This application is only for the OHS Portland Campus.

Volunteer Opportunities

Below is a brief overview of the types of opportunities available for volunteers over 18 years old. More information will be provided during Volunteer Orientation and training sessions:

• In-shelter care of animals
• Dog walking
• Foster care (caring for animals in your home)
• Teaching animals basic behavior skills
• Assisting customers at the OHS retail store
• Assisting OHS educators with youth education programs
• Assisting with OHS special events
• Caring for animals at offsite adoption locations
• Running with dogs who need extra exercise
• Technical/emergency animal rescue – OHSTAR
• Helping maintain our building and grounds
• Assisting with data entry, phone calls and other administrative activities

Volunteer Requirements

General Requirements:

• At least 18 years old.  Volunteers under 18, see the Youth Volunteer Program.
• Able to commit to volunteering a minimum of 12 hours per month for the first 3 months. 
• Possess strong customer service skills and have the ability to read and understand instructions and procedures, write legibly, and communicate clearly, professionally, and politely since all volunteer positions work directly with the public, staff, and other volunteers.
• If you are volunteering as a driver using a shelter vehicle you must have a clear, insurable driving record.
• Have regular access to the internet and an email account.
• Ability to see well enough to move safely throughout the building, distinguish animal body language, and read written instructions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open kennel door while handling animal).
• Ability to bend and squat in order to leash/harness, and/or pick up an animal.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to hear if animal is giving warnings, such as growling, yelping or hissing.
• Ability to react quickly in order to prevent animals from escaping (example: ability to quickly pursue and retrieve any animals who have escaped from a kennel).

Cognitive Requirements: 

• Ability to cope with a loud and fast-paced environment.
• Ability, once trained, to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Recognize limitations in knowledge and abilities, and know when to ask for help if needed.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to handle redirection and constructive criticism without responding negatively.
• Acceptance of the boundaries between the role of the volunteer and the role of the staff.
• Maintain a positive attitude and a solution oriented approach to challenging situations, rather than resorting to complaining or gossiping.
• If working with animals:
  • Ability to recognize potentially hazardous situations when working with the animals.
  • Ability to remain calm with animals who are upset.  Behave sensitively, confidently, and appropriately in these situations.

Important Notes

Background Check: A standard national criminal background check is required for all adult applicants. This is not a credit check. If you have a prior felony conviction you may be declined, depending on the crime.

Court-Mandated Service: This program cannot be used to fulfill court-mandated hours.

Students: We cannot accommodate students who are required to fulfill short-term community service hours.

Short-Term: We do not accept any short-term volunteers (even during the summer) due to extensive training requirements.

Costs & Supplies: All adult volunteers are required to purchase below supplies and pay for their background check. If these costs are a barrier for you, we can provide assistance as needed.  

• Cat and Small Animal Volunteer: $32.00 for volunteer apron, ID badge and keys
• Dog Volunteers: $43.50 for leashes, volunteer apron, ID badge and keys
• Background Check: $21.50

How To Volunteer

To become a volunteer, you must first fill out the volunteer application online. We are not able to send applications by postal mail.

*If you would only like to volunteer your time only as a foster parent (not on-site at the shelter), please fill out the foster care only volunteer application instead, found here. The general volunteer application is for those who are interested in volunteering at the shelter. Once you complete this application for on-site volunteering, you can also add foster care onto your account if you want. 

All persons volunteering must complete a background check. If you have any questions, please email the volunteer team leaders. 

The last step of your application is to register for and attend a volunteer orientation. New Volunteer Orientations are generally held the last Sunday of each month (no orientations are held in December). If you want to work with both dogs and cats or small animals, please only register for one orientation. Start with one, and then we'll get you trained in the other!