Volunteer Program
The Austin Humane Society relies on volunteers to help us in many different ways.
We have volunteers who help us with everything from taking care of the animals directly
to assisting our staff lead members of the community through the adoption process.
In order to become a volunteer for the Austin Humane Society, we require that you attend
a volunteer orientation, which is held the first Saturday of each month in our facility
at 124 West Anderson Lane.
Volunteer Orientation:
All new volunteers begin by attending our general orientation. We then split into groups
based on interest.
- General Volunteer Orientation 9am-10am
- Dog Walking/Handling Class 10am-12pm
- Cat Socialization/Handling Class 10am-12pm
- Adoption Greeter/Administrative Volunteer Class 10am-11am
The Austin Humane Society charges a one-time administrative fee to help us cover our costs for
our volunteer program. As long as volunteers remain active, (Volunteers are dropped after three
months of inactivity) one fee covers all volunteer programs at AHS. The fees are as follows:
- Students $20.00
- Adults $35.00
- Seniors 60 and over $20.00
Space at our monthly volunteer orientation is limited, so please sign up in advance by calling
512.837.7985 x 234 or x 227, or e-mail volunteer@austinhumanesociety.org.
Please feel free to review our materials for the various volunteer classes that we offer after
general orientation. We prefer that you print out these materials and bring them to orientation with
you, along with a completed volunteer application.
Volunteer Positions
Administrative Support/Internships (Unpaid):
Provide assistance with mailings, departmental office operations, computer data entry, and general
office tasks. This is a Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm opportunity.
Adoption Counselor:
Adoption Counselor volunteers provide assistance and support to our adoption staff at the Shelter
and at adoption outreach locations (various PETsMART locations and adoption events). These volunteers
are responsible for assisting the customers with the completion of adoption applications, getting animals
from their kennels for visitations, filing adoption paperwork, and counseling customers on responsible
pet ownership. Adoption Counselor volunteers must have exemplary customer service skills and must be at
least 18 years of age.
Adoption Greeter:
Adoption Greeters assist the adoption staff by helping to greet our customers and explain the adoption
and visitation process. Greeters also help direct the flow of traffic in our adoption area during busy
weekend hours. Adoption Greeters should enjoy working with people and have customer service experience.
It is not necessary for Greeters to have a vast knowledge of cat behaviors and dog breed tendencies, but
it would certainly be helpful.
Cat Socializer, CAT:
CAT volunteers help the Shelter by spending loving and therapeutic time with cats and kittens. CAT volunteers
also assist with the cleaning and upkeep of the cat habitats to ensure a pleasant environment for our kitties.
Cattery Companion:
Cattery Companions are volunteers who are responsible for coming in at a scheduled time at least once a week
from 9am-12pm to help clean some of our many cat areas. Cattery Companions should enjoy working with cats and
handling cats of all ages. Volunteers must be able to lift at least 15 pounds and be able to work independently.
Volunteers must also be at least 18 years of age.
Dog Walker, BRATT:
Our dog-walking volunteers are affectionately referred to as BRATTs (Behavior Re-homing Assessment Training Team).
BRATTs help us walk, socialize, lightly train, and clean for our dogs and older puppies. All dog volunteers receive
training on dog behavior and proper walking techniques prior to handling Shelter dogs.
Foster Care Program:
Become a foster parent by taking kittens, puppies or other special needs animals into your home and caring for
them until they are ready for adoption. To be a foster parent, you must be at least 18 years of age and be able
to provide food and shelter for the foster animals. The Shelter can provide on-going medical care.
Special Events Volunteer:
Assist staff members with a variety of fundraising initiatives including special event support, research and
development of fundraising projects, and securing donations for the organization.
Volunteer FAQ
Q: How old do you have to be to volunteer?
A: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to volunteer for the Austin Humane Society. No exceptions to this
policy will be made. In addition to meeting the minimum age requirement, 14 and 15-year old volunteers must have
a parent or guardian over the age of 21 with them at all times.
Q: If I'm a student, so I have to have a parent or guardian come with me?
A: No, not if you are at least 16 years of age. We require that volunteers who are 14 or 15 years of age have a
parent or guardian over the age of 21 attend orientation with them, as well as supervise their volunteering at
all times. Sixteen and 17-year old volunteers only need a parental consent form on file and may volunteer alone.
Q: Does the Austin Humane Society have volunteer opportunities for groups?
A: Our group opportunities are project-based since we do require that all volunteers who will be working directly
with the animals attend our orientation. If you have a group that is interested in volunteering at our facility for
a project, please contact our volunteer department at 512.837.7985 x 227
Q: Is there a dress code for volunteers?
A: We ask that our volunteers wear long pants, close-toed shoes, and t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts. We do not
permit volunteers to wear shorts, flip flops, tank tops, or bare mid-riff shirts. If you are dressed inappropriately,
you may be asked to leave.
Q: Does the Austin Humane Society have a summer volunteer program for students?
A: We do not have any special summer programs for students. Our summer policies are the same: age limit (14) and
parental/guardian supervision as we always have.
Q: Do I have to volunteer a certain number of hours?
A: We encourage our volunteers to make a commitment of 2 hours per week for at least the first three months. This
ensures that the volunteers have a good understanding of shelter policy and procedures and also ensures the well-being
of the shelter animals through consistent care. The two hours may be split in to two separate one-hour shifts if
necessary to fit your schedule.
Q: When can I volunteer?
A: The shelter is open to its volunteers from 8am to 7pm Monday through Saturday and 8am to 5pm on Sunday. These
hours are not the adoption hours for the public, but are solely for the convenience of the volunteers.
Q: Can I volunteer for the shelter at any other location besides 124 West Anderson Lane?
A: Yes, the Austin Humane Society has Adoption Outreach programs at several PETsMART locations in the Austin area
and are always looking for volunteers to help out at the Balcones, Slaughter, Ohlen and Lakeline PETsMART locations.
Q: What type of payment does the AHS accept for volunteer orientation fees?
A: We accept cash, check, or charge. Checks can be made out to the "Austin Humane Society."
Q: Can I join multiple volunteer groups (CAT & BRATT, VAST and BRATT, etc)?
A: We recommend that you pick one group and get familiar with the duties involved before adding on additional
training. However, you can go through a different orientation classes in later months with no additional charge.
Volunteer Spotlight
Coming Soon!
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