Volunteer

Opportunities

• Cleaners – We need people to help us clean in the morning. We are here seven days a week and prepare the Shelter for viewing from 8 – 11 a.m. each day. It’s a lot of work to clean and feed up to 100 dogs and cats every morning!
• Dog Walkers – We also need dog walkers. Dogs become much more adoptable when they are calm and quiet. Dog walkers also let us know about commands a dog knows and its likes and dislikes.
• Special Events – We look for volunteers to help with special events, adoption events, and getting the word out about the wonderful pets we have here. We usually ask for help on our Facebook page, so be sure to “friend” us!

Policies & Guidelines

Volunteers must be dependable and effective during their volunteer hours. It is equally important that the Shelter staff provide an atmosphere that is conducive to the needs and desires of its volunteers. If these commitments are met on both sides, the program is assured to operate smoothly and the animals will benefit the most.

Requirements

• Age – All volunteers must be 18 years old or older.
• Applications – All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application prior to providing volunteer service. Applicants will be asked to provide drivers license and may be required to undergo a background check and/or drug and alcohol test. This information is requested in an effort to provide a safe and secure atmosphere for the citizens that visit the shelter.
• Screening Process – Persons who have been convicted of a felony or any animal cruelty charges will not be selected. Prospective volunteers that are turned away may appeal the decision as follows:
  • Any volunteer applying with the Livingston County Animal Shelter Volunteer Program that is turned away based on the criminal history screening will be notified by the Volunteer Coordinators office of the findings via letter.
  • The Livingston County Animal Shelter reserves the right to make changes without notification to the guidelines set forth in the driver’s license/criminal history to check eligibility criteria whenever deemed necessary for the safety and protection of all citizens.
• Volunteer Orientation – Orientation will be scheduled monthly, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. All volunteers are required to attend volunteer orientation. Once orientation has been completed, training will be scheduled with the Volunteer Coordinator. This includes dog and cat handling training. If you do not start your volunteer work shift within a month after completion of the volunteer orientation, your file will be placed in an inactive status. Should you desire to volunteer at a later date, you will be required to attend the volunteer orientation again.