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Volunteer Opportunities

We have the best volunteer team!

"When I began volunteering at GCHS in 2006, it was a pretty grim place. There are many stories I could tell, but I won't go in to that. I am amazed at what the shelter has become in the ensuing years. We have a competent and caring staff and the best director and volunteer coordinator we could possibly have. The place is clean, all animals have beds (not always the case in the old days), a clean bowl of water and they are loved and respected."
-Suzanne-

"Family. A safe place for ALL creatures, human or otherwise."
-Kim-

"I also started in 2006 and am so proud to have been associated with GCHS as it has grown to provide care and services for so many needy animals over the years."
-Janice-

" I’m new to GCHS, but am so excited to be a part of this organization. Every person I’ve come in contact has been so kind and helpful. The dogs are happy and well cared for. It’s brought a real light into my life."
-Angela-

"I have been volunteering for many years with Jerry Havill & continuing on in his memory. It's been rewarding to see the tremendous improvements & changes over the years & I'm proud to support this fine organization. The staff, volunteers and pets make it a family and everyone truly has the animals & people's best needs at heart. Everyone is a saint!"
-Kathy-

Follow Gulf Coast Humane Society Volunteers on Facebook!

For more information or questions on volunteering:
volunteers@gulfcoasthumanesociety.org
Volunteer Application Process:
Please click the "complete a volunteer application" button above to the left. You will be directed to the Gulf Coast Humane Society GivePulse volunteer application page. Once your application is approved, you will be able to see dates for new volunteer orientation. You MUST complete volunteer orientation BEFORE signing up for any GCHS volunteer opportunities. Thank you for your patience as we transition over to a new & improved system! If you have completed application and do not know if you have been accepted, please check your spam/junk folders; applications are processed every 5-7 business days.

About Volunteering:
The talents of our compassionate and generous volunteers help keep our doors open. Volunteers are actively involved in the general care of the animals including walking/exercising, socializing, grooming, and cleaning kennels. Volunteers are also involved in special projects, events, humane education, offsite outreach programs and in-home foster care. 
  • Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer without a parent or guardian.
  • ​Children 13 through 15 may volunteer to socialize puppies and kittens, with a parent on-site who is also a volunteer.
  • Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to walk dogs. 

To Become a Volunteer:
  • Submit an application. 
  • Once approved, you will receive an email. If you have completed application and do not know if you have been accepted, please check your spam/junk folders; applications are processed every 5-7 business days. ALL volunteers MUST complete an application.
  • Volunteer Orientation lasts about 1.5 hours. You must be on time.  If you are 10+ minutes late, you will need to sign up for another orientation. You MUST wear closed toed shoes. ALL volunteers MUST complete orientation.
  • Volunteers wanting be dog walkers must attend an additional Green Dog Workshop BEFORE they can begin walking dogs. You will receive a link to Green Dog dates & times after completing orientation.
  • 13-15 year old volunteers: the parent/guardian must complete a separate application from the minor & attend orientation. The parent/guardian must also be a volunteer & be on property while the minor volunteers.  ​

​All applications go through a background check. We cannot accept any application from a person having a felony record (current or previous), and absolutely no Domestic Violence, Battery, or Animal Cruelty charges (current or previous). 

Additionally, Volunteer hours do not qualify for Court Ordered Community Service.

Volunteer Positions
  • Dog Walkers (Green Dog class required)              
  • Cat & Kitten Socialization
  • Dog & Cat Kennel Assistants​
  • Special Events
  • Landscaping & Handypersons
  • Donation Bank Collection
  • Grooming/Bathing
  • Front Desk Assistants - (answering phones, data entry, filing)
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