You can learn about pet care, make new friends that share a passion for animals, and have tons of fun, all while making a positive impact on the lives of animals.
We welcome volunteers who would like to donate their time and are interested in making a difference. Your participation and fresh ideas can help toward finding forever loving homes for all abandoned dogs and cats.
All volunteers receive training and orientation. There are many volunteer positions you may be interested in helping with.
Related FAQs
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older (or 15 if volunteering with a parent or adult volunteer)
Commit to a requirement of 6 month 100 hours
Must pass a criminal history background check provided by ASD. Volunteers 15 years old will have the background check done along with their parent or legal guardian
Be able to effectively communicate in the English language
Adhere to the volunteer dress code (long khaki pants, closed-toe shoes, and volunteer t-shirt that will be provided)
You must attend a two-hour volunteer orientation session to become a volunteer. Sessions are held at the following times and locations:
Pet Adoption and Protection Center
Every Saturday at 10 a.m.
The first and third Thursday of every month at 5 p.m.
Miami-Dade County provides equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate on the basis of disability. For material in alternate format, a sign language interpreter or other accommodation, call Luis Salgado at 305-418-7162 or send him an email salgado@miamidade.gov at least five days in advance of the meeting.
The job descriptions for Volunteer Positions at Animal Services are as follows:
Adoption Counselor Adoption counselors greet customers, answer questions and show pets to prospective adopters.
Animal Care Care for shelter animals by feeding and grooming them, cleaning cages and assisting with various kennel duties.
Bather Volunteers wash dogs prior to surgery and as needed. Bathing dogs in a gentle manner also helps them remain calm, socialized and feel much better!
Clinic Support Support the Health Care Staff in giving medications and assisting vet techs on the daily functions.
Dog/Cat Enrichment Pet loving volunteers are needed to exercise, walk and socialize adoptable shelter pets.
Education Outreach Provide education regarding animal issues (spay or neuter, local county ordinances, general pet care, behavior issues) to the public. Tour Guide volunteers are also needed.
Felix Varela High Veterinary Program Students enrolled in the veterinary program can volunteer without a parent or guardian. Enrollment needs to be confirmed by teacher.
Mobile Adoptions Take adoption animals out into the community to meet the public, and perhaps their new family! Mobile adoption locations include pet stores, parks, etc.
Pet Detectives Review lost and found ads, escort citizens searching for lost pets to restricted areas of the shelter and provide information packets.
Photographer Assistant Assist photographers by bringing selected pets to be photographed.
Puppy Foster Care Provide temporary home care for puppies who are not yet ready for adoption due to age. For those who are willing to open up their homes and hearts, fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. It saves lives.
Rescue Assist rescue coordinators by taking pets to clinic to be checked, etc.
Shelter Ambassador Volunteers with excellent customer service skills and outreach can be trained to be a voice for our shelter by assisting the Volunteer Coordinator.
Special Events Assist in the planning of events and securing supplies and donations.
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