Volunteer with Humane Society of Greater Dayton
The animals are calling, and they need YOU! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. They provide thousands of hours of service and contribute to all areas of our organization. If you are interested in volunteering, please click one of the links below to get some more information.
347
347 volunteers and fosters generously gave their time to support our animals in 2023.
Become a Volunteer With Us!
From socializing animals to helping file papers, we have something for every person here at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Our Volunteer Coordinator will work with you to find the tasks that fit your interests and passions, all while helping to move our organization’s mission forward.
Individual Volunteers
We’re always in need of special people to help us care for the animals in our community.
Groups and Company Volunteers
Find out how your group or company can join the fun and help some animals.
Community Service
Do you have community service hours and need to help a nonprofit?
Service Enterprise
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton was the first animal welfare agency in Ohio to be certified as a Service Enterprise animal welfare agency. Through this certification, we worked with the Best Friends Animal Society and Points of Light to develop an extensive plan to better engage and motivate the volunteers at our shelter. Our goal is to make volunteering a rewarding experience for you. We want to find what you are passionate about and work with you to see how you can turn that passion into something that helps our animals.
What Volunteer Opportunities are Available to You?
Here are just a few of the ways volunteers contribute to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton every day. Volunteers are not limited to these tasks. If you are passionate about a certain tasks or have other ideas on ways to help, reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@hsdayton.org to reach out to us in ways we can work together to impact the lives of animals!
Advanced Dog Handlers
To exercise and socialize nervous dogs or dogs who may be extra strong or guarded
Bunny Brigade
To exercise and socialize and clean enclosures for the rabbits at our shelter
Canine Crew
To exercise, socialize and/or clean dog enclosures at the shelter
Cat Cab
To help transport adoptable cats to offsite adoption locations
Donations Pick Up
Managing donation boxes at local businesses or picking up in-kind donations from stores
Feline Friends
To exercise, socialize and clean enclosures for the cats at our shelter
MeowZa Cat Boutique
To assist MeowZa Cat Boutique staff in day-to-day store operations including cleaning cat cages, adoptions and helping customers
Office Angels
Supporting the staff at the Humane Society with data entry or other clerical work
Offsite Event Assistant
To help the Offsite Event Coordinator by handling adoptable animals and talking to the public about HSGD's programs at adoption events
Paw-Parazzi
To capture great photographs of the animals that are available for adoption that are used to market them on website
Pawde Squad
To help clean cat or dog enclosures on an on-going or on-call basis
Pet Therapy
To provide temporary animal companionship for residents of assisted living and senior centers
START Training Team
To take dogs to the Dayton Dog Training Club and work with them to teach them basic obedience skills
Shelter Transport
To transport adoptable animals from other, usually open-intake shelters, to bring to HSGD
Spay & Neuter Clinic Assistant
To work with the spay and neuter clinic to make appointment calls, complete data entry, etc.
Volunteer Center (for current volunteers)
Thank you so much for generously donating your time to the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton! To access the Volunteer Center, simply click the button below. We appreciate you and everything you do every single day to help the animals in our care!
133,035
Our volunteers and fosters gave a combined 133,035 hours of service to help animals at our shelter in 2023. That is equivalent to 64 full-time employees!
A Very Special Thank You
We are more than a hub for animal adoption. We over programs, resources, and services for all animals in the Greater Dayton community.
Answers to Common Volunteer Questions
From age requirements to volunteer availability, we answer many of your frequently asked questions here.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must attend the open house with a parent. Volunteers ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering at the facility. Please check out the list of specific physical, mental, emotional, and supervision requirements for each volunteer opportunity. When signing up for an open house, please sign each staff member up separately as seats in the open house are limited.
Do I Have to Volunteer a Certain Number of Hours?
We’d like to see you as much as possible, but we’ll take at least four hours per month for six months. This helps in two ways:
- Volunteers gain a good understanding of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton policies and procedures.
- The well-being of the animals in our care is developed and maintained consistently.
The four hours may be split however you prefer throughout the month.
What are the Volunteer Hours?
The Nicholas Road facility is open to its volunteers during these times:
Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
These hours are not adoption hours for the public.
Can I Volunteer for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton at Any Other Location Than the Nicholas Road Facility?
Yes! Besides coming to our Nicholas Road facility, volunteers can help at offsite adoption events on evenings and weekends or work at the MeowZa Cat Boutique (located in the Dayton Mall).
Is There a Dress Code for Volunteers?
Yes, there are certain requirements for volunteers at the shelter.
Volunteer T-shirt (received at Open House) or any HSGD Volunteer t-shirt from previous events
- Volunteer t-shirts are easily distinguishable and set you apart from the general public
- If you ever forget your volunteer t-shirt or just need a new shirt you are always welcome to buy a new one for $5
Name Badge
- Your name badge gives staff a friendly reminder of who you are
- Your name badge also allows staff to identify what areas you are fully trained in and where you can help.
- Your name badge can be kept at the HSDG facility in the purple name badge bin
Pants
- Full length pants are preferred with no holes
- Shorts can be worn – please keep in mind length
Shoes
- Closed Toe
- Non-slip (preferred)
Jewelry
- NO hoop earrings (for safety while handling animals)
- Be aware of necklaces or bracelets that can be easily snagged
You will be working with animals and your clothes might be damaged or soiled. You represent the Humane Society of Greater Dayton while volunteering and must not wear clothing with suggestive or offensive words or graphics, or clothing that is too revealing. If you dress inappropriately, you WILL be asked to change into appropriate attire.
What If I Need Service Hours for School or Court?
We allow individuals to accrue service hours for school or court! We have specific tasks that apply toward these hours including: laundry, dishes, crate cleaning and other miscellaneous tasks that staff may need help with. Socializing with animals does not count toward school or court hours. You MUST reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule these hours. You must be 16 years or older.
Am I Able to Shadow a HSGD Shelter Staff Member or Vet Clinic Employee?
We wish that we could help with this. But we do not have a program that lets us fill these requests at this time.
Who Do I Contact if I Have Questions?
If you have any questions regarding our Volunteer Program, contact us at volunteers@hsdayton.org. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have!