Animal Shelter Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer
Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in the SPCA Tampa Bay 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. Please review our volunteer requirements, onboarding process, and frequently asked questions before applying.

Want to Become a Volunteer?

Here’s what you need to know

Requirements to become a volunteer

All potential volunteers must be at least 16 years old to help in our Adoption Office and 18 years old for all other roles 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. To view our current volunteer opportunities and submit an application, Click Here. Please note submitting an application does not guarantee placement in the Volunteer Program.
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 our Volunteer Program Manager, Colleen Cherry, at 727-586-3591×162 or CCherry@SPCATampaBay.org.

My child is under the age of 16 and is interested in volunteering at SPCA Tampa Bay, how can they help?

We recognize that many children in the community are interested in helping the homeless animals at our shelter. If your child is under the age of 16 and needs service hours for school, please contact our Volunteer Program Manager, Colleen Cherry, at 727-586-3591×162 or CCherry@SPCATampaBay.org .

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. If volunteers feel ill or test positive for COVID-19 they are required to stay home. SPCA Tampa Bay conducts contact tracing efforts to let volunteers know if they have been exposed to COVID-19 during a volunteer shift. Volunteers are required to follow the same COVID-19 safety protocols as staff which is communicated to volunteers by the Volunteer Program Manager.

Shelter: 727-586-3591 and Pet Hospital: 727-220-1770.

Volunteer
Opportunities

Want to Become a Volunteer?

Requirements to become a volunteer

Onboarding Process

Frequently Asked Questions

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