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Become a HSSC Volunteer

VOLUNTEER:  Become a HSSC Volunteer  |  Volunteer as a Group |  Volunteering for Kids  |  Volunteer Portal

Volunteer Opportunities at HSSC

If you’re passionate about animals and making a difference in their lives, you’ve come to the right place. As a private nonprofit organization, HSSC would not be what it is today without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

Please note:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to apply and volunteer. No exceptions.
  • Volunteering with direct animal contact requires at least a weekly commitment of 2 hours . Other volunteer opportunities have more flexibility
  • Animal Care volunteers must be able to lift 25 pounds, bend, and stand for extended periods.
  • We do not offer court-ordered community service hours.
  • We do offer one-time volunteer group opportunities that must be scheduled in advance and require completion of a group volunteer form.

Volunteer Process

Step 1: Complete a Volunteer Application.

Complete and submit the Volunteer Application. Information about the required background check is included within the application.

Once your application and background check has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an email with next steps.

Volunteer Application
Step 2: Complete a Background Check

All volunteers 18 years of age and older are required to complete a background check before beginning volunteer service. Background checks help us maintain a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, clients, and animals.

The cost of the background check is $21.50 and is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Background check results typically take up to 72 business hours to be processed. Once your background check has been completed and approved, you will receive a link to register for Volunteer Orientation.

If your background check is not approved, you will be notified and provided with the reason.

Step 3: Sign Up for Volunteer Orientation

Orientation lasts approximately 90 minutes and is held at the Humane Society of Summit County. Additional instructions and consent forms will be provided.

Step 4: After Orientation

After orientation, our Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with you by email to schedule role-specific training and help you get set up in our scheduling system.

Step 5: Schedule Your Training

Specific training for Cat Care and Dog Care may be provided through group sessions or online courses that include videos and quizzes, which can be completed on your own time.

Once completed and passed, you will receive access to available training times to complete a mentored shift with a staff member or experienced volunteer.

Non-animal care roles receive on-the-job training.

Training sessions may last between 1–2 hours.

Step 6: Establish a Regular Schedule

Scheduling allows us to make the most of your time here and helps us identify when additional support is needed.

Animal Care volunteers must commit to at least one shift per week. Shifts are offered in 2-hour blocks, with the option to schedule additional time.

Volunteering Opportunities

Job Description

As a Cat Care Volunteer, you will work directly with cats to help make their stay at the shelter more comfortable.

Responsibilities include:

  • Cleaning cat cages
  • Providing enrichment such as brushing and socialization
  • Spot cleaning and maintaining comfortable living spaces
  • Assisting the Behavior Team with preparing and distributing enrichment items

Our greatest need is assistance with deep-cleaning cages before 11:00 AM daily.

After 11:00 AM, shifts focus primarily on socialization and spot cleaning.

Cat Feeding Volunteers are responsible for feeding cats during scheduled feeding shifts:

  • Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–9:00 AM and 1:30 PM–3:00 PM
  • Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM–9:30 AM and 1:30 PM–3:00 PM

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator
  • Cat Care 101 Training (cat behavior)
  • Completion of a mentored shift with a seasoned volunteer or staff member

Training times will be provided at the end of class.

Commitment

Minimum of one 2-hour shift per week.

Available Volunteer Shifts

Any two-hour period between:

  • Sunday–Saturday: 7:30 AM–6:45 PM

Volunteers must sign up for shifts in Volgistics prior to attending.

Job Description

Administrative Support Volunteers assist office staff with:

  • Making copies
  • Preparing mailings
  • Assembling adoption folders
  • Sorting donations
  • Miscellaneous office duties

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator
  • On-the-job training

Commitment

Flexible

Available Volunteer Shifts

Any two-hour period between:

  • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Volunteers must sign up for shifts in Volgistics prior to attending.

Job Description

Foster Volunteers provide a temporary loving home environment for animals that may not thrive in the shelter or are too young and vulnerable.

Responsibilities include:

  • Feeding and socializing foster animals
  • Grooming and monitoring health
  • Maintaining a safe environment
  • Reporting concerns to the Foster Coordinator
  • Returning animals to the shelter upon request

All foster animals must be adopted through HSSC, though foster families may help promote adoptable animals.

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator
  • Completion of a Foster Interest Form
  • Meeting with the Foster Coordinator

Commitment

As needed

Available Volunteer Shifts

24 hours/day depending on foster needs and volunteer availability.

Job Description

Help ensure dishes and toys are properly cleaned and sanitized to keep our animals healthy and safe.

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • On-the-job training

Available Volunteer Shifts

Dog and cat dish shifts are available:

  • 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • 2:30 PM–3:30 PM

Volunteers must sign up for shifts in Volgistics prior to attending.

Job Description

We are constantly doing laundry to ensure animals have clean bedding and staff and volunteers have fresh cleaning supplies available.

Volunteers may focus solely on laundry or assist while completing other volunteer tasks.

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • On-the-job training

Commitment

Flexible

Available Volunteer Shifts

  • 9:30 AM–11:30 AM
  • 1:30 PM–3:30 PM

Volunteers must sign up for shifts in Volgistics prior to attending.

Job Description

Special Events Volunteers help events run smoothly and ensure attendees have a positive experience.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Assisting with setup and cleanup
  • Greeting guests
  • Organizing materials
  • Supporting event activities
  • Helping brainstorm future event ideas

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • On-the-job training

Commitment

Flexible

Available Volunteer Shifts

Varies based on event schedule.

Volunteers must sign up for shifts in Volgistics prior to attending.

Job Description

Assist with shelter improvement projects and general upkeep, including:

  • Cleaning common areas
  • Lawn maintenance
  • Minor repairs
  • Assisting volunteer groups
  • Supporting special projects outside of daily shelter operations

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator

Commitment

Flexible

Available Volunteer Shifts

Any two-hour period between:

  • 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Volunteers must sign up for shifts in Volgistics prior to attending.

Job Description

Help support our mission to ensure no member of the family goes hungry.

Responsibilities include:

  • Transporting donated food from donation sites
  • Contacting local pet stores regarding possible donations
  • Portioning and organizing food bags

Volunteers must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator
  • On-the-job training

Commitment

Flexible

Available Volunteer Shifts

Shifts vary based on pantry hours and needs.

Job Description

Happy Tails volunteers assist with:

  • Organizing donations
  • Sorting merchandise
  • Stocking shelves
  • Creating attractive displays

The thrift shop is located at:
1770 Merriman Valley Road, Akron, Ohio

Prerequisites

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator
  • Tour with Store Manager
  • On-the-job training

Commitment

Flexible

Available Volunteer Shifts

Typical volunteer hours:

  • Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Monday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Hours are subject to change.

Job Description

Join our state-of-the-art Mobile Adoption Center and help bring adoptable animals into the community to meet potential adopters.

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Greeting visitors
  • Assisting with adoptions
  • Handling dogs during events

Participation requires prior approval.

Prerequisites

MAC Greeter

  • Volunteer Orientation
  • Meeting with Volunteer Coordinator

MAC Dog Handler

  • Active Dog Care Volunteer for at least 6 months

Available Volunteer Shifts

Shifts vary based on the Mobile Adoption Center event schedule.