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Volunteer

We can't do it without you!

Each year, our volunteers donate over 100,000 hours of their time to help support our mission… and we’re always looking to grow that number!

Join our team of staff and volunteers working to improve the lives of pets and people in our community.

Volunteer Requirements

  • At least 6 months commitment
  • Can volunteer independently
  • At least 16 years old
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Maryland SPCA volunteers
Maryland SPCA volunteer with white and tan shelter cat
Maryland SPCA volunteer with white shelter pitbull
Two Maryland SPCA volunteers smiling

Volunteer Roles

We have a variety of areas that we always need help in, submit an application and let us know what interests you!

Dog Deputy

Volunteer hugging gray and white pitbull
More info

Cat Concierge

Volunteer in Raven's hat holding white shelter cat
More info

Front Desk

Volunteer training another volunteer on front desk duties
More info

Events

Maryland SPCA staff and volunteers at event on the Baltimore Harbor
More info

KIBBLE CONNECTION

Volunteer packing pet food for those in need
More info

Group Opportunities

Group of volunteers around Maryland SPCA sign
More info

Youth Opportunities

Group of girl scouts with donations
More info

Wagging tales

Student reading to shelter dog during Wagging Tales program
More info

Community Service

Volunteer giving two thumbs up while cleaning pet food bowls
More info

Enrichment

MD SPCA staff member with treat filled kongs for shelter dogs
More info

Dishes & Laundry

Volunteer pulling towel out of laundry machine
More info

*Please note most volunteer roles have an age requirement of 16. See our Youth Opportunities above for more information on how you can help.

apply now

Help us by making
toys and treats!

Toys

 
 

Snuffle mat

Snuggle blanket

treats

 

Pumpkin oat ball dog treat

 
 

Give the Gift of Supplies

Every item donated to the Maryland SPCA is one less item we need to buy to care for our shelter pets. Please consider purchasing from our Wish List. Your gift will be sent directly to us!
wish list

Dog Deputy

Dog Deputies play a crucial role in providing humane care and socialization to the dogs in our shelter. They also introduce dogs to potential adopters.

The Dog Deputy role works with the Kennel Tech staff to provide frequent walks to the dogs in our shelter. This can be a physically demanding job since the shelter environment is stressful, and the dogs are excited to go outside. We provide several levels of training for new volunteers to determine which dogs you’re comfortable working with, and to show the policies and procedures designed to keep both you and the dogs safe and minimize stress.

Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in a kennel setting.
  • Volunteers may be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, loud barking, and the risk of animal bites.
  • Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed-toe shoes, and shirts with sleeves at all times. A volunteer t-shirt will be provided to you after 10 hours of service.

Commitment

  • We ask that you can commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month for at least 6 months. Frequent visits help you maintain your skills and become better acquainted with the shelter after your training.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Walk and socialize with dogs on the Maryland SPCA’s property, in the kennel, at “fun runs,” and in our “Get Acquainted Room.”
  • Introduce dogs to prospective adopters.
  • Provide enrichment to the shelter dogs.
  • Transport dogs to adoption events. 
  • Take adoptable dogs on off-site adventures through our Dog’s Day Out program. 

Requirements

  • Ability to work with dogs of varying strengths.
  • Walking for periods of time with frequent bending, kneeling and pulling.
  • Willingness to learn and take direction from staff about how to work with dogs. No matter your level of experience, walking dogs in our shelter requires training!
  • No peanut butter allergies! We use a lot of it around the shelter.

Training

  • Attend an orientation, complete the online training modules, and then schedule a training “shadow session” with a Volunteer Coordinator.

Cat Concierge

Cat Concierges support our cats by providing excellent customer service to adopters and providing socialization and enrichment for the cats.

Working with the Kennel Team and with the support of the Volunteer Team, Cat Concierges provide socialization and enrichment for the cats. They can also introduce cats to potential adopters.

Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in a kennel setting.
  • Volunteers can be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, and the risk of animal bites.
  • Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed toe shoes, and shirts with sleeves at all times. A volunteer t-shirt will be provided after 10 hours of service.

Commitment

  • We ask that you commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month for at least 6 months. Frequent visits help you maintain your skills and become better acquainted with the shelter after your training.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Standing for periods of time with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping and reaching.
  • No cat allergies and must be able to pick up cats if needed.
  • Willingness to learn and take direction from staff about how to work with the cats. No matter your level of experience, working with cats in our shelter requires training!

Training

  • Attend an orientation, complete the online training module, and then schedule a training “shadow session” with our staff.

Front Desk

Be the face of the Maryland SPCA by greeting visitors, sharing program information, and taking go-home photos of adoptees.

The front-desk concierge supports the Maryland SPCA by making the first impression to visitors and by directing the flow of adopters. Volunteers in this area will provide high levels of customer service to all visitors of the Maryland SPCA, with the support of the Volunteer Team and the adoption staff.

Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in administrative and kennel setting.
  • Volunteers can be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites.
  • Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed-toe shoes, and shirts with sleeves at all times.

Commitment

  • Please commit to a minimum of 4 shifts per month for 6 months. Frequent visits help you maintain your skills and become better acquainted with the shelter after your training.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Greet all visitors and direct them to their desired area of the shelter.
    Answer customer questions or direct them to a staff member who can.
    Sign in adopters for interviews and help them with the online application.
    Help with administrative tasks as needed.
    Taking “go-home” photos of animals who have been adopted.

Requirements

  • Good customer service and attention to detail.

  • No physical demands.

Training

  • Attend an orientation, complete the online training, and then schedule a front desk training with the Volunteer Coordinators.

Events Associate

Event volunteers represent the Maryland SPCA at community events throughout the year.

Event volunteers support us by representing the MD SPCA at community & outreach, adoption and fundraising events. Events play a crucial role in making our community aware of our lifesaving services and adoptable pets as well as raising funds!

Duties and Responsibilities.

  • Engage event attendees, providing information about MD SPCA services and programs.
  • Facilitate “meet and greets” with animals at adoption events. (if trained)
  • Assist with setup and breakdown of tables, tents and chairs.
  • Oversee event activities and games (such as “Bobbing for Hotdogs” or toy making stations)

Requirements

  • Standing for periods of time, with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching.
  • Positive customer service- you’ll be interacting with the public!
  • Occasional lifting and loading of event materials.

Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in a variety of locations both indoors and outdoors.
  • Volunteers may be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, and the risk of animal bites.

Become a volunteer in the shelter, then be on the lookout for events in the Better Impact Opportunities calendar! Event details and needs vary depending on the events.

Kibble Connection

Volunteers support the pet food pantry by re-bagging kibble, organizing the pet food pantry, and helping to distribute food to clients on pantry days.

Volunteering Environment

  • In a warehouse setting. Bring water and a positive attitude!

Duties and Responsibilities

Packing shifts (Wednesdays from 10am-12pm)

  • Putting away donations.
  • Sorting and combining loose items from donations.
  • Tidying up warehouse.
  • Bagging cat and dog kibble.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Outreach Coordinator.

Pantry Shifts (Saturdays & last Wednesday of month, 9am-1pm)

  • Greeting pet food pantry clients arriving by car to pick up their food.
  • Pulling supplies from the warehouse to be picked up.
  • Bagging cat and dog kibble
  • Other duties as assigned by the outreach coordinator.

Requirements

  • Volunteers should be able to stand for extended periods of time. Many tasks require volunteers to lift about 25lbs, bend, stoop and reach.
  • Volunteers should be able to follow and respond to staff instruction.
  • Good customer service.
  • Volunteers are representatives of the MD SPCA and must act in accordance with our five core values – community, compassion, respect, integrity and innovation while volunteering.
  • Keep community members’ information strictly confidential.

Training

  • Attend volunteer orientation, then complete the online training module.

Group Opportunities

We offer a variety of opportunities for groups to hold a day of service on the grounds of the Maryland SPCA. We engage dozens of corporations, university groups, and nonprofit groups each year.

Each group that visits the Maryland SPCA for a day of service will receive a behind the scenes tour of the shelter!

How to schedule your day of service

  • To schedule your Day of Service, please complete this form.
  • Please allow plenty of time to schedule your group day of service. We cannot always accommodate last-minute requests. We typically book groups 1-2 months in advance. 
  • Group size will be determined by the activity chosen.


Your agenda at the Maryland SPCA

  • 10-15 Minutes: Team arrives, checks in and signs waivers, goes through a group intro to the MD SPCA, and takes a team photo.
  • 2-3 Hours: Team gets to work on their assigned volunteer project or task. 
  • 30 Minutes: Shelter tour and wrap up.


Types of tasks performed by volunteers

  • Group dog walking (8-10 volunteers per group)
  • Supporting our Kibble Connection pet food pantry (8-20 volunteers)
  • Event support: set up, tear down, and help with event activities. (8-20 volunteers)


Volunteer experience

  • The presence of animal fur, animal dander, and peanut butter can be found throughout our facility. Please plan accordingly to ensure that you have a safe visit.
  • Volunteers should always wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and a shirt with sleeves. It’s best to wear something that you don’t mind getting a little messy!

Youth Opportunities

Kids Can Help Shelter Pets, Too

While our volunteer program is designed for individuals 16 years of age and older, children under 16 can still make a difference in the lives of our shelter pets by:

  • Eagle Scout and Gold Award Projects. If you are interested in helping the Maryland SPCA through an Eagle Scout or Gold Award Project, please contact the Humane Education department at [email protected] or 410-235-8826 ext. 5002. Past projects have included building an exercise yard for our shelter animals, planting trees, building benches, making community cat shelters, and more! Projects are accepted based on shelter need and availability.


Do you have an idea for a project that you don’t see above? Please contact us to discuss your ideas at 
[email protected] or 410-235-8826 ext. 5002.

Community Service

The MD SPCA offers short-term volunteer opportunities for individuals in need of community service hours, whether they are court-ordered or school-related.

Court-ordered community service volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be 16 or older.
  • If court-ordered, your charge must be a misdemeanor, or probation before judgment.
  • Please allow for appropriate time to complete your hours. We cannot always meet last-minute requests for service.
  • You must be able to work in a self-directed environment.
  • You must be able to complete hours during our business hours or when an appropriate staff member is available.


Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in a variety of settings, including but limited to the kennel, laundry room, and our pet food pantry warehouse.
  • Volunteers may be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, loud barking, and the risk of animal bites.
  • Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed-toe shoes, and shirts with sleeves at all times.

Commitment

  • We ask that you fulfill your community service requirements within a timely fashion. We are not able to accommodate all community service

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Community service volunteers perform duties such as doing laundry, washing dishes, cleaning our shelter, helping maintain the grounds, or assisting the Kibble Connection program.

Training

  • Court-ordered community service volunteers must attend a community service orientation scheduled by the Volunteer Coordinators. This training will include a shelter tour, dishes & laundry training, and an overview of expectations during service.

Enrichment

The MD SPCA Enrichment Program provides shelter pets with items and experiences that encourage mental stimulation to prevent boredom and lower stress levels. At minimum, every dog gets a Kong treat and a variety of toys and every cat gets several toys each day.

Enrichment Volunteers help by preparing those enrichment items and giving them out to the cats and dogs that are on the list! Volunteers can be creative as they want with it; for every day, there are options and choices for what enrichment items to prepare.

Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in a kennel setting.
  • Volunteers may be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, loud barking, and the risk of animal bites.
  • Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed-toe shoes, and shirts with sleeves at all times. A volunteer t-shirt will be provided to you after 10 hours of service.

Commitment

  • We ask that you can commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month for at least 6 months. Frequent visits help you maintain your skills and become better acquainted with the shelter after your training.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepare enrichment like Kongs, lick mats, frozen “pupsicles”, snuffle mats, and more.
  • Help pass out enrichment to cats and dogs.
  • Restock supplies and maintain a clean environment in our enrichment room.

Requirements

  • No lifting requirements.
  • Able to be a self-starter.
  • No peanut butter allergies! We use a lot of it around the shelter.

Training

  • Attend an orientation, then sign up for an in-person enrichment training.

Dishes & Laundry

Dishes and laundry volunteers help us keep the linens, bowls, toys, and other items clean and ready for use. Volunteers wash, dry, and sort all of the items that come into the laundry room. This volunteer support ensures that there is clean bedding and supplies needed for daily care of the pets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Wash, dry and fold linens, fabric toys, dog beds, leashes, collars, and harnesses.
  • Sort clean laundry into appropriate bins or laundry baskets.
  • Wash and sanitize bowls and hard toys.
  • Sort dishes into appropriate shelving or bins.
  • Support the Animal Care Technicians with other duties as assigned.
  • Sort through linen donations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds
  • Standing for periods on time with frequent bending, kneeling, stooping and reaching

Volunteering Environment

  • Volunteering is performed in a kennel setting
  • Volunteers can be exposed to strong smells, animal waste, and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites.
  • Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed toe-shoes, and shirts with sleeves (short or long) at all times. A volunteer T-shirt will be provided after 10 hours of service.

Commitment

  • A recommended minimum of 2 shifts per month for 6 months

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