Animal Shelter Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in SPCA Tampa Bay’s Volunteer Program!

SPCA Tampa Bay has hundreds of dedicated volunteers who provide their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals and our community.

To get more information on SPCA Tampa Bay’s Volunteer Program or to fill out an application, please click here.

Want to Become a Volunteer?

Here’s what you need to know

Requirements to become a volunteer

All potential volunteers must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Must be able to make the time commitment which varies by role for a minimum of three months.
Pay a non-refundable suggested donation for volunteer gear (t-shirt, nametag, etc.) of $10-$25 depending on the volunteer position.

Must have access to email.
Must be able to work well with others as all volunteer positions work directly with staff, volunteers, and the public

Onboarding Process

Apply Online: All potential volunteers must submit an online application.
Virtual Orientation: After the potential volunteer applies online, our Volunteer Program Manager will contact them via email and share our online Volunteer Orientation video if their application is a match for our shelter’s current needs,
Complete Phone Meet & Greet: Once the potential volunteer watches the online Volunteer Orientation video the Volunteer Program Manager will schedule a phone meet & greet to discuss current SPCA Tampa Bay opportunities and schedule any additional onsite or virtual training.

Additional Training: The potential volunteer will learn duties specific to their volunteer position through hands-on or virtual training with SCPA Tampa Bay staff or volunteer mentors as well as what to expect as a SPCA Tampa Bay volunteer.
Final Training Steps: Once the potential volunteer completes their additional training the Volunteer Program Manager will contact them with a welcome packet, SPCA Tampa Bay Volunteer Manual, and info about how to provide payment for their volunteer gear.
Start Volunteering: After completing all of the above steps, the volunteer will begin to schedule their volunteer shifts using our online portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an opportunity for one-time volunteering?

Unfortunately, because of the amount of training required to work with our animals, we do not offer one-time opportunities for individuals at our Largo Shelter. We do have one-time volunteer opportunities available at our annual Pet Walk in April. Visit PetWalk.org for more info.

Do you offer court-ordered community service opportunities?

At this time, SPCA Tampa Bay does not offer court-ordered community service hours.

I prefer to fill out a paper application, can I stop by to do so?

No, SPCA Tampa Bay does not accept paper applications, but if a potential volunteer doesn’t have access to a computer, they can stop by and fill out an application on an SPCA Tampa Bay computer.

I have a group interested in volunteering, what opportunities are available?

If you have a group that is interested in volunteering at SPCA Tampa Bay, please contact info@spcatampabay.org

My child is under the age of 18 and is interested in volunteering at SPCA Tampa Bay, how can they help?

We recognize that many children and young adults in the community are interested in helping the homeless animals at our shelter. We have many different ways children and young adults can support our shelter pets – check out some ideas here: 10 Great Ways You Can Help Animals At SPCA Tampa Bay

What are your COVID-19 policies for volunteers?

Most volunteer positions require interaction with the public, staff, and other volunteers. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before signing up to confirm that is a safe choice for you. Volunteer work stations are sanitized daily. Volunteers are required to follow the same COVID-19 safety protocols as staff which is communicated to volunteers by the Volunteer Program Manager.

Group Dog Walking

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SPCA Tampa Bay. We are currently offering group dog walking volunteer opportunities on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1:30pm-3:30pm.

These opportunities require all volunteers to be at least 18 years of age or older, and require all volunteers to be able to volunteer independently, exercise sound judgment, stand, walk, bend, and crouch unassisted. Volunteers should also be able to manipulate 50-60 lbs.

Groups must have 5 volunteers. If you will have less than 5, you may be asked to reschedule.

If you have questions about the essential capabilities for these activities, please ask before signing up.

If you would like to book a volunteering session for your group, please email Colleen Maguire, our Volunteer Coordinator at cmaguire@spcatampabay.org.

For Existing Volunteers : Login

Shelter: 727-586-3591

Thank you for your interest in SPCA Tampa Bay’s Volunteer Program!

SPCA Tampa Bay has hundreds of dedicated volunteers who provide their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals and our community.

To get more information on SPCA Tampa Bay’s Volunteer Program or to fill out an application, please click here.

Want to Become a Volunteer?

Requirements to become a volunteer

Onboarding Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Group Dog Walking

Group Dog Walking

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