Volunteer requirements

Training and mentoring prepares volunteers for their specific work area and can take 1-3 months to complete. Please review the following list of volunteer requirements before completing an application.

• Desire to support animal care, strong customer service skills and assessment of animal care needs and adoption options.
• Commitment of a minimum of one year of volunteering at least twice per month. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 - 4 hours, depending on the assignment.
• Minimum of 16 years of age.
• 14 and 15 year olds have the opportunity to volunteer if they are accompanied by a parent during the Information Session, all training and all volunteer service.
• Volunteers must be able to work independently and communicate with the public.
• Some positions require physical ability to lift at least 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.

(Please note that short term volunteer opportunities involving animal care are not available.)

Steps to become a Volunteer

Step 1: Do you meet requirements? (see above)

Step 2: Contact us to register for a Volunteer Information Session at one of our locations to learn more about the Animal Humane Society and available volunteer opportunities. Applications and reference forms are available at the meeting. Please contact Volunteer Services online.

Step 3: Upon receipt of the application and reference forms, an interview will be scheduled with a Volunteer Services Department 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 4: If a good match is found, we will schedule an orientation into the volunteer program and training for your volunteer assignment.

Information Session Locations

One session is held at each location once a month. Please register early to ensure you have a spot. Registration is required as space is limited.

• Buffalo location (4375 Highway 55 SE)
• Coon Rapids (1411 Main St. NW)
• Golden Valley (845 Meadow Lane N)
• St. Paul (1115 Beulah Lane)
• Woodbury location (9785 Hudson Road)

Please register by sending your contact information to Volunteer Services online.