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    Volunteer With Us

    The Humane Society of Sarasota County's volunteers generously give their time and talents, which enables HSSC to continue to save lives and expand our services for our community. With so many resources required to provide care for our animals, it would be impossible to fulfill our mission as the area’s premier no-kill shelter without our volunteers.

    To learn more about corporate volunteer opportunities, please contact [email protected].

    Get Started

    Please review the essential capabilities listed below and follow the directions to get started. If you feel you have the time, passion, and dedication to work with our organization. You will need to create a VolunteerHub account.

    After you apply, we will contact you when volunteer positions become available. You will then be able to proceed in the process of becoming a volunteer. When you are contacted the next steps include:

    • Attending a Volunteer Information Session (held at HSSC).
    • Paying a one-time $35 volunteer fee, which covers the cost of your volunteer short-sleeved t-shirt, name badge, insurance coverage, and training.
    • Completing program-specific training.

    If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth Joiner at 941.955.4131 x113 or [email protected].

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    Volunteer Opportunities Available Now

    Canine Companion (Dog Walker)
    Do you have 2 hours during the week day to join us for some exercise and companionship? We have an urgent need for dog walkers on weekdays, primarily Mon-Wed, 7am-5pm. Training provided. The majority of dogs in our care are over 50lbs and working on their leash manners! Apply now

    Shelter Medical Assistant
    No experience needed! Training provided. Duties may include answering phones, providing support to shelter and clinic medical staff, light laundry and dishes, greeting clients, and escorting shelter cats and dogs to the medical department. Apply now

    Client Experience
    This is your opportunity to be the face of The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC)! Welcome guests to our adoption center and assess their needs, directing visitors as needed. Answering phones, assisting pet pantry clients, and general welcome center duties included. Training provided, but YOU bring the positive attitdue! Apply now

    Information Booth Volunteer
    Represent the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) at vendor fairs, community festivals, HSSC fundraising events, and more! Answer questions about adoptable animals, volunteer and giving opportunities, programs, and services. Set-up may include erecting tables and tents, lifting, and walking long distances. (i.e., community festivals). Apply now

    Grassroots Marketing
    This network of volunteers are called upon to distribute flyers and information in the community to promote products, services, and special events. You may also be called upon to pick up prize donations and share posts in social media. Personal transportation required. Apply now

    Fundraising & Philanthropy
    If you are ready to be more hands-on for the organization and comfortable turning your passion into an ask for financial support from businesses, individuals, and organizations, asking for support in the form of silent auction donations to financial and in-kind contributions, we have opportunities available for your volunteerism to save animal lives! This opportunity may include travel and phone calls to area businesses. Apply now

    Event Prep Volunteer
    Committees and volunteers often help HSSC staff prepare for upcoming events. Activities may include bag stuffing, sign printing and laminating, miscellaneous errands, physical set-up at event, data entry, participant, volunteer & staff communications, and more. Some lifting, standing, and self-transportation may be required. Duties may also include post-event clean-up, packing and organization. Apply now

    Program Advocacy Volunteer
    Become an advocate for HSSC’s community-based programs, including Military Matches, TLC, Pet Pantry, and Helping Hands. Activities may include networking with individuals and groups to represent HSSC’s programs. Self-transportation may be required. Apply now

    Administrative Assistant
    From data entry to stuffing envelopes, HSSC has a variety of office-based needs that help further the fundraising and engagement efforts of our Marketing and Philanthropy team. Sitting, standing, and repetitive movements be required. Work will be matched to your skillset! Apply now

    Teen Volunteer Program

    HSSC's Teen Volunteer Program is for teens ages 13-17. Our next orientation and training will be Spring 2024, please contact [email protected] for more information. Teens are welcome to apply using the same link below. 

    Looking for volunteer opportunities for ages 13 & under? Contact [email protected] to learn more about fostering and shelter animal excursions!

    Are you a current volunteer or a volunteer in training? Please visit the Volunteer Log-in Page.

    Essential Capabilities for Individual Volunteering at HSSC

     
    Volunteer Code...

    Volunteering at HSSC requires certain skills and abilities. Essential capabilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Uphold the mission, vision, and values of HSSC.
    • Willing to work as part of a team.
    • Have a professional appearance and positive attitude.
    • Willing to learn and use VolunteerHub, our online volunteer scheduling system.
    • Able to take instructions and follow safety protocols.
    • Able to work with cleaning chemicals.
    • Able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and crouch unassisted.

    Specific Volunteer roles may have additional requirements. 

    Volunteer Roles

     
    Client Experience

    Welcome visitors, guide them through the initial sign-in process, and personally ensure clients are directed to the appropriate resource or staff member for their needs. This position greets every client in a timely and welcoming manner and thanks everyone for coming to HSSC and encourages them to come back when leaving. This is a crucial front facing role to ensure our clients feel welcomed and appreciated. We go out of our way to help people and remove barriers to provide assistance. It is our goal for every client to have a positive experience. You will also assist with answering the phone, filing, distributing items from the Pet Pantry, and with general office duties.

    Court Mandated Volunteer Hours

    All court mandated volunteer requests will be reviewed by the Volunteer Manager who reserves the right to deny any court mandated volunteer request at any time without cause. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and provide all appropriate paperwork from the court. No violent offenses are accepted in the program (e.g. battery, sexual assault, child abuse, animal abuse, etc.) Please email your request to: [email protected]