Volunteer @ AWS

We have plenty of ways you can help out at AWS!

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Thank you for your dedication!

Love animals? Want to make sure they have a safe, clean and comfortable place to stay at AWS? Enjoy the veterinary medical field? Want to make a difference in our operations? Or love to mow the lawn? If you answered yes to any of those questions, we could use you! Learn about the difference ways you can help at AWS and apply today.

Make a Difference!

Learn about the different ways you can help at AWS.

Each animal space is cleaned and sanitized daily, the most important way to keep our resident pets happy and healthy. Our volunteers play an integral role in our daily cleaning and laundry. We also offer opportunities to volunteer during animal transports, in the Adoption Center Lobby, or by taking dogs for walks, entertaining cats, visiting rabbits and birds. And that’s just the start. There are so many ways volunteers support our animal shelter operations!

Clinic volunteers play a vital role in AWS’ onsite, full-service Veterinary Clinic. Regular tasks include cleaning, doing laundry, sterilizing surgical equipment and comforting animals through recovery.

Helping out in the Clinic is a great opportunity for retired nurses, veterinary technicians or those who don’t get squeamish in medical situations. Those who are interested in animal care and veterinary sciences are also encouraged to get involved!

Be a second pair of hands for our trainers during classes and resident dog socialization. Our Training volunteers help direct students during class, move equipment around, answer clarification questions, as well as set up and clean up before and after all behavior training. Classes take place morning, afternoon and evening, most days a week.

Volunteers who love working with kids will have a great time in Youth Programs, supporting our humane education programming. Youth program volunteers are often retired teachers or day care providers, though anyone who enjoys education and/or working with children is encouraged to get involved!

So much of our daily work takes place outside of the animal spaces. We look for assistance in our Business Office, stuffing envelopes and helping with data entry. For those who enjoy the outdoors, our Facilities team appreciates help caring for our 40 acre property. Lawn mowing, weeding and planting, keeping our trails groomed are common and very helpful volunteer tasks.

Are you passionate about chatting with people? Do you enjoy taking pets out in the community? Then we’d love to have you as an events ambassador. We are always looking for new ambassador volunteers to represent AWS at community events, like festivals and parades.

Please Check Back Soon

*Due to the overwhelming support of our community, we are not accepting volunteer applications at this time. Please check back soon if you wish to apply. Thank you for your support!

The application asks questions about your availability, your interest and your skills. Once we receive your application, our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to invite you to an upcoming Volunteer Orientation.

Youth volunteers 15 years old or younger are welcome to volunteer at AWS with a parent/guardian volunteering alongside them. Those aged 16-17 are welcome to volunteer individually with a parent/guardian’s consent. If under 18, please fill out the youth application.

The application asks questions about your availability, your interest and your skills. Once we receive your application, our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to invite you to an upcoming Volunteer Orientation.

Youth volunteers 15 years old or younger are welcome to volunteer at AWS with a parent/guardian volunteering alongside them. Those aged 16-17 are welcome to volunteer individually with a parent/guardian’s consent. If under 18, please fill out the youth application.

Questions?

For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 121.

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Working with both children and pets takes a special and compassionate person, and that’s exactly how we would describe our Youth Programs volunteers! Alongside our Youth Programs Coordinator, volunteers help children visiting with AWS both inside and outside the classroom with fun games, tasks, education and, of course, animals. With programs like Rescue Readers, Furry Tales, and After School Club, there’s a lot to do around here regarding humane education! We’re grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Youth Programs volunteers who assist in teaching compassion, kindness, and care for all creatures!