Getting Started

Step 1. Submit an adult volunteer application

Applications help us place you in roles that match your skills, comfort level, and availability.

Step 2. Attend orientation

Orientation covers safety, protocols, scheduling, volunteer expectations, animal-handling basics, and a tour of the facility. You will receive your volunteer badge at orientation.

Step 3. Complete required training

Some roles, such as dog walking, animal care, and surgery support, require additional training modules or shadow shifts.

Roles for Adult Volunteers

Adult volunteers have the widest range of placement options, including:

• Animal Care: Kennel cleaning, laundry, dishes, feeding support, enrichment, animal socialization.

• Dog Walking: Exercise, enrichment, and basic leash skills for adoptable dogs.

• Cat and Small Animal Care: Cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and socialization.

• Playgroup Runner or Assistant: Help staff with supervised dog-to-dog play sessions.

• Surgery Support: Support animals through pre- and post-operative care for spay/neuter procedures.

• Adoption Advocate: Help match animals with adopters and support the adoption process.

• Administrative Support: Data entry, filing, organization, phone assistance, and customer service support.

• Event Specialist: Help prepare for offsite adoption and fundraising events.

Scheduling and Service Expectations

• Volunteers sign up for shifts through Bloomerang Volunteer.

• To remain active, volunteers must serve at least one hour per month for three consecutive months after onboarding.

• Volunteers must sign in and out at each shift using Bloomerang.

• Inactivity of more than three months results in badge filing, and six months requires re-orientation.

Age & Supervision

Adult volunteer roles are open to individuals 18 and older. Youth volunteers have separate requirements (see youth page).

Questions

Email volunteer@bluemountainhumane.org for assistance or placement guidance.