Becoming an SHS Volunteer
We are so excited that you're interested in helping us out! Volunteers are the backbone of any well-run animal shelter, and we appreciate you tremendously. We look forward to adding you to our volunteer family!
Apply to Volunteer at Sunrise
Here's an overview of the application process:
- Review the Commitment Policy and Age Restrictions below before applying.
- If you would like to proceed, please fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Print, sign, and email our Volunteer Waiver to info@sunrisehs.org.
- After review of your application, you will be invited to attend an orientation.
- If, after the orientation, we mutually determine this opportunity is a good fit, you can choose your role(s) (see Volunteer Opportunities below) and schedule your first volunteer shift!
- Pay for your volunteer T-shirt! These snazzy fashion statements just cost a $25 nonrefundable fee (that of course goes toward helping the animals!)
Click the file icon to download our
Volunteer Waiver PDF: |
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Organization Group Volunteering
🌟Organizations that wish to volunteer can email info@sunrisehs.org to set up a Work Day.
Commitment Policy:
We spend quite a bit of precious time training volunteers and getting them up to speed. So, we like it best if they can stick around for a while!
Volunteers should be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month. Shifts are in 3 – 4 hour increments so at least 2 – 3 shifts per month are needed to meet the minimum time requirement.
(*If you have difficulty meeting these commitments, let us know in what capacity you are able to help!)
Age Restrictions:
Due to liability and insurance reasons, and wanted to ensure all our Volunteers stay safe, we have age restrictions.
Volunteers must be over 18 years of age. Students aged 16 to 17 may be accepted (see below). Those under 16 are not eligible to volunteer on SHS property at this time. (But maybe soon!)
Students aged 16 and 17:
We spend quite a bit of precious time training volunteers and getting them up to speed. So, we like it best if they can stick around for a while!
Volunteers should be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours per month. Shifts are in 3 – 4 hour increments so at least 2 – 3 shifts per month are needed to meet the minimum time requirement.
(*If you have difficulty meeting these commitments, let us know in what capacity you are able to help!)
Age Restrictions:
Due to liability and insurance reasons, and wanted to ensure all our Volunteers stay safe, we have age restrictions.
Volunteers must be over 18 years of age. Students aged 16 to 17 may be accepted (see below). Those under 16 are not eligible to volunteer on SHS property at this time. (But maybe soon!)
Students aged 16 and 17:
- Must attend orientation with a parent or guardian.
- May be allowed to volunteer unaccompanied by a parent/legal guardian although may not leave the property during the shift.
- Are required to complete at least 40 hours in three (3) months.
- If relevant will get school paperwork signed upon completion of 40 hours.
- Have limited interaction with animals until contributing at least 40 hours.
Volunteer Opportunities Available
Working FOR the animals:
Laundry Assistant – Help wash, dry and fold towels and blankets donated by the public for the animals’ comfort. Will operate commercial washer and dryer.
Administrative Assistant – Help make copies, files, assemble adoption packages, and other administrative or clerical tasks. May include data entry, answering phones, greeting customers.
Transporter – As part of our cooperative community outreach, we partner with a number of local rescues and shelters to provide animals more exposure in the search for forever homes. Transporters may also pick up donated items as well as distribute fundraising materials.
Outreach and Education – Represent Sunrise Humane Society at community events, promoting the programs of Sunrise.
Marketing, Events & Fundraising – Assist Sunrise with marketing, fundraising projects and events. This may include soliciting donations, sponsors, distribution of flyers and engaging on social media. Staff events and assist with both set-up and break-down.
Facility & Maintenance – Working to keep Sunrise Humane Society bright. May include mowing, trimming, sweeping, all types of grounds maintenance.
Working WITH the animals:
Foster Parent – Some animals do not thrive in a shelter environment. Provide temporary home for animals that may be too young for adoption, possible ill, or in need of socialization before finding their forever home. (There will be a different application process for Foster Caregivers)
Dog Walker – Provide socialization and play time for dogs awaiting adoption. Walks, exercise yard, leash training and basic training will help prepare them to become easy companions.
Cat Caretaker – Help socialize cats in our Housecat Haven. Provide love, attention, and grooming while they await their special “one”.
Satellite Adoption Support – Assist with offsite adoption events, including satellite adoption centers such as Petco. This may include transport to and from, feeding, spot cleaning cages, providing water and socialization. Adoption responsibilities require additional training and approval.
Behavior Assessment Assistance - Assist the Animal Behavior Assessor complete temperment tests with the animals so we can help match them to a successful home.
Laundry Assistant – Help wash, dry and fold towels and blankets donated by the public for the animals’ comfort. Will operate commercial washer and dryer.
Administrative Assistant – Help make copies, files, assemble adoption packages, and other administrative or clerical tasks. May include data entry, answering phones, greeting customers.
Transporter – As part of our cooperative community outreach, we partner with a number of local rescues and shelters to provide animals more exposure in the search for forever homes. Transporters may also pick up donated items as well as distribute fundraising materials.
Outreach and Education – Represent Sunrise Humane Society at community events, promoting the programs of Sunrise.
Marketing, Events & Fundraising – Assist Sunrise with marketing, fundraising projects and events. This may include soliciting donations, sponsors, distribution of flyers and engaging on social media. Staff events and assist with both set-up and break-down.
Facility & Maintenance – Working to keep Sunrise Humane Society bright. May include mowing, trimming, sweeping, all types of grounds maintenance.
Working WITH the animals:
Foster Parent – Some animals do not thrive in a shelter environment. Provide temporary home for animals that may be too young for adoption, possible ill, or in need of socialization before finding their forever home. (There will be a different application process for Foster Caregivers)
Dog Walker – Provide socialization and play time for dogs awaiting adoption. Walks, exercise yard, leash training and basic training will help prepare them to become easy companions.
Cat Caretaker – Help socialize cats in our Housecat Haven. Provide love, attention, and grooming while they await their special “one”.
Satellite Adoption Support – Assist with offsite adoption events, including satellite adoption centers such as Petco. This may include transport to and from, feeding, spot cleaning cages, providing water and socialization. Adoption responsibilities require additional training and approval.
Behavior Assessment Assistance - Assist the Animal Behavior Assessor complete temperment tests with the animals so we can help match them to a successful home.