VOLUNTEER
You are at the heart of all we do.
The SPCA of Southwest Michigan was founded by volunteers and volunteers remain at the heart of our organization. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and volunteers are involved in ALL aspects of our work. As a volunteer, you’ll save and enrich animal lives, do good things for the community, make new friends, discover new skills and enjoy the affection of all the animals you are helping.Becoming a Volunteer is easy!
If you want to volunteer, please sign up for an orientation time and pay the one time program fee.
Adult (18+ yrs old) fees are $25.
Kid (8 – 17 yrs old) fees are $10.
16 and over can volunteer on their own.
8-15 year old can volunteer with a guardian and their guardian must go through orientation, too.Guardians/Parents are required to pay the Adult Volunteer fee. All fees are non-refundable.
*All fees help support the volunteer program by providing name badges (with system log-in), lanyard, training materials, volunteer t-shirt, and resources to track volunteer impact areas.
* Volunteers work on flexible shifts and we ask for a 6 hour per month time commitment. Volunteer support is so important, we appreciate you!
QUESTIONS? Email Tricia@spcaswmich.org
You haven’t volunteered in awhile? Is your volunteer number no longer working in the Timeclock system? Then its time for a refresher course. Email Tricia@spcaswmich.org for information on how to get up to date and involved!
General Volunteer Orientations:
- Rules & Procedures
- Dog Walking
- Cat City
- Events
- Transport Team
All new volunteers need to go through orientation to learn the rules and safety information to work with the animals. Choose the orientation date you are interested from the Sign Up link below! Proof of registration is also required before the start of class. To view orientation dates and sign up, please click on link below.
GENERAL ORIENTATIONS: Click HERE
ADOPTION COUNSELOR ORIENTATION: Click HERE
Adoption counselors help the SPCA man the office.
FOSTER ORIENTATION: Click HERE
Can I Help Without Being Trained?
Yes, there is so much you can do to help!
Crafts—provide needed materials or have your own sale and donate funds
Community Events—hold a bake sale, car wash, deposit bottle or penny jar competition and donate your proceeds
Gifts for the Animals—request gifts for the animals to celebrate your next birthday or occasion, visit and donate
Fundraising—attend a shelter meeting for event coordination or propose your independent activities
Social Media—Like Us on Facebook, Tweet with your friends
Wish List Drives—organize the collection of needed items
Sponsors—find a sponsor for your volunteer program fee
Looking for Court Ordered Volunteer Opportunities?
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Normal volunteering (dog walking/cat socializing) does not count towards COCS
- Special application and duties apply
- Call 269-344-1474 ask for Tricia
- Contact Tricia Volunteer Coordinator at Tricia@spcaswmich.org
- For more information about how to register please CLICK HERE
Some things our volunteers do:
This is only a sample of the things our volunteers do. If you have time, or talent to share, please volunteer!
- Walk & play with dogs
- Play with & care for cats
- Help with kennel maintenance
- In home foster care
- Help at adoption and special events
- Transportation
- Adoption counseling & processing
- Take photos for postings
- Write articles for bios or newsletter
- Plan fundraising events
- Volunteer program coordination
- General office duties
- Plan marketing/advertising campaigns
- Write grant proposals
OUR FOSTER PROGRAM
Fostering is a wonderful experience for you and your family. You are saving an animal’s life and you’ve created space in the shelter for another animal in need. Caring foster volunteers provide pets with the hands-on care and environmental enrichment they need to grow strong and healthy. If you think you may be able to offer a temporary refuge for a rescued animal, please let us know.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
