Do you love spending time with animals? If so, we need you! There are multiple ways to get involved in a volunteer capacity at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Dog Walkers: Dog walking volunteers work one-on-one with dogs and puppies, taking them outside for exercise and training, and giving them all the love, they need to thrive in a shelter environment. The shelter can be a noisy and stressful place for dogs who have been lost or given up on by their owners. Interaction with people is their best therapy. 

Cat Cuddlers: Cat Cuddlers hold, pet, interact and brush the shelter’s felines. This allows cats to relax in the shelter where there may be several strange smells and noises. The Cat Cuddler Program allows volunteers to interact with kittens and cats to help alleviate the animal’s stress, thereby enabling the cat to become more friendly and calm when approached by potential adopters. 

Event Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to represent the Forsyth County Animal Shelter at special events. Volunteers may be required to assist with check-in, provide directions, set-up and/or clean-up and any other special needs. Our Events Volunteers must have the ability to meet deadlines and be flexible with job assignments. 

Photography Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to take pictures and shoot videos of our adoptable animals on a weekly basis for the adoption section of our website and social media pages. 

Doggy Day Out: Our Doggy Day Out program allows those with a few hours to spare or a whole day to help our shelter dogs. Volunteers can check a dog out for the day and take them on an adventure. Whether it’s cuddle time at their home or a great walk and car ride, it gives our dogs a much-needed break from shelter life. 

Volunteer General Requirements:

1. You must provide proof of medical insurance.

2. Forsyth County Animal Shelter highly recommends volunteers be up-to-date on tetanus vaccination, however this is not a requirement.

3. You must be 18 years of age to volunteer independently in the shelter. 

4. You must be able to donate at least 4 hours per month.

5. All volunteers are subject to a 16-hour probation.

6. Must have Internet access and valid email address as most communication, updates and scheduling will be done online.

7. Hours open for volunteering: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

How to Become a Volunteer:

Those interested in volunteering should complete an online Volunteer Application Form and send the completed form to foster@forsythco.com. Upon review, the applicant may be contacted for an interview. Following the interview phase, an orientation will be completed to provide you with an overview of the shelter, including volunteer opportunities, general safety protocol, our expectations, and more. A tour of the shelter is offered as well.

Applicants are selected based on availability (weekends versus weekdays), current needs of the shelter, interests of the volunteer, etc. All applications are reviewed within 10 business days. Applicants who are not selected will not be contacted, but the application will be kept on file.

To learn more, please contact:

CMBeebe@forsythco.com