Volunteer
Our volunteers are essential to our success! There are many ways that you can help, including working with the animals, at home, or at off-site events. See our list of opportunities below!
Volunteer Requirements
To ensure the safety and well-being of our animals and volunteers, we have the following requirements:
- Age: Volunteers who wish to work directly with animals must be 18 years of age or older, or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Physical Requirements: Volunteers must be able to lift at least 20 pounds and stand for up to two hours, involving reaching, bending, and walking.
- Training: Our volunteer program includes a two-day comprehensive training.
- Background Check: All volunteers are subject to completing a background check.
- Community Service: We do not accept community service hours mandated by court orders.
By meeting these requirements, you can become a valuable part of our team and make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Please fill out an application here.
Foster Care Team
Foster families provide temporary care for pets who need extra time and attention before they can be put up for adoption. This is a high-responsibility position and can involve providing medical care, grooming and socializing. The time commitment required varies between a few days and a few months depending on each pet’s needs.*
Humane Education Team
Humane Education volunteers assist with our Responsible Pet Ownership program. Activities include providing lessons and making presentations to classrooms of various aged children, presenting educational programs to community groups, assisting with marketing and program implementation. Therapy dogs and their owners are encouraged to join this team!
Offsite Event Team
Offsite volunteers help to plan and run community events! Activities include speaking with the public about the Suffolk Humane Society and showcasing our adoptable animals at off-site events. Offsite volunteers can volunteer at individual events or serve on an event-planning committee. Click here to see what events are currently planned!*
Administrative Team
Administrative volunteers get to work from home! Administrative volunteers are an essential part of our volunteer team. Responsibilities include stuffing and mailing flyers, assembling adoption bags, writing newsletters, etc. If you need to volunteer on your own schedule, this is the job for you!
Cat care
The job entails working both morning and evening shifts at the main office focusing on cat care. Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness in cat boxes and kennels, providing food and water to the cats, socializing with them, and performing various other cat care duties. Additionally, successful completion of the Fear Free Shelter course is a requirement for the position.
Events
This role primarily involves providing assistance during events, including setup and breakdown of materials. Our organization hosts two major events annually, in addition to various smaller events throughout the year.
Event Planning
In this role, you will assist with all aspects of event planning, coordinate and facilitate meetings, and provide support for fundraising initiatives.
Office Front Desk
This position involves working flexible hours from 10 am – 12 pm, 10 am – 2 pm, or 12 pm – 2 pm, Monday through Friday. Responsibilities include answering phone calls, scheduling neuter scooter appointments, welcoming guests, providing assistance with the pet pantry, and contributing to mailing tasks.
Janitorial
This position involves assisting with cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and laundry as needed, with flexible availability.
