North Shore
1101 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15233
(412) 321-4625
Elizabeth
1680 Fallen Timber Road
Elizabeth PA 15037
(412) 751-2010
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, Cat Cuddling, and Bunny Buddying, 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.
Without a doubt the most popular volunteer activities here at the Western PA Humane Society involve direct interaction with our wonderful animals. But there are many volunteer opportunities available in a departmental setting that are enjoyable and allow you to get to know our staff and help with the important "behind the scenes" functioning of our organization. Departmental volunteers are required to attend at least one New Volunteer Orientation.
By necessity these opportunities require a regular schedule, particular skill sets, and because most require additional training, a minimum two-month commitment.
Take some time to look over the opportunities listed here and see if one (or more!) appeal to you. If you wish to get started in a departmental opportunity, contact jessica.dettling@wpahumane.org. If your time schedule and skills would make a good fit for that opportunity, you may then meet with departmental staff and schedule training. We'd love to work side-by-side with you and get to know you better!
Training provided for all positions - looks great on a Resume!
The WPHS offers Community Service opportunities for compliance with educational and court-ordered Community Service. Community Service opportunities are staff-supervised and include kennel work, shelter maintenance, clerical, and data-entry, depending upon the skills and interests of the Community Service applicant. Available opportunities depend upon the applicant's availability. Click here to apply.
TheWPHS welcomes families and groups of volunteers for Single Day of Service volunteering. Although we do not offer Dog Walking, Cat Cuddling, or Bunny Buddying to one-time volunteers, we provide enjoyable projects that benefit our shelter animals and are great opportunities for groups of animal-loving volunteers! Click here to schedule a Single Day of Service opportunity.
The WPHS greatly appreciates volunteers who prefer to dedicate their skills and expertise in ways that do not involve animal handling and offer Helpful Hands Volunteer Program Clerical, fund-raising, gift wrapping (seasonal), grounds-keeping, shelter maintenance, cleaning, event staffing, data entry, surgical instrument sanitizing, retail store help, greeting visitors -- all of these volunteer positions make a huge difference in the lives of our animals and our staff. Click here to sign up!
