Thank you for your interest in exploring volunteer opportunities at the Western PA Humane Society! We are looking for dedicated and compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals and who have the time and energy to devote to our shelter residents.
Our most popular opportunities are Dog Walking and Cat Cuddling but we have many more opportunities available in animal care, offsite adoption events, fundraising, animal training, and clerical.
In order to give you a better idea of what volunteers do here at our shelter, we are providing general information on volunteer requirements, animal-handling protocols, and exciting opportunities available to volunteers. We also encourage you to come to our shelter and observe volunteer interaction with our animals so that you can make an informed decision about volunteering at the Western PA Humane Society.
Check out our Volunteer FAQ’s to see if you meet our requirements for volunteering.
The Western PA Humane Society is an Open Door Shelter. Please click here to read about our Open Door Philosophy and its benefits to the animals in our community. You may also go to www.opendoorshelters.org to read more.
Step One: Examine your schedule and other commitments to see if you have the time to volunteer. We ask for a minimum commitment of two hours a week for a minimum period of six months. Volunteering with our animals is so enjoyable that we hope you will continue to spend time with them after your minimum commitment is complete!
Step Two: Homework!
Understanding Volunteering Basics and the procedures we follow to keep our animals safe and healthy is of utmost importance. Please click on the animal/s below with whom you’d like to interact, and study the protocols involved in animal handling and the basics of volunteering. These are essential things you need to know while interacting with our animals!
Click below for your choice of animal procedures:
Step Three: Quiz!
Take our Volunteer Quiz to test your knowledge of Volunteer Basics and Animal Handling Protocols. Complete the Dog Walking or Cat Cuddling quiz and let us know which New Volunteer Orientation date/s would best fit in with your schedule.
Dog Walking »
Cat Cuddling »
Step Four: Receive an Invitation and attend a New Volunteer Orientation!
After reviewing your quiz, we will invite you to attend a New Volunteer Orientation. We will do our best to honor your requested date, but if we can’t, we’ll offer you alternative dates. Orientation space is limited. The sooner you submit your Quiz, the sooner you'll receive your invitation. At our Orientations we teach you hands-on animal skills, answer any additional questions you may have, and take you on a tour of our shelter. After your Orientation you will receive a Volunteer Button that will allow you to directly interact with our animals.