Become a Volunteer

Everything you need to know about becoming a volunteer at DHA!

Volunteer Requirements
Contact Information
Getting Started
Group Opportunities
Community Service
Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Requirements

What is the Required Time Committment?

Volunteers are needed at the shelter seven days a week, including early evenings and weekends, as well as at our satellite cat adoption centers and at off-site events. Schedules are flexible and opportunities vary, but all require a sincere commitment to meeting the needs of the organization.

We ask that our volunteers make a long-term commitment to the animals with a minimum requirement of 8 hours each month for a period of 6 months. An experienced, dedicated volunteer base makes all the difference to the animals in our shelter!

What is the Minimum Age Requirement?

You must for at least 14 years old to volunteer at DHA. In addition, volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. A parent or guardian must also attend orientation, complete an application, and sign all agreements and waivers for themselves as well as their child.

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Contact Information

Who Do I Contact About Volunteering?

If you have questions about volunteering or would like to apply to become a volunteer, please contact Ellen Spoehr, Director of Volunteer Resources, at espoehr@dehumane.org or (302) 571-0111, ext. 314.

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Getting Started

How Do I Get Started?

Volunteer positions are open to qualified applicants who can make an ongoing dedication of time to our animals. Please note that we may not currently be recruiting for all of the positions listed, and it will take several weeks to be properly orientated and trained before you can volunteer in you area of interest. The first steps toward getting started as a volunteer at DHA are:

1. You must complete a Volunteer Application and Volunteer Agreement/Liability Waiver. These forms can be downloaded below and faxed, mailed, emailed, or dropped off at the shelter.
2. Once we receive your application it will be reviewed. If your interest, qualifications and availability match our current needs you will be notified via email and you will be invited to attend volunteer orientation.
3. When your receive your email invitation to attend an orientation session, you should confirm your attendance by registering in advance. To RSVP, please contact Ellen Spoehr, Director of Volunteer Resources, at espoehr@dehumane.org or (302) 571-0111, ext. 314. At the orientation, you will provided with an overview of our programs and volunteer opportunities. You will also receive a volunteer orientation handbook and all the necessary paperwork to get started.
4. Following orientation, you will be informed of training options, dates and times. You can sign up for a training session in your area of interest. Training is scheduled by appointment and is held regularly at the shelter. 

Volunteer Application [PDF]

Volunteer Liability Waiver [PDF]

What Do I Need to Know about Volunteering at DHA?

DHA has produced a Volunteer Orientation Handbook to educate potential volunteers about our organization, opportunities, policies and procedures. We suggest that you familiarize yourself the contents of the handbook and be prepared to discuss any questions you may have at the Volunteer Orientation session.

Volunteer Handbook [PDF]

Can I Start Volunteering Tomorrow?

We appreciate the enthusiasm of our volunteer applicants but it does take some time and training to become a Delaware Humane Association volunteer. If your application matches our needs, you will be contacted and invited to complete orientation and training when we have a need for new volunteers in your area of interest. Remember, it can take some time to become a volunteer, but we are certain you will find the training you receive with us to be a valuable addition to your skills.

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Group Opportunities

Are There Volunteer Opportunities for Groups?

Our group opportunities are project-based since we require that all volunteers who will be working directly with the animals attend our orientation and training sessions. Because of the size of our facility, small groups will be accommodated on-site. If you have a group that is interested in volunteering at our facility for a project, contact Ellen Spoehr, Director of Volunteer Resources, at espoehr@dehumane.org or (302) 571-0111, ext. 314.

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Community Service

Can I Get Community Service Hours for School?

Because of our required orientation and training process, we request that students looking to fulfill community service requirements for school or clubs volunteer for a minimum of 30 hours at the shelter. Since it can take several visits following training for new volunteers feel completely comfortable with their responsibilities, community service projects that require less than 30 hours are too short-termed to be appropriate for work at our shelter. To obtain approval for community service at DHA, students must complete and submit a Community Service Project Application 4 weeks in advance of their project. This will be reviewed and approved by the Director of Volunteer Resources.

Youth CommunityService Project Application [PDF]

For students who are under the age of 14 or have fewer than 30 hours to complete, the following is a suggested list of community service projects that will help improve the lives of animals served by DHA.

• Collect Donations / Organize a Donation Drive - Collect items from our donation wish list for animals at our shelter and in foster care. Items such as toys and blankets make their stay more comfortable. You can decorate a bin and ask to place it in a public area as a drop off point or design signs to put up at school or your parent’s place of employment.
  
  
• Bake Biscuits for the Dogs and Cats - We can provide you with the recipes.
  
  
• Hold a Bake Sale or a Lemonade Stand - Choose a public place (make sure you get approval) and sell home baked goodies. The money you raise will be used for our programs!
  
  
• Hold a Penny or Coin Drive - Organize a campaign in your school or group for everyone to bring in their loose change. We will come and speak about our program and caring for homeless animals, and we can arrange to bring an animal with us!
  
  
• Organize a Car Wash - Where the funds will be used for homeless animals! You can work on obtaining a location, making signs, and advertise! We can make arrangements to bring an animal to your event to thank people for supporting our organization.

• Inform People About an Animal Related Issue - Choose an issue that affects animals, such as the importance of spaying/neutering.

and inform your friends, family, classmates, and/or neighbors about how they can help. Make signs, pass out handouts, speak at your church or school . . . there are so many ways to get the word out!

Can I Complete My Court Ordered Community Service?

At this time, we do not accept volunteers with mandatory court ordered service requirements. There are no exceptions to this policy.

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