Thank you so much for considering to be a part of our volunteer program! Volunteers are an invaluable part of our life-saving efforts. Before filling out the application, we ask prospective volunteers to keep in mind the following:
- We want to build a progressive volunteer culture that works positively with our shelter staff and customer base to help animals and to increase our ability to save even more cats and dogs going forward. We ask volunteers be respectful, courteous and refrain from drama.
- Rules and protocols are put in place by management at our shelter with the following always in mind: our animals health, safety and well-being, the safety of staff, volunteers and customers, and additional restrictions that may be imposed by the physical, financial burden of the shelter itself. We ask volunteers follow and respect these rules and protocols at all times.
- Because of our insurance there is a minimum age requirement to volunteer at the shelter is 21 years.
If you meet all of the above, please fill out the online volunteer application and we’ll pass it on to the Volunteer Coordinator. We will be in touch to schedule an orientation so you can learn a little more about us! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at the shelter!
Volunteer Opportunities at Voorhees Animal Orphanage
Dog Handling
Dog handling for the purpose of walks, training, and exercise is an important part of volunteer work here at the shelter. Volunteers who handle dogs must undergo orientation and training specific to the safe handling of animals. Dog handling, training, and orientation are coordinated by the volunteer Orientation Committee.
Cat Handling
Cat handling for the purpose of socialization and exercise is an important part of volunteer work here at the shelter. Volunteers who handle cats must undergo orientation and training specific to the safe handling of animals. Cat handling, training, and orientation are coordinated by the volunteer Orientation Committee.
Events Team
The Events Team is comprised of volunteers and staff members who schedule, organize, and attend onsite and offsite adoption and community events. VAO volunteers attend offsite adoption events at local pet stores, farmers markets, and community events throughout the year, spreading awareness of VAO and promoting animals in our care. Activities of the Events Team are coordinated by the volunteer Events Committee.
Foster Program
The primary reason for foster care is to provide temporary homes for dogs and cats due to overcrowding, or for animals whose conditions aren’t manageable in a shelter setting. Foster care is needed for healthy, sick and injured dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds, and for litters of puppies and kittens too young for adoption. All foster volunteers must undergo training and orientation, which is coordinated by volunteer Foster Coordinators.
Remote Adoptions Team
We maintain several remote adoption sites with vendors such as Petco and PetSmart. A number of long-time volunteers help to manage the animals at these sites, and they’re always looking for help to provide care for the animals.
Support Team
This team helps out with the housekeeping. Laundry, dishes, cleaning, mopping, bed-down… all of these things and more are part of running a successful shelter. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers!
Committees
Much of VAO’s volunteer work is coordinated by committees. There is also a volunteer Steering Committee who liaises with the Executive Director to provide oversight for all volunteer activity. Service as chairs of these committees is by appointment, but membership is open to interested individuals. Let us know if that’s you!
Volunteer Fundraising
Volunteer fundraising makes a big difference in our bottom line, and is a great way to have fun while supporting the shelter! You can throw a party, host a yard sale, or have a bowl-a-thon. You can ask for donations in lieu of gifts at your wedding or birthday party, or get some friends together for a big bake sale. Kids can even coordinate a supply drive as a way to volunteer for the shelter. Whatever you choose, you’ll be helping to save lives at VAO – here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Read our Third Party Event Guidelines document. It’ll tell you everything you need to know about raising money or supplies for the shelter, and it has lots of ideas for events, too!
- Step 2: Complete the Third Party Promotion Agreement (it’s the last page of the Event Guidelines document) and return it to the shelter.
- Step 3: Host your event and have a blast!
- Step 4: Drop off your donations and help save lives!
Contact the shelter with any questions, and thank you!
Volunteer Handbook (PDF)
Volunteer Job Description (PDF)
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at VAO – your efforts will make a real difference in the lives of our animals!