The mission of the Animal Humane Society is to cultivate a dedicated volunteer community that is meaningfully engaged in the achieving the mission of the Animal Humane Society. This begins with completing an application and attending an Information session where we share important information about AHS.  We then meet with prospective volunteers to understand their individual skills and abilities to determine where they might best contribute to the work of AHS.  If there is a suitable match, we then provide training and the tools the volunteer needs to be successful in their volunteer role.

In support of these processes there is a $20 non-refundable application and processing fee.  In order to ensure success as a volunteer at AHS, there are costs associated with determining placement and providing resources and training.  The application fee allows us to continue to support a growing and vital volunteer program - all in support of animals in need.

Standard Volunteer Opportunities:
Adoption Support - Customer Service
Animal-Assisted Therapy/Animal Ambassadors
Behavior and Training
Fundraising and Special Events
Foster Care
Veterinary Services
Wildlife

Requirements for Volunteering:
-  Customer Service skills with a desire to work with people as well as animals in an animal care environment.
-  Commitment of a minimum of one year of volunteering.
-  Minimum of 16 years of age.
-  14 and 15 years olds have the opportunity to volunteer if they are accompanied by a parent during the Information session, all training and all volunteer service until 16.
-  Volunteers must be able to engage and communicate with the public and co-workers in a professional manner.
-  Volunteers must be able to read, comprehend and follow detailed instructions and protocols, while working independently in their named assignment.
-  In-shelter opportunities require a minimum of one regularly scheduled and recurring shift every other week.  Shifts are 2 - 4 hours long depending on assignment.
-  Volunteers must be able to articulate the mission and policies of AHS.
-  Understand and acceptance of Open Admissions philosophy - please click here for more details.
-  Ability to handle emotions that may arise from working in an Open Admission animal organization.

Steps to become a Volunteer:
Step 1: Do you meet requirements? (see above)
Step 2: Complete an On-Line Application (below) and pay application fee online with a credit card.
Step 3: Self schedule an Information session at the location for which you submitted an application.
Step 4: Upon attendance of Information session, an interview will be scheduled with a Volunteer Services staff member. It allows us to learn about your interests, skills, abilities, time availability and determine if there is a good match for you with an open volunteer position.
Step 5: If a good match is found, we will schedule an orientation into the volunteer program and training for your volunteer assignment.

Link to online application for Buffalo

Link to online application for Coon Rapids

Link to online application for Golden Valley

Link to online application for Saint Paul

Link to online application for Woodbury