Volunteer Opportunities
There are many different organizations you can volunteer with. Check out some of the great organizations below or email [email protected] for more ways to help!
To see all upcoming events and to sign up for events please log on to Laker Link: https://gvsu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/humane-society Log your volunteer hours: GVSU Volunteer Tracker |
Featured Nonprofit Volunteer Opportunities
Links to websites can be found by clicking on each of the organizations.
Carol's Ferals
About Carol's Ferals:
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Carol’s Ferals aims to assist outdoor dwelling cat caregivers with TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) services. Cats are accepted three nights weekly and are spayed/neutered, treated for fleas and parasites and vaccinated or tested for infectious feline diseases as needed or desired. Sick or injured cats are treated and returned when in the best interest of the cat and cat population. Carol’s Ferals advises cat fostering and adoption and does limited adoption of friendly cats and kittens.
Volunteer Tasks:
Our members volunteer in a variety of ways. Helping feed and care for cats is the most popular. With a room full of kittens, you can't resist volunteering at Carol's Ferals.
Volunteer Application - When filling out the application, please indicate that you are a part of HSGV under "Why are you interested in volunteering with Carol's Ferals?" This will help your application be processed faster. If you have additional questions, contact [email protected] Normal Shift Times Are: AM: 9:00 to 11:00 MID: 1:00 to 3:00 PM: 6:00 to 8:00
If you are a grant writer or are interested in physical trapping of cats in the field, they need to know that. Those are their two greatest current need. Please send an email to Carol at [email protected] if you can fulfill either of these volunteer opportunities.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Carol’s Ferals aims to assist outdoor dwelling cat caregivers with TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) services. Cats are accepted three nights weekly and are spayed/neutered, treated for fleas and parasites and vaccinated or tested for infectious feline diseases as needed or desired. Sick or injured cats are treated and returned when in the best interest of the cat and cat population. Carol’s Ferals advises cat fostering and adoption and does limited adoption of friendly cats and kittens.
Volunteer Tasks:
Our members volunteer in a variety of ways. Helping feed and care for cats is the most popular. With a room full of kittens, you can't resist volunteering at Carol's Ferals.
Volunteer Application - When filling out the application, please indicate that you are a part of HSGV under "Why are you interested in volunteering with Carol's Ferals?" This will help your application be processed faster. If you have additional questions, contact [email protected] Normal Shift Times Are: AM: 9:00 to 11:00 MID: 1:00 to 3:00 PM: 6:00 to 8:00
If you are a grant writer or are interested in physical trapping of cats in the field, they need to know that. Those are their two greatest current need. Please send an email to Carol at [email protected] if you can fulfill either of these volunteer opportunities.
Crash's Landing & Big Sid's Sanctuary
About Crash's Landing:
Crash's Landing and Big Sid's Sanctuary are staffed solely by volunteers. If you want to spend some time with people who love helping cats and their community, come join us!
Interested in volunteering, but want to know more about us first? Why not come for one of our New Volunteer Information Tours? It's not a commitment to volunteer, it's a tour of our facilities to see if you are interested. They will be held the 2nd Sundays of the month and also by appointment.
Contact: [email protected]..
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteer Tasks
All volunteers would love nothing more than to sit and pet cats all day. But as the saying goes, those litter boxes aren't going to scoop themselves! All volunteers must contribute to the cleanliness of the shelters and every shift is a working, active shift. Some of the tasks include: scooping, mopping, vacuuming, laundry, feeding and general cleaning. There is still plenty of time to snuggle on some kitties, just as long as the work is done first.
Volunteer Applications
For those without pets in their home apply here
For those with pets in their home apply here
Crash's Landing and Big Sid's Sanctuary are staffed solely by volunteers. If you want to spend some time with people who love helping cats and their community, come join us!
- Volunteers at both shelters are responsible for the daily care of all of our cats, from feeding to cleaning. Of course the 100+ free roaming cats will be more than happy to assist and supervise.
- Shifts run from 2-4 hours all throughout the day, 365 days a year. So if you are interested in volunteering once a month, once a week, or several times per week — we have a shift that will work for you.
- Training will be provided.
- If you are interested in volunteer, contact Crash's Landing at [email protected]
Interested in volunteering, but want to know more about us first? Why not come for one of our New Volunteer Information Tours? It's not a commitment to volunteer, it's a tour of our facilities to see if you are interested. They will be held the 2nd Sundays of the month and also by appointment.
Contact: [email protected]..
Volunteer Requirements
- Regular access to email
- Willingness to commit to at least one shift per month ranging from 2 to 4 hours
- If you have cats in your family, they should be spayed or neutered and current on all vaccines
- Be at least 16 years old or 8 years old with parental supervision
Volunteer Tasks
All volunteers would love nothing more than to sit and pet cats all day. But as the saying goes, those litter boxes aren't going to scoop themselves! All volunteers must contribute to the cleanliness of the shelters and every shift is a working, active shift. Some of the tasks include: scooping, mopping, vacuuming, laundry, feeding and general cleaning. There is still plenty of time to snuggle on some kitties, just as long as the work is done first.
Volunteer Applications
For those without pets in their home apply here
For those with pets in their home apply here
Harbor Humane Society
Volunteer Tasks:
Volunteers from the community help to defray the costs of full-time staffers, handling duties like grooming, kennel tech, assistance in surgery, cleaning, office work, special events, handy work, as well as fostering pets in their own homes.
If you are interested in volunteering for Harbor Humane Society, please fill out the application to the right. Your application will be reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator and if your skills match our needs, we will contact you to attend a Volunteer Orientation. All HHS volunteers must first attend a one hour orientation, followed by more specialized training. We ask that all interested volunteers make a commitment of no less than 5 hours per month with a minimum of a six month commitment.
Volunteer Application:
If you would like to become a volunteer please fill out the Volunteer Application and send it to us. We will contact you by email with further information. An email address is required to be a volunteer. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
Volunteers from the community help to defray the costs of full-time staffers, handling duties like grooming, kennel tech, assistance in surgery, cleaning, office work, special events, handy work, as well as fostering pets in their own homes.
If you are interested in volunteering for Harbor Humane Society, please fill out the application to the right. Your application will be reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator and if your skills match our needs, we will contact you to attend a Volunteer Orientation. All HHS volunteers must first attend a one hour orientation, followed by more specialized training. We ask that all interested volunteers make a commitment of no less than 5 hours per month with a minimum of a six month commitment.
Volunteer Application:
If you would like to become a volunteer please fill out the Volunteer Application and send it to us. We will contact you by email with further information. An email address is required to be a volunteer. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
volunteer-application-2014.pdf | |
File Size: | 426 kb |
File Type: |
Humane Society of West Michigan
Location: 3077 Wilson NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Humane Society of West Michigan asks that you make at least a six-month commitment to your volunteering.
You MUST attend their new volunteer orientation
Steps to follow:
1. Review the volunteer opportunities we offer and decide which one best suits your interest.
2. Fill out an application and turn it in to Sarah Uzarski, Volunteer and Events Coordinator
a. They accept volunteers based on their availability in the interested area every three months. Once your application is received and reviewed, a letter will be sent out inviting you to their New Volunteer Orientation that is held once every three months, or stating that they do not have an opening based on your preferred area of interest or time preference. If an opening is not present, you can indicate your continuing interest in volunteering at HSWM to Ashley Dahl. Your application will be then kept on file and will be reviewed for the next orientation.
3. Register for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation.
4. The following Saturday after orientation is the training for the interested area: cats, dogs, small critters, adoption counseling, or fostering.
5. Complete six hours (usually three shifts) of job shadowing an existing volunteer or staff member.
6. Sign up for your own shift! They ask that volunteers donate their time either weekly or bi-weekly for a minimum of six months.
For more information on their volunteer program, please contact Ashley Dahl, Volunteer and Foster Coordinator at (616) 791-8088, or [email protected].
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
READING WITH FIDO Do you like to read? Do you enjoy the company of a dog? We are looking for individuals that are willing to provide dogs with some quiet reading relaxation in a room separate from the rest of the dog population. This gives dogs an opportunity to settle down and have some normal home-like interaction with people.
CATTERY ATTENDANT We are looking for individuals to tend to the new, state-of-the-art Arthur’s Place cattery. The cats need you to give them the attention they deserve while keeping their homes nice and tidy.
SMALL ANIMAL ATTENDANT We need individuals who have a good understanding about small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils and other various small critters, to provide them with socialization and unconditional love.
HUMANE EDUCATOR Do you like to share your love of animals with others? There is no better way to do so than to represent the Humane Society of West Michigan as a presenter at schools and service clubs; as a counselor at summer/winter camps, Jr. Volunteer Club & Pet Adventure Club; as an intern and as a tour guide. Sharing information on humane animal care will help animals receive the treatment they deserve.
GREETER/PHONE OPERATOR We need friendly faces to greet the public when they come to visit the animals at the Humane Society. These volunteers are seated at our front desk and greet visitors, hand out applications and give directions. These volunteers are huge assets in making our guests feel welcome!
OUTREACH EVENT ASSISTANT (18 years plus; licensed insured and approved driver) Join our animals as they hit the road for mobile adoption events at various pet stores and other locations around town.
FOSTER PARENT (18 years plus) Foster Parents provide homes for potentially adoptable animals while they recover from illness, injury, gain weight, mature or nurse a litter.
POST ADOPTION FOLLOW-UP ASSISTANT (18 years plus) Seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate person to make contact with adopters once they have taken home their adopted animal and follow up with the animal’s behavior, health and overall match to the household. Good communication and computer skills needed.
ADOPTION COUNSELOR (18 years plus) Adoption Counselors help guests choose their newest family member. This is an extremely rewarding and important volunteer opportunity with the benefits of working with both people and animals.
ADOPTION COUNSELING ASSISTANT (16 years plus) Partner up with Adoption Counselors as they conduct meetings with potential adopters, assisting them with retrieving adoptable animals and preparing adoption surveys for the counselors.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (18 years plus) Help out with various office projects such as writing thank you notes, data entry, making copies and other tasks. Enjoy a fun environment and a “behind the scenes” approach to helping the animals.
MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTANT (18 years plus; licensed, insured and approved driver) Work with the Marketing & Events Manager to help promote adoptable pets by transporting them to various media stations so the animal can make their debut, typically no speaking parts required.
MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST (18 years plus) We are seeking individuals that are not afraid to get a little dirty. Volunteers in this position do not work directly with the animals but assist in cleaning, sweeping/mopping floors, wiping down windows as well as minor maintenance projects that are assigned by the Operations Manager.
OTHER If you have a talent or expertise that you think we could utilize, by all means, give Ashley a call. She would love to hear about it! Please indicate your area of interest in the appropriate space on the back of your application.
Humane Society of West Michigan asks that you make at least a six-month commitment to your volunteering.
You MUST attend their new volunteer orientation
Steps to follow:
1. Review the volunteer opportunities we offer and decide which one best suits your interest.
2. Fill out an application and turn it in to Sarah Uzarski, Volunteer and Events Coordinator
a. They accept volunteers based on their availability in the interested area every three months. Once your application is received and reviewed, a letter will be sent out inviting you to their New Volunteer Orientation that is held once every three months, or stating that they do not have an opening based on your preferred area of interest or time preference. If an opening is not present, you can indicate your continuing interest in volunteering at HSWM to Ashley Dahl. Your application will be then kept on file and will be reviewed for the next orientation.
3. Register for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation.
4. The following Saturday after orientation is the training for the interested area: cats, dogs, small critters, adoption counseling, or fostering.
5. Complete six hours (usually three shifts) of job shadowing an existing volunteer or staff member.
6. Sign up for your own shift! They ask that volunteers donate their time either weekly or bi-weekly for a minimum of six months.
For more information on their volunteer program, please contact Ashley Dahl, Volunteer and Foster Coordinator at (616) 791-8088, or [email protected].
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
READING WITH FIDO Do you like to read? Do you enjoy the company of a dog? We are looking for individuals that are willing to provide dogs with some quiet reading relaxation in a room separate from the rest of the dog population. This gives dogs an opportunity to settle down and have some normal home-like interaction with people.
CATTERY ATTENDANT We are looking for individuals to tend to the new, state-of-the-art Arthur’s Place cattery. The cats need you to give them the attention they deserve while keeping their homes nice and tidy.
SMALL ANIMAL ATTENDANT We need individuals who have a good understanding about small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils and other various small critters, to provide them with socialization and unconditional love.
HUMANE EDUCATOR Do you like to share your love of animals with others? There is no better way to do so than to represent the Humane Society of West Michigan as a presenter at schools and service clubs; as a counselor at summer/winter camps, Jr. Volunteer Club & Pet Adventure Club; as an intern and as a tour guide. Sharing information on humane animal care will help animals receive the treatment they deserve.
GREETER/PHONE OPERATOR We need friendly faces to greet the public when they come to visit the animals at the Humane Society. These volunteers are seated at our front desk and greet visitors, hand out applications and give directions. These volunteers are huge assets in making our guests feel welcome!
OUTREACH EVENT ASSISTANT (18 years plus; licensed insured and approved driver) Join our animals as they hit the road for mobile adoption events at various pet stores and other locations around town.
FOSTER PARENT (18 years plus) Foster Parents provide homes for potentially adoptable animals while they recover from illness, injury, gain weight, mature or nurse a litter.
POST ADOPTION FOLLOW-UP ASSISTANT (18 years plus) Seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate person to make contact with adopters once they have taken home their adopted animal and follow up with the animal’s behavior, health and overall match to the household. Good communication and computer skills needed.
ADOPTION COUNSELOR (18 years plus) Adoption Counselors help guests choose their newest family member. This is an extremely rewarding and important volunteer opportunity with the benefits of working with both people and animals.
ADOPTION COUNSELING ASSISTANT (16 years plus) Partner up with Adoption Counselors as they conduct meetings with potential adopters, assisting them with retrieving adoptable animals and preparing adoption surveys for the counselors.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (18 years plus) Help out with various office projects such as writing thank you notes, data entry, making copies and other tasks. Enjoy a fun environment and a “behind the scenes” approach to helping the animals.
MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTANT (18 years plus; licensed, insured and approved driver) Work with the Marketing & Events Manager to help promote adoptable pets by transporting them to various media stations so the animal can make their debut, typically no speaking parts required.
MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST (18 years plus) We are seeking individuals that are not afraid to get a little dirty. Volunteers in this position do not work directly with the animals but assist in cleaning, sweeping/mopping floors, wiping down windows as well as minor maintenance projects that are assigned by the Operations Manager.
OTHER If you have a talent or expertise that you think we could utilize, by all means, give Ashley a call. She would love to hear about it! Please indicate your area of interest in the appropriate space on the back of your application.
HSWM Volunteer Application | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: |
John Ball Zoo
What Do John Ball Zoo Volunteers Do?
The John Ball Zoo has more than 100 volunteers who work in a variety of capacities - On-site, Off-site and at Special Events. We offer training and volunteer opportunities during weekends, evenings and weekdays to accommodate your busy schedule
Volunteer Educators / Docents
Docents help the Zoo serve in its conservation and education mission by interacting with our guests informing them of the wonders of wildlife and about the animals in our collection. Mostly this is done through:
• Tours
• Discover Carts
• Exhibit Interpretations – Critter Chats
• Summer Interactive Exhibits (Rays, Budgies, Wallabies, Pygmy Goats)
• Special Events
The next training session for new docents will take place in Spring 2012.
Animal Care Team
Are you 18 years of age or older and have an interest in working with animals or in an animal-related career? Then the Animal Care Team may be just right for you! This volunteer program allows you to experience what it takes to care for the animals here at John Ball Zoo. From preparing diets and cleaning animal viewing areas to observing and recording behaviors, the animal care team is a wonderful opportunity for those who are passionate about caring for animals. Openings are limited by schedules and staff needs. Shifts are 2 hours minimum and must be regular and consistent.
We are no longer taking applications for fall placement. The next session for new volunteers will occur this winter. As soon as details are determined dates will be posted on the John Ball Zoo website.
Volunteer Divers
Are you 21 years of age and SCUBA certified with at least 15 logged dives?
Volunteer Divers assist in cleaning and maintaining exhibits, preparing food for and feeding exhibit animals and assist the animal care staff in the Living Shores Aquarium.
Park Volunteers
These volunteers offer services and activities in the park and gardens such as planting, raking, weeding, parking, trail work, greeting visitors, etc. The work of Park volunteers is seasonal.Park Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
West Michigan Critter Haven
About West Michigan Critter Haven:
A network of foster homes, WMCH rescues bunnies, birds, rats, and other little critters. If you are able to foster, they are a great organization to work with. They also take volunteers to photograph new animals as they come in and add them to the website. Live near Holland or Portage? Help WMCH at a PetCo adoption event. HSGV has a great relationship with this group, contact them for more opportunities!
A network of foster homes, WMCH rescues bunnies, birds, rats, and other little critters. If you are able to foster, they are a great organization to work with. They also take volunteers to photograph new animals as they come in and add them to the website. Live near Holland or Portage? Help WMCH at a PetCo adoption event. HSGV has a great relationship with this group, contact them for more opportunities!
volunteer_application.pdf | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: |
Wildlife Rehab Center
About Wildlife Rehab Center:
Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd. is an independent, nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to offering the West Michigan area a reliable, high-quality resource for the rehabilitation of orphaned, abandoned, injured, or incapacitated wildlife. Licensed by both the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, we offer a very high level of practical experience, know-how, contacts, and confidence. Working with us is a professional and simple way to guarantee the swift and humane return of wounded animals and migratory birds to their natural habitat.
Volunteers will be asked to help in keeping the facility clean. Food and water containers need to be changed daily for each animal that is on site. In addition, bedding will need to be changed for each animal as well. Volunteers are also able to aid in the release of rehabilitated animals if there is a release that day. It is recommended volunteers wear boots as they will end up getting dirty! Volunteers are asked to be available weekly for a morning or afternoon shift. Shifts last approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.
Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd. is an independent, nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to offering the West Michigan area a reliable, high-quality resource for the rehabilitation of orphaned, abandoned, injured, or incapacitated wildlife. Licensed by both the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, we offer a very high level of practical experience, know-how, contacts, and confidence. Working with us is a professional and simple way to guarantee the swift and humane return of wounded animals and migratory birds to their natural habitat.
Volunteers will be asked to help in keeping the facility clean. Food and water containers need to be changed daily for each animal that is on site. In addition, bedding will need to be changed for each animal as well. Volunteers are also able to aid in the release of rehabilitated animals if there is a release that day. It is recommended volunteers wear boots as they will end up getting dirty! Volunteers are asked to be available weekly for a morning or afternoon shift. Shifts last approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.
wrc_volunteer_application_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 215 kb |
File Type: |