Volunteers of SLAAS

Get Started

Placeholder image of two dogs.

Time to read:

4 minutes

Table of Contents

Before Your Start Checklist

We’re excited to have you. Before you get started, make sure you have all of the following.

  • Volunteer Application Submitted and Approved
  • Proof of COVID Vaccine
  • Government ID
  • Signed Waiver Forms
  • If you’re under 18, Bring Your Parents to Orientation
Are you under 18 years old?

If you’re between the ages of 16 to 18, a parent or guardian is required to be with you during orientation, but you can volunteer at the shelter by yourself.

If you’re between the ages of 14 to 16, a parent or guardian is required to be with you during orientation, as well as when you volunteer at the shelter.

Don’t have a volunteer application submitted and approved?

Before you’re able to volunteer at the shelter or attend your orientation, you’ll need to first apply to be a volunteer at LAAS. The application is quick, and most are approved within a 2-3 business days!

Apply to Become a Volunteer

Welcome!

A welcome from Arlene McNeel, our volunteer coordinator, who will go over what we’re going to cover in this getting started series.

What Volunteers Do

First Last will discuss what volunteers do around the shelter.

There’s something for everyone to do at the shelter. Some jobs include:

With Animals

  • Exercise and socialize with dogs
  • Clean, care, socialize with cats
  • Clean, care, socialize with rabbits

With the Public

  • Counsel potential adopters
  • Publicize adoptable animals on social media
  • Handout supplies at Pet Food Pantry

Supporting the Shelter

  • Run laundry

Your First Shelter Visit

First Last talk about what you need to know before your first shelter visit.

On your first visit, make sure to wear your required gear: dark blue t-shirt, long pants, and closed-toed shoes.

When you start volunteering, you might also optionally bring: fanny pack or cross-body bag, water bottle, mask, hand sanitizer, long sleeves for under your t-shirt when it’s cold, or a jacket when it rains.

For parking, we suggest parking on either side of the street in front of the shelter if you’re physically able so that members of the public can use the parking lot.

In the annotated image below, you can see where most of the important things are at the shelter.

More Info About the Shelter

First Last covers some additional info including hours of operation, and the other places volunteers might work at.

Volunteers can work at the shelter from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week; not including major holidays.

Arlene is generally at the shelter from morning to around 3:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday. If you need help while volunteering outside those hours, you can ask staff for an assist.

The shelter is open to the public 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, and closed on Mondays.

The public can walk through the dog kennels. They can also visit the cat and rabbit rooms, but generally only with a staff or volunteer in the room with them.

Volunteers also work at LAAS’s 5 other shelters, and at mobile pet adoption events throughout the city.

Trainings for Volunteers

Arlene McNeel, our volunteer coordinator, will cover how volunteers are trained at the shelter.

Don’t handle animals until you’re trained or if a handler says it’s okay.

If an animal gets loose, double check the gates are closed, but let handlers take care of it.

As you volunteer, you can sign up for the following trainings:

  • Dog Handling (Levels 1, 2, and 3)
  • Cat Handling
  • Rabbit Handling
  • Adoption Counseling

Marathon, Not Sprint

First Last gives an important reminder to avoid burnout while volunteering with LAAS.

Remember, don’t burn out.

It’s always okay to say no to something when you’re uncomfortable.

It always okay to go a little slower or say no to something if you’re not feeling it.

Many experienced volunteers do take an occasional break from the shelter. (Other info about this.)

Next Steps

Arlene McNeel, our volunteer coordinator, will cover what’s next after watching this get started series.

After this get started:

  • Schedule your orientation visit on the volunteer portal
  • If you’re under 18, make sure to bring a parent or legal guardian to orientation