Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering
Do you think you have what it takes? Then we want you!
In return for your hard work and dedication, we will provide support, training and boundless gratitude. Volunteers are vital to the lives of homeless or neglected pets in Durham County. Each APS of Durham volunteer pledges at least eight hours a month to dog or cat care, socializing animals, front desk support or serving on an Education Committee.
Interested in Reading With Cats? Our program is currently closed – stay tuned for updates.
Volunteers We Need The Most
- Weekday morning dog walkers (8am-10am)
- Many of our dogs are house-trained, and hold it throughout the night until volunteers are able to let them out in the morning. Sometimes, we have only 1-2 volunteers to walk 40 dogs. This is a crucial shift, as it grants our dogs relief that is important for both their physical and mental health.
- While we need dog care volunteers throughout the day, the morning shifts typically mean shorter, quicker walks to potty. By the afternoon, we hope dogs will have been out at least once already, and can be taken on more leisurely walks!
- Cat volunteers
- Education/event volunteers (bilingual a plus!)
APS Volunteer General Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 16+ to walk dogs without adult supervision
- Volunteers must be 15+ to volunteer with our cats without adult supervision
- Volunteers 10+ may volunteer with parent or guardian
- Volunteers work at least 8 hours per month and commit to volunteer for at least six months (for exceptions to this or questions, please still apply and note this in your application; we still want your help!)
- Volunteers must be able and willing to follow procedures for the safety of the animals, the public, volunteers and staff.
- All Volunteers must 1) attend an orientation and 2) complete necessary training before volunteering.
- We do not accept volunteers who are required to volunteer for court ordered or attorney recommended community service and we are not able to validate volunteer hours for such purposes.
Volunteering at an animal shelter will be physically and emotionally challenging. Should you decide to volunteer, please know you will make a difference in the lives of the animals at the Durham County Animal Shelter and the Durham community, at large.
Available Volunteer Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8AM-4:45PM
Wednesday: 8AM-4:45PM
Saturday, Sunday: 8AM-3:45PM
Holidays: Will be announced
How to Become a Volunteer
- Complete your APS Volunteer Profile at the link at the top of the page and sign up to attend a New Volunteer Orientation. Orientation will give you an opportunity to learn more about the APS of Durham’s mission and operations, guidelines and expectations, and volunteer opportunities.
- After you’ve completed Orientation, you decide if you want to make the commitment to volunteer with us. We will set up a time for you to be trained in your area of interest. Most volunteers will go through two to five hours of training before they begin volunteering independently.
How Teens & Children Can Help
Many young people ask how they can help the homeless animals at the Durham County Animal Shelter. Due to liability concerns, volunteers working with the dogs (feeding, socializing, etc.) must be at least 16 to volunteer without a guardian present (at least 15 to work with the cats).
Children and Teens 10 years or older, Learn more here…
Children 9 years and younger, Learn more here…
(We do not have on-site shelter volunteer opportunities for kids 9 years and under)
Already a volunteer?
Current APS Volunteers log in here.