Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals (Ages 18+)

First step to becoming a volunteer for JHS:

If you’re considering becoming a volunteer, we invite you to watch the Volunteer Information Session. You can RSVP for an upcoming orientation below. You only need to attend one session or orientation. These sessions are for individuals who are over the age of 18, have graduated high school, and meet our essential capabilities for all volunteers.

Due to current events, all volunteer orientations have been postponed until further notice. Please check back for future orientation dates.

Volunteer Program FAQ

Please note, to volunteer with the Jacksonville Humane Society you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age. Youth volunteers, ages 16-17 or 18 and still enrolled in a high school program, can apply here for our youth program.
  • Volunteers must be able to volunteer independently.
  • Commit to volunteering once a week for the first 3 months of volunteering.
  • There is a volunteer fee of $30 you must pay at orientation. This includes a volunteer t-shirt, nametag and helps defray JHS volunteer program expenses. If you cannot pay this due to financial constraints please contact the volunteer team at volunteer@jaxhumane.org.
  • Volunteer service through the volunteer program CANNOT be court-ordered.
Volunteering at the Jacksonville Humane Society does require certain skills and abilities. These essential capabilities are, but not limited to:
  • Commit to volunteer once a week for three (3) months or more.
  • Able to work independently and willing to work as part of a team.
  • Comfortable speaking to members of the public.
  • Maintain professional appearance & positive energy when volunteering.
  • Willing to learn and utilize Volgistics, online volunteer scheduling system.
  • Must have average vision (You must be able to see the body language of an animal for safety).
  • Able to take instructions and follow safety protocols.
  • Able to work with cleaning chemicals.
  • Meeting the basic physical requirements for volunteers.
  • Commitment to JHS’ mission & the volunteer program mission.
For any volunteers wanting to work with animals, there are these additional essential capabilities:
  • Standing unassisted for long periods of time.
  • Walk distances unassisted
  • Bend, kneel, crouch unassisted
  • Use of both hands simultaneously
  • Lift, carry and move at least 25 lbs independently.
  • Volunteer roles may have additional requirements. These can be found in the role descriptions.
Through our Dog Day Out program, you can take an adoptable dog out of the shelter for an adventure! You do not need to be a registered volunteer to participate in this program.
We typically hold 3-4 orientations a month, but the number can fluctuate based on current shelter needs. If all of the orientations are full, we encourage you to check back at a later time for future orientation dates.