Volunteer Program

Animal Shelter Volunteer Program

Join our animal shelter volunteer program and make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to provide care, companionship, and support to our shelter residents. Whether you're walking dogs, socializing with cats, or assisting with adoptions, your time and dedication will directly contribute to their well-being and increase their chances of finding loving forever homes. Join us in creating a positive impact and building a compassionate community for animals in our care.

Applications

Individuals interested in volunteering should complete the Animal Services Volunteer Application (PDF) and return it for processing. Completed applications can be returned to the Animal Shelter or Email Olivia Nichols, or applications can be faxed to 704 216-7980.

To become an active volunteer, applicants must complete all required checks and attend training/orientation with the Shelter Guardians leadership team. Volunteers must complete the same vetting process as county employee new hires, which includes a criminal background check, driving record check, and volunteer drug pre-test.

Volunteer training/orientation is scheduled through Shelter Guardians. One training/orientation session is held each month. The Shelter Guardians leadership team will contact eligible applicants and provide the scheduled training date.

Volunteers must be 18 years old or older.

Schedule Volunteer Time

Approved volunteers may use the volunteer schedule to reserve a time to volunteer with either cats or dogs.

To protect volunteer privacy, access to the schedule is restricted. The schedule link is provided below, but only approved volunteers who have been granted access will be able to view or schedule volunteer time.

Each time slot allows up to 2 dog volunteers and 2 cat volunteers. Please only sign up for times you are able to attend, and remove your name if your plans change.

Volunteers must still sign in online when they arrive so volunteer hours can be tracked.

👉 View Volunteer Calendar & Schedule Your Time

(Volunteers may be prompted to sign in with a Google account or verify their email address before accessing the schedule. A Gmail address is not required, but access must be granted to the same email address used to open the schedule.)