Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you in advance for helping us

help the animals in our care!

Volunteers are a vital part of our shelter. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to provide the current level of programs and services to our community and its homeless animals.

Some of our volunteer programs do require training so make sure when you contact our office you mention which program you are interested in.

All new applicants must attend a brief "Volunteer Orientation" session at Animal Services. If you have not signed up for a 'Volunteer Orientation' session, please call or email our Volunteer Coordinator for the calendar. You can sign up for an orientaion by clicking the link below. We have opportunities for adults, and teens who are at least 16 years of age.

Call (941) 742-5933 x 8312 or e-mail tammy.bentley@mymanatee.org for more information on volunteering at Animal Services.

Volunteer Programs Available

PROGRAM	DESCRIPTION	SCHEDULE	REQUIREMENTS
Dog Walker / Canine Companion	Enrich the lives of the dogs by taking the dogs for walks throughout the day. Also can wash dogs to help get them adopted. No one wants a stinky dog!	Mon-Sat	Dog Handling Class
Community Events / Adoptions	Take animals to set locations throughout the county to set up adoption stands and adopt out animals.	See schedule or contact volunteer coordinator	Adoption Procedures Class
Pet Photography	Takes professional photos of the animals in the shelter to help increase the number of adoptions.	Mon-Sat	Orientation with PTA Coordinator
Vet Tech Assistant	Assist the CVT with medical treatments, medication, vaccinations, and blood draws for testing	Mon-Sat	Orientation
Dog Training / Pit Promotion Program	Provide education, shelter enrichment, and support events to promote American Pit Bull Terrier type dogs. Dogs will be trained to pass the CGC certification.	Mon-Sat	Dog Handling Class
Jr. Volunteer	16-18 yr olds who are in need of community service hours. Will help shelter staff clean and maintain shelter environment.	Mon-Sat	Orientation
Foster Parents/ Transition Homes	Provide a temporary home for pets that are too young, have illness or injury and cannot go into our adoption program yet.	Everyday	Orientation / Foster Application
Administrative / Phone Calls / Data Entry	Follow up phone calls to check with adopters to ensure all is going well. We have very limited data entry.	Mon-Sat	Orientation
Doggy Play Groups	Minimum of 2 persons to take multiple dogs out into play yards for exercise, socialization, and enrichment.	Mon-Sat	Dog Handling Class / Play Group Rules
Cat Cuddler	Pets, brushes and socializes cats who are in the shelter	Mon – Sat	Orientation
Marketing and Promotions	Assist Animal Services in marketing and promotional ideas. Help us get the word out and get the animals adopted	Mon - Sat	Orientation
General Cleaning	Assist the shelter staff in cleaning the facility and the animal cages	Mon - Sat	Orientation
Bathing Dogs	Wash the adoptable dogs (No one wants to adopt a “stinky” dog	Mon - Sat	Orientation
Greeter	Greet Public that enter Animal Services with a warm welcoming smile and friendly attitude	Mon - Sat	Orientation
Lost and Found Counselor	Assist customers through the shelter looking for their lost pet to ensure they don’t get lost, and advise on ways to get the word out about the lost pet	Mon - Sat	Orientation
Adoption Counselor	Assist customers through the shelter to adopt. Help them find the right dog or cat to fit their needs	Mon – Sat	Orientation

AND MORE...........

If you are interested in volunteering but do not see something on the above list that fits your interests please contact us and let us know how you wish to help. We value our volunteers and we wish to make this a pleasent environment for everyone.

Please sign up for a volunteer orientation by clicking the sign up link below.

This sign up link will allow you to sign up for orientation classes, adoption events, training sessions, and more! Please click the link the select the class or event you wish to sign up for.