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How do you want to help?
Pick the category that fits your schedule and comfort level. Every role matters.
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Animal Care
Hands-on roles at our shelter. Free training required before your first shift.
Register in the Volunteer Portal.
Training Provided
AGES 11+ WELCOME
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Cat Crew
Clean kennels, feed cats, replace litter, & provide fresh bedding.
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Dog Crew
Clean kennels, feed dogs, & assist with daily dog care. Dog Care Training Required.
GREAT FOR PRE-VET STUDENTS
Medical Support
Assist the shelter vet & medical technicians. A meaningful opportunity for anyone interested in animal health.
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MEDICAL SUPERVISION
Fungus Fighters
Assist with treating cats with fungal infections under direct medical staff supervision.
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AGES 11+ WELCOME
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Cat Socialization
Spend time with cats to learn their personalities! Notes you write go directly to potential adopters.
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Dog Socialization
Walk & play with dogs to understand their personalities. Your behavioral notes help adopters find the right match.
CONTACT YOUR COORDINATOR
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Baby Bottle Squad
Bottle-feed orphaned kittens. Extra training required—ask your Coordinator for access to shifts.
ALL AGES WELCOME
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Laundry & Bowl Washing
Keep animals comfortable with clean towels, blankets, & bowls. Available at both locations. Junior Volunteers welcome.
Before You Apply
A few things we ask of every volunteer. Once your application is submitted, a Coordinator will follow up within 1-3 business days.
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Submit Your Registration
Complete the volunteer application through the BetterImpact Portal. Your Coordinator will contact you by email once reviewed.
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Complete Animal Care Training
If you'll be handling animals, mandatory Cat &/or Dog Care Training is required. You'll register for training through the portal.
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Meet Age Requirements
Volunteers must be 18+ or meet the youth age requirements listed below. A parent or guardian is required on-site for volunteers under 14.
Prefill the documents
What to Expect
Things to know so you arrive prepared & confident.
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No experience needed. We provide free training for every hands-on role.
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Scheduling
Pick up shifts in advance through the Volunteer Portal. Arrive on times & complete the shifts you sign up for.
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Dress Code
Volunteer t-shirts & badge required at all times —no exceptions. Long pants, closed-toe shoes. No dangling jewelry (it can catch on animals or PPE.)
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Physical Demands
Most animal care roles involve being on your feet, bending, and walking. Some may require lifting animals up to 50lbs.
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Emotional Environment
Shelters can be intense. Animals behave differently here than pets at home.
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Conduct
Volunteers represent PVAS in the community. Good conduct on and off duty is expected. Any abuse towards humans or animals is grounds for immediate termination.
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Substance Policy
Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance on-site is not tolerated. Zero exceptions.
For Kids & Families
Compassion for animals starts early. Kids can engage through volunteering, reading, & camps at PVAS
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Reading Buddies
Ages 6-13
Drop by the Laurie P. Andrews Center and read aloud to a dog or cat. No registration needed — visit during public hours and ask a staff member.
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C.A.R.E. Camp
Ages 8-13
A week-long day camp built around Compassion, Advocacy, Responsibility, & Education. Hands-on animal care activities.
COMING SOON
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Birthday Parties
Celebrate at the LPA Center with staff-led activities, a behind-the-scenes tour, and an adoptable pet meet-and-greet.
COMING SOON
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Animal Outreach Program
A PVAS representative visits your classroom with a live animal for 45-minute program on empathy and responsible pet ownership.
COMING SOON
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Group Field Trips
Behind-the-scenes tour for school groups, scout troops, or home school pods at the LPA Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need experience with animals?
No experience needed. PVAS provides free training for every hands-on role before you start. Dog Care Training, Cat Care Training, and and specialized roles are covered- you'll register through the Volunteer Portal after your account is activated.
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How much time do I need to commit?
There's no required weekly minimum. All shifts are scheduled in advance through the Volunteer Portal — you pick times that work for you. You're expected to complete shifts you sign up for, but you control your own schedule. Monthly events are one-time commitments.
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How much time do I need to commit?
There's no required weekly minimum. All shifts are scheduled in advance through the Volunteer Portal — you pick times that work for you. You're expected to complete shifts you sign up for, but you control your own schedule. Monthly events are one-time commitments.
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What are the age requirements?
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Ages 11–13 (Junior Volunteers): May socialize cats, wash bowls, do laundry, and make enrichment treats. Cannot work in dog kennels or medical roles. Guardian must be present on-site.
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Ages 14–17: Register online; parent or guardian signs a Minor Consent Form sent by email.
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Ages 18+: Eligible for all roles, including transport, Tails Around Town, and Pawjama Party.
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Can I complete court-appointed community service hours at PVAS?
Yes — court-appointed volunteers are welcome and held to the same standards as all volunteers.
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Schedule an appointment with a Coordinator to have your yellow card signed
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Wear your volunteer t-shirt and badge; sign in on the iPad each visit
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Must volunteer on-site — no at-home, transport, or foster outings for hours
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Not eligible for Tails Around Town or Pawjama Party
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PVAS does not offer 2-for-1 hours
Hours will not be approved if signed by anyone other than a Volunteer Coordinator
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Can I bring a group to volunteer?
Absolutely — groups are always welcome. Contact your Volunteer Coordinator to register your group and schedule a service date. Groups are great for team building, school projects, and corporate volunteer days.
Register Here ➡
Support the Volunteer Team
A donation of any size helps us care for the animals in our shelter every day.