Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement for volunteering at the Western PA Humane Society?

Yes. The minimum age for volunteering with our animals is 16. Children between the ages of 12 and 16 may volunteer with cats and/or rabbits if accompanied by a parent who directly supervises animal interaction. Both the child and the parent must attend a New Volunteer Orientation. We do not accept volunteers under the age of 12 due to safety concerns.

Is there a minimum commitment of hours required to volunteer?

Yes. We ask for a minimum commitment of two hours a week for a minimum period of six months.

Do I need to schedule my volunteer hours?

No. Dog Walkers, Cat Cuddlers, and Bunny Buddies are welcome to interact with our animals any time we are open. We are open seven days a week - Monday from 11 AM - 7 PM, Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM - 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM - 5 PM. Some Departmental Opportunities require a pre-arranged schedule.

Am I limited to interacting with one type of animal?

No. There is a separate New Volunteer Orientation for each type of shelter animal - dogs, cats, and rabbits - and attending each orientation qualifies you for interacting with that particular animal.

I need to fulfill Community Service requirements for school. Can I complete these hours at the Western PA Humane Society?

Yes. You may volunteer as a Dog Walker, Cat Cuddler, or Bunny Buddy if you agree to meet the minimum hours commitment above. If you only need to complete a few hours, we have non-animal-handling opportunities available like gift-wrapping fund-raisers several times a year.

Do I get a discount on Clinic Services or Adoptions if I become a volunteer?

Although we encourage volunteers to use our excellent veterinary clinic and to fall in love and adopt a shelter animal, we do not offer a discount on these services to volunteers.

A group of students needs to complete a special project. Is there anything we can do for the Western PA Humane Society?

Yes. Although we cannot accommodate groups of students to participate in hands-on animal activities, many groups have held food drives and other collections to benefit the animals at our shelter. Other ideas include Car Washes and other fund-raisers to collect money for our shelter residents, making blankets for our cat cages or home-made dog biscuits for our shelter canines. You may visit our Wish List to get more ideas. We occasionally have painting projects, planting projects and other projects that can accommodate a group.

I need to fulfill Court-Ordered Community Service requirements. Are there opportunities available at the Western PA Humane Society?

Yes. We have some supervised Community Service opportunities that would fulfill court mandated requirements. Most require office or clerical experience, and computer knowledge. If you have this type of experience, you may contact jessica.dettling@wpahumane.org or 412 321-4625 x 221 to discuss which opportunities are available at the present time.

I have a special-needs client who wishes to volunteer. What are the requirements for special-needs individuals?

If the special needs of an individual would present a health or safety risk to the individual or to our animals or if the individual is not able to learn and put into practice health and safety protocols, it is required that the individual be accompanied by a job coach or social services worker who will directly supervise the individual's interaction with our animals. Please contact jessica.dettling@wpahumane.org or 412 321-4625 x 221 to discuss which opportunities would be safe and what sort of supervision will be required.

Do I have to be a volunteer to foster an animal?

Foster volunteers do not need to attend a New Volunteer Orientation. A separate Foster Application is required to become a foster parent, and specific guidelines are discussed each time we send an animal into foster. More information on our foster program and the foster application is available on our foster page or at the Western PA Humane Society.