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.

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.

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.