Animal lovers who are interested in lending their time and talents as an Animal Humane Society volunteer must complete a four-step process.
Application process
Step 1: Please watch this video before completing your volunteer application. Some of the topics covered in the video will be discussed during your volunteer interview.
Step 2: Submit your application.
Step 3: After you’ve completed the application, you’ll be instructed to schedule a virtual interview with a Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Step 4: Attend your virtual interview. If accepted into the program, AHS requires a $35 application fee, which contributes to the costs of administrative processing and volunteer training. You will also receive an AHS volunteer t-shirt as a thank you. If you are passionate about our program and are unable to pay the fee, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss options.
Volunteer roles at AHS
Transport Driver volunteers assist AHS by transferring animals from out-of-state shelter partners back to Minnesota where they have a better chance of being adopted or can receive specialized treatment.
Through Animal Humane Society's foster program, thousands of animals have received special care before finding their new homes. More than 2,000 animals who come to AHS each year need foster care before they are ready for adoption.
Volunteer applications for potential fosters who can provide medical and behavioral care for large dogs are now open. Learn more.
Foundational roles
Foundational roles allow people to offer their time and talents to AHS without having to commit to long-term volunteering or specific shifts. New volunteers in these roles do not work directly with animals and are required to complete a brief training. Currently, there are two Foundational Roles available depending on which site you are applying to:
- Shelter Assistant Volunteers assist with tasks like washing dishes, doing laundry, preparing Kongs and more.
- Greeter Volunteers stand at the entrances and greet customers as they come in. Greeter volunteers have the opportunity to sit throughout their shifts but please note, there are limited shifts available.
Foundational volunteers receive:
- Thorough online training
- Brief in-shelter training during first shift
- Flexible scheduling ― volunteers can pick up shifts as they go
Mid-level and advanced roles
Mid-level and advanced roles are animal-handling roles available to existing volunteers who are interested in other ways to support AHS. Onboarding and training for these roles is more comprehensive as they involve animal handling and advanced customer service knowledge.
After providing a minimum number of service hours, volunteers may apply to mid-level or advanced volunteer role. There is no external application process for mid-level and advanced volunteer roles.
Food Distribution
Drive to our Golden Valley location to pick up and load designated pet food into your vehicle, then drive the shipment to the scheduled food shelf and deliver pet food.
In this role, you'll work with Animal Humane Society staff and volunteers in their effort to increase awareness of our programs and services by attending tabling events in the community and neighborhoods. The goal is to share the mission of AHS while building and maintaining relationships with community members.
Foundational Volunteers receive:
- Online training
- Day of, on-site training
- Flexible scheduling- volunteers can pick events whenever they please
In this role, you’ll support the Vet Center by ensuring spaces are clean and tidy for both animals and the staff. New volunteers do not work directly with animals, but assist with general observations post-procedures and report any changes in behavior.
Vet Center Facility Care volunteers are integral in fulfilling Animal Humane Society’s mission by engaging with the community and providing access to affordable veterinary care to clients.
Foundational Volunteers receive:
- Online training
- Extensive on-site training
- Flexible scheduling
Questions?
Questions about volunteering at Animal Humane Society? See our Volunteer FAQ. If you have any questions or concerns during the application process that are not answered in the FAQs, please contact us.