Gulf Coast Humane Society

Volunteer Program

Volunteers are a vital part of our mission.

Volunteer Opportunities with GCHS

Volunteers are the heart of the Gulf Coast Humane Society’s mission! Every year, passionate individuals donate thousands of hours to bring joy, comfort, and hope to the animals in our care while building stronger connections with our community.

From walking eager dogs and cuddling playful cats to cheering at adoption events, rolling up their sleeves for landscaping, and leading community programs, volunteers make it all possible. Their energy and dedication transform shelter life, giving every pet the chance to thrive while they wait for their forever home.

Volunteer Onboarding Process

Becoming a volunteer at Gulf Coast Humane Society is more than just signing up; it’s the beginning of a meaningful journey that changes lives, both human and animal. Our onboarding process is designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to make a real difference from day one.

Getting Started

Apply Online: Complete the volunteer application on our website. A background check will be conducted when you submit.
Register for Orientation: Once approved, you’ll receive instructions to sign up for a New Volunteer Orientation. This must be attended within 30 days to remain active in our system.

Orientation

A 60-minute introduction to GCHS that covers our mission, shelter operations, and the wide variety of volunteer roles available.
Includes a guided shelter tour so you can see firsthand how your time will impact our animals.
Please wear closed-toe shoes. Volunteers arriving more than 10 minutes late will be asked to reschedule.

Training Requirements

If you’d like to work directly with our animals, additional training will help prepare you for safe and rewarding interactions:

Canine Socialization Class
Dog Communication Course
Additional role-specific training may be required for certain positions.

Step-by-Step Path to Volunteering

Complete the online application (background check included).
Register for orientation once approved.
Attend orientation within 30 days to learn, tour, and connect.
Finish any required training for your chosen volunteer track.
Start making an impact for the animals of GCHS!

Who can Volunteer?

Individuals ages 16 and older are welcome to volunteer independently. All volunteers must complete orientation and any required training before getting started.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, and we value the unique talents each volunteer brings. Whether your strengths are in animal care, customer service, landscaping, photography, data entry, or another area, there is a meaningful way for you to contribute. At GCHS, every role, big or small, helps create brighter futures for the animals in our care.

Volunteer Positions

- Dog Walkers (Green Dog training required and volunteers must be at least 18 years of age)
- Cat & Kitten Socialization
- Kennel Assistants (dogs and cats)
- Pet Food Pantry Support
- Grooming/Bathing
- Special Events
- Landscaping & Groundskeeping
- Donation Bank Collection
- Front Desk (phones, filing, data entry)

Background Check Policy

All volunteers must pass a background check. We are unable to accept individuals with a felony record or any history of domestic violence, battery, or animal cruelty (past or present).

Orientation Schedule & Registration

All orientations are 60 minutes and held in person. Please register early, as space is limited.

Our orientations are every other Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every other Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For orientation dates and register click the button below.

To reserve your spot in an upcoming orientation, please email Melissa@gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

Online Volunteer Registration