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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.