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
In the near future we will post opportunities for local and/or nation-wide driving opportunities. Please check back soon!
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, volunteer applications are temporarily closed due to an outbreak of canine influenza. Click here to learn more about this closure. Please check back at a later date.
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.
AHS has a very limited number of group volunteer opportunities that are generally reserved for Tuesday or Thursday mornings prior to shelter opening, at the Golden Valley location. We can occasionally accommodate specific date requests with advance notification. Click here for more information.
Food Distribution
Applications for this role are currently closed. Please check back at a later date.
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.