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Animal Care Services
Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are an important part of our organization and an asset that cannot be replaced. They are a vital link to the community that helps to build positive exposure for Greenville County Animal Care. It is our goal to improve the health and well-being of animals in Greenville County. It is our hope you will become part of our team of long-term, compassionate and dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities

Youth ages 10-15 can volunteer as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian volunteer over the age of 18.

Youth ages 16-17 can volunteer unaccompanied on a case by case basis as long as a parent/guardian volunteer over the age of 18 has signed a release waiver.

  • Bucket Brigade: A Shelter Reading Program
    Provide valuable in kennel enrichment for the large dogs by reading to them. This unique offering is available to youths aged 8-15. We also have opportunities to volunteer as a Team Lead or Team Lead Assistant. Click here to find out more about the program.

  • PAWS 1: Forming Positive Associations/Classical Conditioning and Reward Training
    Providing positive reinforcement through Classical Training to our canine population through the use of treats and chew toys. This is a structured, detail-specific opportunity. Primarily a non-handling role.
    Assist staff to feed, tidy cages, and provide socialization for our puppies (this requires the use of PPE).
    Monday – Saturday 9-11am, 11-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm and Sundays 9-11am, 11-1pm, 2-4pm

  • Feline Care
    Feed animals, tidy cages, and provide socialization and enrichment for kittens and cats (handling kittens under 6 months requires the use of PPE).
    Monday – Saturday 9-11am, 11-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm and Sundays 9-11am, 11-1pm, 2-4pm

  • DIY At Home Enrichment Activities
    Use approved recipes to make your own treats or toys for the animals in our care. Then schedule a time to come drop them off and see how much the dogs and cats appreciate your hard work!
    Mondays-Sundays – can be scheduled at your convenience during operating hours

  • Fundraiser or Supply Drive
    Host a fundraiser (lemonade stand, walk dogs for neighbors or other creative fundraising idea) or a supply drive. Click here for a list of items we need most.

In addition to the below listed roles there are also a variety of opportunities helping in our clinic, lost & found department, as well as community outreach activities we are recruiting volunteers for. Please reach out if you are interested. Prior experience is preferred, but not required. We are happy to get you trained and set up for success!

  • Adoptions Assistant
    Assist our adoption team and potential adopters by greeting customers at the front door, answering phone calls, returning voicemails. This role can also include introducing dogs to potential adopters or bringing dogs over from the clinic or their kennels during our pick up times.
    Monday - Saturday 11-1pm, 2-4pm

  • Kennel Tech Helper
    Help staff feed animals, tidy cages, and ensure the animals security and comfort.
    Monday - Sundays 8:45 – 10:45, 2:45 – 4:45

  • Doggy’s Day Out Assistant
    Assist incoming and outgoing Doggy’s Day Out participants. This role requires a mix of dog-handling, customer service skills, and taking pictures or videos of dogs going out and coming back from Doggy’s Day Out. You are welcome to take your own Doggy’s Day Out adventure afterwards!
    Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 9-11am, 12-2pm, 2-4pm

  • Team Insta
    Work in teams to capture our animals at their very best. We need story-tellers, photographers, and social media savvy volunteers to help showcase these incredible animals to help them find their forever homes.
    Mondays-Sundays – can be scheduled at your convenience during operating hours

  • PAWS 1: Forming Positive Associations/Classical Conditioning and Reward Training
    Provide Classical Conditioning and positive associations for dogs. This includes enrichment activities and chew toys.
    Provide daily walks and socialization for approved small/medium sized dogs. Assist staff to feed, tidy cages, and provide socialization for our puppies (this requires the use of PPE).
    Monday – Saturday 9-11am, 11-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm and Sundays 9-11am, 11-1pm, 2-4pm

  • PAWS 2: Dog Handling and Teaching Behaviors
    Provide Classical Conditioning and positive associations for dogs. This includes enrichment activities and chew toys.
    Provide daily walks and socialization for approved large dogs. This role focuses on dog handling, desensitizing the dogs to people entering the kennel and to getting their collar and lead on.
    Monday – Saturday 9-11am, 11-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm and Sundays 9-11am, 11-1pm, 2-4pm

  • Doggy’s Day Out Participant
    Transport approved dogs to a determined downtown location for exercise, socialization, and promotion.
    Mondays-Sundays – can be scheduled at your convenience during operating hours

  • Playgroup
    Provide structured, supervised outdoor socialization and playtime for dogs.
    Saturdays 9:30am-11:30am

  • Doggy Bath Time
    Provide baths for dogs. This can include prescribed, medicated baths or giving healthy dogs baths the day before they leave the shelter.
    Mondays-Sundays – can be scheduled at your convenience during operating hours

  • Jog with A Dog
    Transport approved dogs to a determined downtown location for exercise.
    Sunday mornings (pending weather & approved dogs) 9-11 am

If there is a role or opportunity you do not see but would like to, please reach out to the volunteer coordinator!


How to Become A Volunteer:
  1. Review our Volunteer Requirements to see if you qualify.
  2. Complete our Volunteer Application.
  3. The Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to schedule a volunteer interview, which can be done over the phone, on Zoom, or in person. This is the perfect time for applicants to learn about Animal Care programs and to review the volunteer opportunities available. During this interview a shelter tour and safety orientation will be scheduled. This is an opportunity to ask questions and decide if volunteering at an animal facility is right for you. Volunteers are then required to attend shadow shifts with a mentor volunteer or staff member and subsequent trainings for their assigned position.
  4. Sign our Volunteer Agreement Contract. Parents/guardians are required to sign a waiver for youth volunteers.
  5. Purchase your volunteer kit. This can be done after your Shelter Tour and Safety Orientation or before your first Shadow Shift.

Once you complete these steps, you'll be ready to begin training and schedule yourself for action!

Questions?

To learn more about volunteering, call 864.467.3987 or email aeastergard@greenvillecounty.org

  Ask Animal Care
  Ask Animal Care


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