Change a Life — Yours and Theirs
At HSSAZ, volunteers are nothing short of lifesavers. Our Volunteers are the reason a shy dog learns to trust again, a kitten gets the comfort of gentle hands, and families find their new companion. Every moment of care, whether it’s a cuddle, an offsite adventure or a helping hand at an event, brings hope and healing to our shelter animals.
Our dedicated Volunteers donate more than 100,000 hours a year to our shelter animals and mission. We can’t do this work without the kindness and dedication of our Volunteers, and there is always room for more hearts to join us!
Dog Walkers
Fosters
Food Distribution
Volunteer Requirements
To become an HSSA volunteer you must:
Be able to make a 6 month commitment if wanting to work with our animals. This entails at least two shifts a month to provide continuity for the animal.
Must be at least 15 years of age to volunteer.
Have written permission of a parent or guardian if under 18 years of age.
Possess all of the essential capability requirements.
Fill out volunteer application and complete all necessary steps in onboarding process, including in-person trainings.
Be willing to demonstrate a positive, customer-oriented attitude when dealing with the public as well as a collaborative, teamwork approach when working with staff and other volunteers.
Meet all of our requirements? Great! Click the button to get started now!!
Volunteer Opportunities
Cat Socialization
Cat Socializers – enjoy one on one time with the adoptable cats in their kennels and play a key role in helping our cats feel safe, loved, and ready for adoption. By spending time with cats and kittens, petting, playing, grooming, and simply being present—you provide the comfort and enrichment they need to thrive while waiting for their forever homes. Cat Socializers must be comfortable interacting with the public as shifts will occur during operation hours.
Required Training
- Volunteer orientation
- Cat Handling class
- In-person training
Community Cat Program/TNR
Community Cat Program volunteers help our community with a very important task: trapping and transporting community cats to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and ear-tipped as part of our Trap Neuter Return program. The main duties of a Community Cat Program volunteer is to help trap cats for Trap Neuter Return services, transport cats to and from participating clinics, and provide community outreach. In addition, Community Cat Program volunteers also help with preparing trapping materials, give talks to local organizations on stray cat solutions, assist with clerical tasks, and help distribute food to colony caregivers for our monthly Community Cat Food Distribution program.
Required Training
- Volunteer Orientation
- Cat Handling Class
- In-person TNR Orientation
- In-the-field training
Dog Enrichment
Our dogs need more than food and shelter—they need love, play, and mental stimulation! As a Dog Enrichment Volunteer, you’ll help make each dog’s day brighter by providing enrichment both inside and outside their kennels. Activities include offering treat puzzles, Kongs, snuffle mats, safe chew toys, and interactive games that stimulate their minds and relieve stress.
Required Training
- Volunteer orientation
- Dog Handling class
- In-person training
Dog Walking
Do you love spending time with dogs? Dog Walkers/Handlers enjoy an immense amount of physical contact with the dogs in the adoptions kennel area. The main duties of the Dog Walker/Handler are to ensure the dogs are exercised and socialized. Many shelter dogs are not trained and/or socialized, but have wonderful temperaments and just need some extra TLC.
Dog Walkers must complete a dog handling class, followed by a Click for Calm Training Shift followed by at least 2 mentor walks to start walking our shelter dogs.
Food Distribution
Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of families and pets in our community! As a Food Distribution Volunteer, you can help ensure that no one goes without the food and supplies they need. You can help in two different capacities:
Prep Shifts
- Organize, sort, and package donated food and pet items. This may entail lifting at least 30 to 50 lbs. bags of food.
- Ensure everything is safe, fresh, and ready for distribution.
Distribution Shifts
- Greet and assist families as they receive donated food and pet supplies.
- Provide compassionate support to make each family feel welcomed, valued and respected.
- Help keep the distribution process smooth and organized.
Every shift matters. Your time and effort help families put food on the table, care for their pets, and feel the support of a caring community. Whether you can spare a few hours sorting supplies or assisting families directly, your help has a lasting impact. Sign up now and be part of a team that nourishes both people and pets!
Foster Volunteer
Foster Volunteers open their hearts and homes to shelter pets in need. Foster Volunteers provide temporary care, love, and socialization for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, whether they need extra medical care, a safe place to heal, or simply a short-term break from the shelter. By fostering, you help animals feel safe, happy, and ready for adoption, giving them the comfort of a home environment and the attention they deserve.
Special Dogs of Tucson (SDOT)
SDOT is a unique adoption program born from the desire to give the senior and long-stay dogs here at the shelter a better chance at finding a loving, forever home.
Each week, our incredible volunteers bring select dogs over to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona Thrift Store to explore, meet potential adopters, and get some much-deserved relaxation time away from the stress of the shelter.
Visit these special dogs four days a week at HSSA Thrift Store at 1010 S. Wilmot Rd. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Required Training
- Volunteer Orientation
- Dog Handing class
- In-person training
Thrift Store Volunteer
1010 S Wilmot Rd. • 520-327-0010
This top-notch store benefits pets, but it has something for everyone. The HSSA Thrift Store sells everything from books and accessories to appliances and furniture – and yes, great stuff for pets! Best of all, purchases are tax-free and every penny goes to help pets and the people who love them!
The HSSA is in need of hard working, reliable volunteers who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty for the sake of animals.
Required Training
- Volunteer Orientation
- Customer Service survey
Looking for Group Volunteer Opportunities?
We have different opportunities for community and student groups to complete projects to help our pets. Please contact volunteer_team@hssaz.org or 520-327-6088 for details. Find information on group opportunities here.
If you need to complete court-ordered community service, call our Thrift Store at (520) 327-0010.
Essential Requirements
Humane Society of Southern Arizona has a wide array of volunteer opportunities that are typically fulfilled by volunteers who work with or in and around cats and dogs. To safely and effectively serve as a volunteer, volunteers need to possess the following physical, mental, and emotional capacities. HSSA volunteers are required to possess:
Essential Physical Capabilities
Ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open cage door while handling an animal).
Sufficient level of manual dexterity, to collar/leash animals and handle small tools.
Ability to walk unaided on unpaved, uneven, rugged and sometimes slippery terrain.
Average vision (with or without correction) to move safely around the building, to be able to observe animal body language without difficulty, and to be able to read notes on animals’ paperwork.
Average hearing (with or without correction) to hear if animal is growling or making sounds indicating fear or pain. Ability to hear calls of alarm such as audible warnings from others or sirens.
Ability to cope with a very loud environment.
Essential Mental Capabilities
Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures.
Good communication skills; reading, writing (example: understand instructions such as quarantine).
Possess basic problem-solving capability.
Ability to receive, incorporate and sustain instruction and feedback.
Ability to remain calm with animals who are upset, behave with confidence and sensitivity, show good judgment and act appropriately in these situations.
Ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior without assistance.
Please note: some accommodations can be made, please contact the Volunteer Office to discuss any of these capabilities that are difficult for you.
Get started today!
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