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Volunteer Orientation/Training
Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities with the Atlanta Humane Society.
The volunteers here at the Society play a crucial role throughout the daily operations of the Shelter. Without the hard work and dedication they all put forth to care for the animals, educate the public, and tirelessly assist in any shape or form, the Society would simply not be. We are always looking for volunteers who are committed, caring, and are ready to make a difference in the lives of animals and adopters. The Atlanta Humane Society volunteers work together, and by joining our team of dedicated volunteers, you will be helping us to place as many adoptable animals as possible into loving homes, and to educate the public about pet care.
Please carefully review the details below to understand how to get started as a "Society Pet" Volunteer. We appreciate your time and your visit.
How to Become an AHS Volunteer
Joining the AHS team is a 2-step process. Prospective volunteers must attend one Volunteer Orientation/Training and one Mentor Session.
Step 1: Attend a Volunteer Orientation/Training
At orientation you will learn about the history of the Atlanta Humane Society, our mission, and information about the volunteer program and its functions, as well as information regarding trainings for the different volunteer jobs offered. The orientation lasts 30 minutes.
You will then work with our Animal Behavior & Counseling Coordinator to complete your 2-hour hands-on training session. This training will go into more detail about handling animals and general procedures and policies of the AHS. This session is mandatory for all volunteers. We request a donation of $15 to help offset expenses, including volunteer t-shirt, apron and leash.
For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, attendance for the entire orientation is required for you to gain a thorough understanding of the shelter's functions, volunteer commitment, responsibilities and much more. Registration for orientation is required. The orientation/training lasts approximately 2.5 hours. All requirements must be fulfilled before officially becoming a volunteer at the Shelter.
Step 2: Complete Mentoring Session
The adoption volunteer and pet-facilitated therapy roles require mentoring which you will sign up for after the volunteer orientation/training.
Once you become an official AHS volunteer you will be connected with our online group to sign up for shifts.
Please note: The volunteer program, training, and opportunities offered through the Atlanta Humane Society only apply to the Atlanta Humane Society in Atlanta, Georgia. We are not affiliated with any other shelters or groups, so their policies may be different.
How to Register for Volunteer Orientation/Training
You will need to register for orientation by following the EMAIL link below. Please specify the date you are interested in attending orientation/training. You will receive a response confirming you are signed up or that the training session is full. You may email, fax or bring your completed application with you to your training session.
| Volunteer Orientation/Training SIGN UP |
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 PDF volunteer application available for download |
Volunteer Orientation/Training will be held in the Kresge auditorium on the following dates:
| Saturday | March 13 | 9:30am |
| Saturday | March 27 | 9:30am |
| Saturday | April 10 | 9:30am |
| Saturday | April 17 | 9:30am |
| Saturday | May 8 | 9:30am |
| Saturday | May 22 | 9:30am |
| Saturday | June 9 | 2pm |
| Saturday | June 26 | 9:30am |
Can Children Volunteer at AHS?
Volunteers 12-15 years of age MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times when volunteering. Both the minor and the adult must attend the Volunteer Orientation/Training, attend training classes pertaining to the program that the minor has chosen, and meet the schedule commitment requirement for the site/department they are volunteering in. (If both parents or legal guardians will be chaperoning then both parents or legal guardians MUST go through the entire volunteer process, no exceptions).
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 Orientation/Training and sign the release form provided by the Atlanta Humane Society prior to the teen volunteering.
For information on what volunteer opportunities children can help with please visit the tab labeled 'opportunities'.
Community Service
Community Service orientations are held every Wednesday morning at 9:30am.
Please contact Tracy Lopez at tracyl@atlantahumane.org to register