VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are a vital part of the Gulf Coast Humane Society mission. Each year, dedicated individuals contribute thousands of hours to provide enrichment for shelter animals, support for our staff, and engagement with the community.

From walking dogs and socializing cats to assisting with special events, landscaping, and community programs, volunteers play a direct role in helping shelter pets thrive while they await new homes.

New Volunteer Process

We are updating our onboarding process to ensure a meaningful and structured experience for every volunteer and to better support our team and the animals in our care.

To begin your journey as a volunteer with GCHS, you must first complete our online application. Once submitted, you will be prompted to register for an upcoming Orientation class, which must be attended within 30 days. If you do not attend orientation within that time frame, your application will be removed from our system.

During orientation, you’ll learn about our mission, shelter operations, and the various volunteer opportunities available.

After completing orientation, volunteers interested in working directly with animals will be required to complete additional training:

• Canine Socialization Class and/or
• Dog Communication course through Maddie’s Fund

These trainings are mandatory before handling any animals at the shelter.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete the Online Application
   Submit your online application through our website.
2. Register for a New Volunteer Orientation
   View the upcoming orientation dates below. Space is limited and registration is required.
3. Attend Orientation (90 minutes)
   Learn about GCHS, take a shelter tour, and hear about the various volunteer roles available.
   Closed-toe shoes are required. Volunteers arriving more than 10 minutes late will be asked to reschedule.
4. Background Check & Role-Specific Training
   Once approved, we will perform a background check and invite you to attend any required training (e.g., Green Dog Workshop for dog walkers).

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Orientation Schedule & Registration

All orientations are 90 minutes and held in person. Please register early, as space is limited.

• Tuesday, June 24 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 8 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 19 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 22 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 2 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, August 5 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 16 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 19 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 30 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

To reserve your spot in an upcoming orientation, please email [email protected] or register online using this link: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/web-admin/app/#/join-party?k=4aulpp2vckaplg

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Who Can Volunteer

• Ages 16+ may volunteer independently.
• Volunteers must complete orientation and all required training before beginning.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and encourage those with special skills or interests (landscaping, photography, customer service, data entry) to inquire about specialized roles.

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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)

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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).

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Court-Ordered Community Service

Volunteer hours do not qualify for court-ordered community service. If you are seeking community service opportunities, click here for more information.

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Questions?

Please email [email protected] with questions or for help registering for orientation.