First step to becoming a volunteer for JHS:
If you’re considering becoming a volunteer, we invite you to attend a Volunteer Information Session. You can RSVP for an upcoming session below. This session is for individuals who are over the age of 18, have graduated high school, and meet our essential capabilities for all volunteers. The session will include:
- Overview of JHS history & programs
- Various volunteer roles
- Volunteer training requirements
- Next steps to becoming a volunteer
Are you interested in spending one day with a dog? Learn more about our new Dog Day Out program.
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 $25 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.
Essential capabilities for all volunteers:
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.
- 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.
