Adult Volunteering

VOLUNTEERS

ADULT VOLUNTEERING

Friends for Animals is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals who are ready to make a commitment to the animals and our organization. We need volunteers who can learn and adhere to policies and procedures while also being able to work independently. Volunteers must be comfortable working with cats, dogs, and customers!

 

VicNet
Foster an Animal Doggy Day Out

Questions?

Contact the FAMD Volunteer Department at:

313-943-2697 x 1016

volunteers@metrodetroitanimals.org

Youth Programs Adult Volunteering Group Volunteering Court Ordered Service FAQs

Qualifications

As an active volunteer at Friends for Animals, you must:
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Have some availability between the hours of 8am-4pm.
  • Remain active within a 90 day period.
  • Learn and adhere to shelter policies and procedures.
  • Be able to work independently and on a team.
  • Treat all animals, staff, customers, and other volunteers with compassion and professionalism.
  • Be communicative regarding your physical or intellectual disabilities so that the Volunteer Department can help determine appropriate placement.

Process

The process to volunteer at Friends for Animals is as follows:

  • Step 1: Fill out the application here: FAMD Adult Volunteer Application
  • Step 2: The Volunteer Department will contact you via email within 10 days regarding the status of your application.
  • Step 3: Once your application is approved, you will be provided with instructions for scheduling your initial Volunteer Orientation.
  • Step 4: After attending the Volunteer Orientation, you will officially be an active volunteer.
  • Step 5: Sign up for your first shift or training session via the online volunteer scheduling portal, VicNet.

Termination

Both you and Friends for Animals are free at any time, with or without notice or cause, to end the volunteer relationship. Dismissed volunteers are not permitted entry to the shelter beyond the public interactions.

Scheduling

Volunteer service is vital to Friends for Animals overall success. All in-shelter volunteers are encouraged to establish a regular, recurring schedule to ensure coverage of essential shelter duties. There is no minimum weekly or monthly commitment, but you must work at least one shift within a 90 day period to remain an active volunteer. All volunteers will schedule themselves according to their availability and the needs of Friends for Animals via the online volunteer scheduling portal, VicNet. While we don’t wish to exclude those without reliable internet access, it is necessary for the volunteer scheduling process. Volunteers can schedule themselves between the hours of 8am-4pm 365 days a year, including holidays! There are also occasional special events outside of our daily hours of operation available. We are especially in need of help on weekday mornings.

Roles

Our volunteer network supports Friends for Animals in many ways. Even if you are not directly interacting with the animals, you can still support shelter operations. Here are some of the ways that volunteers can contribute:

Red = urgent need.

Daily In-Shelter Opportunities: 

  • Cat Care and Cleaning
  • Dog Care and Kennel Cleaning
  • Dog Walking & Handling (18+ with a degree of physical fitness)
  • Animal Socialization, Enrichment, & Grooming
  • Medical Internship (18+)
  • Adoption Counseling and Showcasing
  • Customer Service in Adoptions or Intakes
  • Dishes, Laundry, & General Cleaning

Offsite Opportunities:

  • Offsite Adoption Events
  • Adoption Follow-Up Calls
  • Crafts for Animals
  • Data Entry
  • Surgery Transportation
  • Fostering, Slumber Parties, & Doggy Day Out
  • Donation Canisters
  • Special Events & Fundraising

Specialty Opportunities:

  • Working with Youth Volunteers ages 12-15
  • Training other Adult Volunteers
  • Marketing & Event Planning
  • Assistance with Special Programs such as Read to Rover & Doggy Day Out
  • Photography, Videography, & Social Media
  • Landscaping & Building Maintenance

Interested in volunteering?

To learn more, please contact us at
volunteers@metrodetroitanimals.org
or 313-943-2697 ext. 1016.

Donate today and an animal will thank you tomorrow.

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