Volunteeering at HSP
Volunteers are a vital part of our shelter. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to provide the current level of programs and services to our community and its homeless animals.
The following is a brief description of areas in which we regularly look for help.
Canine Companion (requires minimum training of Level One, Open Paw)
Adoption Counselor - Introduce potential adopters to dogs that will complement their life situation and environment. Behavior and Enrichment Volunteer - Provide sheltered dogs with mental and physical stimulation. Assist HSP staff with implementation of enrichment opportunities for sheltered animals ( e.g. Kong Program). Teach and reinforce positive behavior to adoptable animals in order to make them more desirable companions. make adoption follow-up calls and provide counseling to adopters ( e.g. Adoption Support Team).
Friends of Felines (requires minimum training of Level One, Open Paw)
Adoption Counselor - Introduce potential adopters to cats that will complement their life situation and environment.
Behavior and Enrichment Volunteer - Provide sheltered cats with mental and physical stimulation to assist in their adoptability, including petting, brushing, and playing. (Kong brushes are available for the brushing process.)
The animals in this program are considered adoptable but need fostering due to a minor injury or illness, malnutrition, young age or behavioral irregularities and are not currently ready for adoption. Need to be willing to foster for up to 2 months though actual time may vary. Ideal for a volunteer requiring a somewhat flexible schedule.
Front Office/Administrative Assistance Front office volunteers work with the public and perform basic office duties including assisting answering the phone, taking lost & found reports from the public, as well as other administrative functions required in operating the organization.
Fundraising/ Special Event/Creative Assistance/ Development
Fund raising and special events are an important part of the future success of the shelter. We need to continuously raise money in order to keep the level of care we currently have and to be able to expand on that care. There are many aspects of this program with a wide variety of involvement levels, it is NOT just soliciting. Following is a list of possible areas where volunteers help: mailings, distribute flyers, gift bag assembly, event set-up/tear-down, parking assistance, information booth, craft creation and sales etc.
Our main events during the year are: Big Dog, Cool Cat and Sassy Rabbit Day (Jan), Neuter-athon (Feb), Mutt Strut (Mar), Bark at the Ball Park (baseball season), Tennis Tournament (Sept), Wag the Beach (Nov), Christmas Tree Sales, Photos with Santa, Light the Way Home, Gift Basket Sales and Critter Donation Banks plus many public service events. Many of these areas are also ideal for a volunteer who requires a flexible schedule.
Humane Education
Humane Education includes assisting with presentations to schools and community organizations. We work directly with the Pet Professor Program through the Pinellas Animal Foundation which provides all the necessary materials to take to classrooms (grades pre-K to 5th). This requires FDLE background check.
Small Wonders
We have exotics turned in that are also up for adoption. They include rabbits, hamsters, birds, ferrets, etc. You would be involved in showing, counseling and discussing these small wonders and their care requirements.
The Next Step
All new applicants must attend a brief Introduction to Volunteering session. If you have not signed up for an Intro Session, please contact or email our Volunteer Coordinator for the calendar. We have opportunities with adults and teens 16 - 18 years of age. Please specify in your email whether you are an adult or teen, as the sessions are different.
Thank you for your interest in helping us help the animals in our care and the community!
A great shelter to volunteer for in the Tampa Bay area
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