We have switched over to quarterly “new volunteer orientations” as a more efficient way to welcome new volunteers. Please RSVP via email at front.desk@humanecny.org so we know how many people to expect! When you RSVP, please let us know if you are specifically interested in dog walking, cat socializing, or general shelter cleaning. 

For other questions regarding volunteering or volunteer orientation, please email us at front.desk@humanecny.org.

​On-site Volunteer Protocol

1. On-site volunteers shall be at least 18 years of age
   • Minimum age 16 years – require an adult with them and with the following provisions)
     1. currently enrolled as full-time students;
     2. submit a volunteer release form with parental consent executed;
2. All volunteers shall have major medical coverage, either in their own right or through their parents’ or guardians’ health insurance; The Shelter assumes no responsibility for accidents and/or injuries involving volunteers working on-site (volunteers will be required to sign a release form acknowledging this before commencing duties).
3. Volunteer tasks include:
   • Laundry
   • Washing Dishes
   • Donor Data Entry
   • Dishing Food
   • Event Planning/Hosting Event Tables
   • Gardening/Maintenance Work
   • Scooping/Changing Cat Litter
   • Scrubbing Litter Pans
   • Sweeping/Mopping Floors
   • Cat Socialization- must be 18+ years old; requires additional training
   • Dog Walking- must be 21+ years old; requires additional training
4. All animals are to be treated and handled gently and respectfully.
5. Should a volunteer find a task unmanageable, every effort will be made to find another task more suited to his/her ability.