Dog Walkers
Love dogs? The Waterford 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 10AM-12PM
Tuesdays 2:30PM-4:30PM
Wednesdays 10AM-12PM
Thursdays 10AM-12PM or 2:30PM-4:30PM
Fridays  10AM-12PM or 2:30PM-4:30PM
Saturdays 2:30PM-4:30PM
Sundays 2:30PM-4:30PM

Cat Cuddlers
Experienced cat enthusiasts are needed to join the volunteer team at the Waterford adoption center. Volunteers provide socialization and exercise for the cats during their stay and assist with keeping the cages clean and tidy. Safety training is provided. Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements: 18+, have active health insurance, comfortable working around all types of cats, 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 2PM-4PM
Wednesdays 2PM-4PM
Thursdays 10AM-12PM or 2PM-4PM
Fridays 10AM-12PM or 2PM-4PM

Woman with hose

Germ Busters
The Waterford adoption center needs volunteers to join the Germ Busters team. Volunteers help control the spread of harmful diseases by working to keep the building clean and disinfected. Duties may include cleaning cat cages or dog kennels, sweeping, washing floors and walls, etc. 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:
Tuesdays 9AM-11AM
Fridays 2:30PM-4:30PM

Animal Enrichment Volunteers
Want to cheer up the animals during their stay? Volunteers are needed to provide mental stimulation for the pets at the Waterford adoption center. You’ll get to hand out lots of fun, tasty treats and perform activities such as spraying essential oil sprays and turning on the sound machines. 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 12PM-2PM
Tuesdays 12PM-2PM
Wednesdays 12PM-2PM
Fridays 12PM-2PM
Saturdays 12PM-2PM

Transport Drivers
Our Waterford shelter is in need of volunteers who can transport animals in their own vehicles as needed. Transportation is usually needed to get animals to and from off-site medical appointments or to move animals from Waterford to or from our Newington or Westport shelters. Animals are transported in crates or harnessed in with a seat belt. Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements: 18+, have active health insurance, 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, have own transportation, valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Commitment: As needed, 2-3 times per month.

Open Shifts:
As Needed.

Professional Dog Trainers
The Waterford shelter is looking for certified, professional dog trainers 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, dog training certification and professional experience.

Commitment: 2 hours per week for at least 6 months

Open Shifts:
Flexible scheduling. Must be available between the hours of 10AM and 4PM.

Ambassadors
The Waterford adoption center is looking for reliable, outgoing, friendly volunteers with excellent customer service skills to join the Ambassador team. Trained Ambassadors represent CHS in the community. They share information with the public about the organization’s programs and services, animal care, and they raise awareness for animal welfare issues.   Apply to Volunteer for this position.

Requirements:  18+, have active health insurance, able to work independently, able to stand for up to two hours and lift and carry up to 40 lbs., must be able to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with staff, other volunteers and the public. Excellent customer service skills.

Commitment: 1-2 events per month. Event shifts are 2-4 hours.

Open Shifts:
As needed. Most events take place weekday evenings and weekends during the day.