View our current volunteer openings below. Check back later if you don’t see a role that would be a good fit for you – volunteer openings are updated often depending on the pets’ needs.

To apply for a role, click the link next to the position you are applying for, then watch the short virtual open house video before submitting your online application.

Germ Busters
The Newington adoption center needs volunteers to join the Germ Busters team. Germ Busters work in the dog kennel to make sure the dogs have clean kennels and bedding and fresh water. Morning volunteers will help with our daily disinfection process which is a great workout! Training will be provided. Germ Busters are also trained to cuddle puppies after the cleaning process is completed.  Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements: 18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types of animals, be in good physical condition, able to work independently with limited supervision, able to follow verbal and written instructions and effectively communicate with staff, other volunteers and the public.

Commitment: 2 hours per week on a set-schedule for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Sundays 9AM-11AM
Mondays 9AM-11AM
Tuesdays 9AM-11AM
Wednesdays 9AM-11AM
Thursdays 9AM-11AM
Fridays 9AM-11AM
Saturdays 9AM-11AM

Cat Assistants
The Newington adoption center needs cat enthusiasts to help care for the cats mornings from 9AM-11AM. Cat Assistants provide cats with fresh food and water, clean enclosures, and keep our cat rooms clean and disease-free. Volunteers will also have time for cuddling and socializing. Training is provided.   Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements: 18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types of animals, be in good physical condition, able to work independently with limited supervision, able to follow verbal and written instructions and effectively communicate with staff, other volunteers and the public.

Commitment: 2 hours per week on a set-schedule for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Sundays 9AM-11AM
Mondays 9AM-11AM
Tuesdays 9AM-11AM
Wednesdays 9AM-11AM
Thursdays 9AM-11AM
Saturdays 9AM-11AM

Dog Groomer
Our Newington shelter is in need of a volunteer who is an experienced groomer with recent professional experience to groom and bathe dogs at the shelter as needed, once or twice per month.  Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements: 18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types of dogs, be in good physical condition, able to work independently with limited supervision, able to follow verbal and written instructions and effectively communicate with staff and other volunteers, licensed to groom in CT and recent professional experience.

Commitment: As needed, once or twice per month.

Laundry Room Assistants
The Newington adoption center is looking for reliable volunteers to assist in our busy laundry room. Volunteers wash and fold pet bedding and clean and disinfect dishes, toys and other pet items utilizing a commercial dishwasher. Volunteers play a vital role in cutting down on the spread of illness by making sure all items are clean and sanitary.  Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements: 18+, have active health insurance, be in good physical condition, able to work independently or with the assistance of a job coach.

Commitment: 2-3 hours per week on a set-schedule for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Mondays 9AM-12PM
Tuesdays 9AM-12PM
Wednesdays 2PM-4PM

Adoption Desk Assistant
The Newington shelter is looking for friendly volunteers with excellent customer service skills to assist at the front desk. Desk volunteers greet customers, answer basic questions about the adoption process and utilize the animal database to look up and record information.   Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements:  18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types of animals, able to work independently with limited supervision, able to follow verbal and written instructions and effectively communicate with staff, other volunteers and the public. Excellent customer service, computer, and phone skills.

Commitment: 2 hours per week on a set-schedule for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Sundays 3PM-4:30PM

Dog Walkers
Love dogs? The Newington adoption center needs experienced dog owners to join the volunteer team. Volunteers walk and socialize the dogs during their stay. Volunteers must be able to manage dogs up to 120 lbs. and must be willing to work with dogs with minor behavioral issues such as pulling on the leash, jumping, and dogs who become overly excited or are reactive towards other dogs. Safety training is provided.  Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements:  18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types and sizes of dogs, be in good physical condition, able to work independently with limited supervision, able to follow verbal and written instructions and effectively communicate with staff, other volunteers and the public.

Commitment: 2 hours per week on a set-schedule for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Mondays 3PM-4:45PM
Wednesdays 3PM-4:45PM
Saturdays 3PM-4:45PM

Professional Dog Trainers
The Newington shelter is looking for volunteers with at least 2 years of professional dog training experience to work with our dogs on basic obedience and behavior modification. We especially need trainers who can work on loose-leash walking and reactivity.   Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements:  18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types of dogs, be in good physical condition, able to work independently with limited supervision, able to follow verbal and written instructions and effectively communicate with staff and other volunteers. At least 2 years of professional dog training experience and experience working with a variety of dog breeds and dogs with varying behavior issues.

Commitment: 2 hours per week for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Flexible scheduling. Must be available between the hours of 8AM and 5PM.

Humane Education Assistants
The Newington adoption center is looking for reliable volunteers with weekday availability to assist our Humane Education staff with youth programs a couple of times per month. Most programs occur off-site at schools or libraries and take place weekdays between 7:30AM and 5:30PM. Educational programs last 1 hour and are for grades K-5. Experience teaching or working with children is a plus. Training will be provided. We are not able to bring live pets to off-site programs.  Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements:  18+, have active health insurance, able to work independently, able to stand for up to an hour, must be able to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with staff and the public. Must submit to a background check.

Commitment: 2 weekday programs per month.

Open Shifts:
As needed. Most programs occur weekdays between 7:30AM and 5:30PM.