Volunteer Information
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with Pet Pal! Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved with our community and know that you are making a difference and helping us achieve our mission.
How do I become a volunteer?
Submit the application below, or print and complete an application and bring it to the shelter, clinic, or thrift store. A volunteer coordinator will be in contact with you by phone to set up a time for your orientation.
After your orientation is complete, the volunteer coordinator will set up a volunteer schedule that works for you.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during their initial visit.
What can those under 16 do to help?
There are several ways younger folks can help the shelter:
Raise money with a dog wash, car wash, or bake sale. Post Pet Pal information at dog parks. Put together a donation drive for items on our wish list. Koins for Kitties or Dimes for Doggies: Collect spare change for our animals(remember a little goes a long way)! Have a birthday party gift drive: Ask party guests to bring an item from our wish list. Make bandanas for the dogs. Arrange for a Pet Pal representative to speak to your class, Girl Scout troop, etc. Create an animal care booklet that can be handed out to children. Be a positive role model and make sure your animals are up to date on their vaccines and are spayed or neutered.
Volunteering at the Shelter
Available hours for volunteering: 8 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday
Dog duties:
Socialize, exercise and play with dogs of all sizes outdoors in the play yard, let dogs out and back into their kennels and supervise all dogs to maintain safety.* Clean any dirty kennels and dispose of any waste that is left by dogs in the yard. Assist with dishes, laundry and dog bathing as needed. Help with feeding. Dog volunteers must to able to handle large dogs, bend and stoop.
* After 4 weeks of service, you may be trained to walk dogs outside of the shelter.
Cat duties:
Socialize and play with cats & kittens and be aware of cat behavior. Spot clean litter boxes and tidy the cat room, making sure cats have toys and clean water. Assist with dishes and laundry as needed. Help with feeding. Cat volunteers must be able to bend and stoop.
General Duties:
Mopping floors Cleaning dishes General cleaning Answering phones Shelter paperwork
Volunteering at the Thrift Store
Available hours for volunteering: 10–5 Wednesday through Sunday Pet Pal Thrift Store 1500 34th Street North (U.S. 19) St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 (727) 327-9848
Assist in thrift store operations as directed by store manager. Duties may include retail customer service & sorting, steaming or cleaning donation. Thrift store volunteers must be able to bend and lift 30 pounds.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Care for sick, injured, or very young animals in your home (usually 2-4 weeks). For more information, email foster@petpalanimalshelter.com. Represent Pet Pal at special events, usually on weekends. For more information email karri@petpalanimalshelter.com.