Our Most Important Resource Is You.
Volunteers are the heart of SAS. Your time and kindness make our mission possible every single day. Join our warm community of animal lovers.
⚠️ We have limited cat shifts and dog walking shifts available. We are also in need of volunteers to help with event and fundraising committees. Please inquire for current availability.
Essential to SAS
Volunteers are essential to Scituate Animal Shelter's operations. Whether you are working directly with animals or helping on our fundraising committees, your role is vital to our success. Due to the high level of training required, we ask all volunteers to commit to a minimum of one shift per week for at least 6 months. If you are under 18, please see the specific information at the bottom of the page before applying.
Applications & Training
We request a one-time $20 donation with your application processing. This donation covers the cost of your volunteer T-shirt, training materials, and background check fees. If you cannot or do not wish to donate, please email Jo Randolph at jorandolph@scituateanimalshelter.org to proceed with your inquiry.
Volunteer Positions
Dog Walking
Help care for our resident dogs by exercising, feeding, and cleaning up after them. Volunteers should be comfortable walking for up to 2 hours in all weather conditions, working as part of a team, and following staff instructions independently.
Requirements
-
Attend a shelter orientation session
-
Complete approximately 3 shadow shifts with experienced dog walkers
-
Commit to one regular 2-hour shift each week
Shift Times
-
7:00–9:00 AM
-
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
-
6:00–8:00 PM
Shifts are available seven days a week.
Fostering
Open your home to pets in need by providing temporary care for cats, kittens, dogs, and other animals who may be too young, recovering from illness, or struggling with the stress of shelter life.
The shelter provides all food, supplies, and medical support—fosters simply need the time, patience, and space to care for their foster pets. Foster animals must be kept separate from other household pets until medically cleared.
Most foster placements last between 3 weeks and 2 months and offer a rewarding way to make a direct impact on an animal's life.
Interested?
Once approved, you'll be contacted when a foster need arises and can choose whether you're available to help with a particular pet or group of pets.
Facilities Volunteer
Help keep our shelter and grounds safe, functional, and welcoming. Volunteers assist with routine maintenance projects and seasonal tasks, such as clearing snow from walking paths, landscaping, painting, carpentry, and general repairs.
Experience in a trade is helpful but not required.
Flexible and scheduled as needed. Whether you'd like to volunteer regularly or help with a one-time project, we'd love to have your support.
Cat Care Volunteer
Help care for our resident cats by feeding, socializing, and cleaning their living spaces. Volunteers should be comfortable standing, bending, and moving for up to 2 hours, working as part of a team, and following staff instructions independently. Experience with cats of all temperaments is helpful. Volunteers may also assist with small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and birds.
Requirements
-
Attend a shelter orientation session
-
Complete approximately 3 shadow shifts with experienced cat care volunteers
Shift Times
-
8:00–10:00 AM
-
6:00–8:00 PM
Shifts are available seven days a week.
Pease note: All cat care shifts are currently full. Please check back in 4 weeks for openings.
Committee Members
Help support the shelter's mission behind the scenes by serving on one of our volunteer committees. Committee members work alongside Board members and fellow volunteers to help reduce operating costs and expand our ability to care for animals.
Current Committees
-
Finance & Audit
-
Fundraising
-
Communications
-
Gala Planning
Most committees meet monthly, with additional tasks completed independently as needed.
Cleaning Volunteer
Help keep our shelter safe, healthy, and welcoming for both animals and people. Volunteers assist with cleaning and sanitizing animal areas and common spaces throughout the shelter.
Volunteer Responsibilities
-
Clean dog enclosures, cat cages, and transport crates
-
Clean meeting rooms, feeding areas, and high-touch surfaces
-
Follow shelter cleaning and sanitation protocols
Training will be provided through instructional videos and/or in-person guidance at the shelter.
Flexible. Whether you can help for a few hours on a single day or on a regular weekly schedule, we will do our best to accommodate your availability.
Transportation Team
Help animals get where they need to go by providing transportation to veterinary appointments, surgeries, grooming visits, and adoptive homes. Animals are typically transported in crates for their safety and comfort.
Requirements
-
Must be 18 years or older
-
Valid driver's license required
Flexible and scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Before you volunteer: Please read about Our culture at SAS.
We are a team
At Scituate Animal Shelter, our culture is defined by our commitment to kindness, positivity, and constructive feedback. We believe that by supporting one another, we provide the best possible care for our animals. Our volunteers and staff work as a unified team to ensure every visitor and resident feels welcome.
We prioritize clear communication and mutual respect. Whether you are dealing with a challenging animal situation or coordinating a high-stakes fundraising event, we expect our team members to lead with empathy. We value diversity in perspective and experience, understanding that it makes our organization stronger.
Ultimately, we are here for the animals, and that means being here for the people who care for them too. A positive environment translates into better outcomes for our rescues. We ask you to bring your passion, your energy, and your willingness to learn to our team.
Step 1: Read the Culture Statement
Read carefully through our culture section above to ensure our environment is a good fit for your goals and personality.