Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I become a volunteer?
• What training is required?
• Are there any costs associated with volunteering at the Atlanta Humane Society?
• Is their a time commitment?
• How old do you have to be to volunteer?
• I’m not quite 16 yet but my friends and I really want to help.
• Is there anything we can do?
• If I have completed volunteer training at another humane society or shelter can I volunteer at AHS?
• How can my group get involved in volunteering?
• Can my group get a tour of the facility?
• Can I get community service hours for school?
• Can I satisfy court-ordered community service requirements at AHS?

Volunteer Training sessions are usually offered twice a month. Dates and times can be found under the volunteer training tab or by going to www.atlantahumane.org/volunteer/training.php. Registration is required.

What training is required?

All potential volunteers must complete Volunteer Training. Once that training is complete, you are ready to begin with the following volunteer opportunities – Greeter/Shop Volunteer, Administrative Assistant Volunteer, Special Event Volunteer (Hop-a-round Hound), Heartbank Volunteer.

Adoption Volunteer, Pet Facilitated Therapy, Animal Admission Volunteer require further training – www.atlantahumane.org/volunteer/training.php.

Foster Care volunteer requires a home check.

Are there any costs associated with volunteering at the Atlanta Humane Society?

All volunteers must pay a one-time fee of $25 to help offset expenses, including volunteer apron, t-shirt, and leash (if working with dogs).

Is there a time commitment?

We ask for a commitment of six months, and at least 5 hours a month.   

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

The minimum age to begin volunteering at AHS is 16.

Volunteers 16 and 17 years of age are not required to volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. However, the parent or legal guardian must attend the INITIAL Volunteer Training and sign the release form provided by the Atlanta Humane Society prior to the teen volunteering.

I’m not quite 16 yet but my friends and I really want to help. Is there anything we can do?

Unfortunately, anyone under the age of 16 cannot volunteer at the shelter. However, there are ways to help the AHS outside of the shelter!

Supply Wish List Drive
The shelter is always in need of various supplies which are listed on our website - www.atlantahumane.org/donate/wish-list.php.
        
Organize a Walk-a-thon
With permission, organize a walk-a-thon at your school, church, or group within your community. Invite others to participate and collect donations for the AHS!

Society Pet Fliers
Print Society Pet fliers off of our website and with permission, distribute them in your community. Try local shops! This is a great way to help our Society Pets get adopted!

Or come up with your own idea!

Monetary and Wish List donations can be delivered anytime during normal business hours. Please see AHS Info tab.

Can I start volunteering tomorrow?

We really appreciate the interest and enthusiasm to join our wonderful volunteer group, however, it does take some time and training to become an AHS volunteer.  
Volunteer Training sessions usually fill up 2 months in advance.

If I have completed volunteer training at another humane society or shelter can I volunteer at AHS?

The Atlanta Humane Society is not affiliated with any other shelters. AHS is a private, non-profit organization. Any interested persons must complete Volunteer Training at AHS.  

How can my group get involved in volunteering?

We have two opportunities for groups to volunteer – Pet Parade and Fur Fest. Pet Parade is usually the first weekend in May and Fur Fest is our fall event. Occasionally, we also need help with general maintenance and yard work. For more information on how to get involved with these events, please email volunteer@atlantahuamne.org.

Check out our featured events page - www.atlantahumane.org/events/featured-events.php.

Can I get community service hours for school?

Volunteers must first complete a minimum of six months in the volunteer program before we will verify hours for school.

How can my group get involved in volunteering?

We have two opportunities for groups to volunteer – Pet Parade and Fur Fest. Pet Parade is usually the first weekend in May and Fur Fest is our fall event. Occasionally, we also need help with general maintenance and yard work. For more information on how to get involved with these events, please email volunteer@atlantahuamne.org.

Check out our featured events page - www.atlantahumane.org/events/featured-events.php.

Can I satisfy court-ordered community service requirements at AHS?

Yes, orientations are held every Wednesday at 9:30am.
www.atlantahumane.org/volunteer/community-service.php.