer. After training, the prospective volunteer is considered "In Training" for the first month of independent volunteering (one month is equal to 4 shifts at two to four hours per shift). At the end of a volunteer's "In Training" month, we hold a review to determine if volunteer placement is mutually beneficial.
To volunteer inside the adoption center, volunteers need to be at least 16 (18 for some programs). The minimum age applies even if a parent/guardian would be willing to come with the child. No exceptions are allowed. However, that does not close the door on young people wanting to volunteer! Please check out "What Can I Do to Help as a Volunteer?" to learn about ways that young people can be involved with DPVHS.
When do you need volunteers?
Volunteer schedules vary by position. Volunteer positions inside the adoption centers are limited and tend to fill up very quickly, so please consider all volunteer options to see where your interests and talents can best serve animals in need. Some volunteer positions require a long-term, weekly commitment, and others can be short-term. Also, keep in mind that oftentimes a volunteer may start in one position and later transfer or be promoted to another.
Fulfilling community service requirements
If you are required by your school, church, or other community group (excluding court-ordered service) to fulfill community service requirements, it is VERY important that you contact us well in advance of your deadline (two months or more, depending on the number of hours required). We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate requests to fulfill community service hours, but we will do our best with the resources we have available. You will need to attend a prospective volunteer Welcome Session.
court-mandated community service
When available, DPVHS does offer volunteer service hours to court mandated volunteers. As with regular community service, it is VERY important that you contact us well in advance of your deadline (two months or more, depending on the number of hours required). Contacting us well in advance will give you a greater chance to be able to fulfill your hours with us, however we cannot guarantee hours. All court mandated community service volunteers must attend a Welcome Session and provide:
- Court documentation of offense;
- Number of hours to be completed;
- Deadline for completion; and
- Supervisor/Probation Officer/Court contact information.
Court mandated community service volunteers will be placed, when possible, in one of the following areas: Grounds keeping (weeding, raking, etc.) and other special maintenance projects. Court ordered community service volunteers will not be placed in positions working with the animals or visitors. Please note: DPVHS does not accept those convicted of violent crimes or animal neglect/abuse crimes into this program.
Learn more about what you can do to help as a volunteer.