Nassau Humane Society

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Volunteers must be at least 12-years-old to volunteer at NHS. Anyone under the age of 16 requires a legal guardian to accompany them at all times and are not allowed to handle animals unless approved by staff. Volunteers under the age of 18-years-old are allowed to work independently but can have restrictions depending on the activity.
Minimum commitment of 2 hours per month. It is very helpful if the volunteer can commit to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule.
Examples: Every Wednesday from 2-4pm or Alternate Saturdays from 12-2pm
Must present completed volunteer application and valid photo identification.
Must be able to communicate professionally, as human interaction is a requirement of all volunteer roles.
Must understand and fulfill all responsibilities of their role independently.
Must read and comprehend detailed policy and protocol information, as well as being able to remember and follow shelter rules.
Must be able to hear, see, and interpret animal behavior and body language.
Be able to physically fulfill the duties of their volunteer role.
Most volunteer roles require volunteers to: be able to stand, and/or walk for at least 2 hours; be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.; be able to reach and lift; possess vision abilities including close vision, distance vision and depth perception; be able to talk to customers, employees and other volunteers.
Must be able to emotionally manage a workplace that can be stressful with a positive attitude.

VOLUNTEERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

Volunteers who are unable to volunteer independently must have an adult partner, who is at least 21 years of age, to complete training and volunteer alongside them at all times.

Volunteering independently means that, without assistance, you are able to:
Complete training without modifications
Read our Kennel Cards
Understand written and spoken instruction
Handle animals physically
Understand and complete tasks for the position you choose
Communicate with other Volunteers, Staff, and Customers

STEPS TO BECOME A SHELTER VOLUNTEER:

Complete an Application and Attend a Volunteer Information Session
Either complete an application in person at the shelter or download and email to volunteer@nassauhumane.org. You will be notified about the next orientation date. At the session, you will learn important information about Nassau Humane Society and the different volunteer opportunities.
Complete Basic Training
You will receive a tour of Nassau Humane Society. You will also receive detailed information about the workings of our shelter, disease prevention, and customer service.
Complete an Intro to Shelter Canines/Felines Course
All potential Volunteers who will interact with dogs/cats are required to complete this course. You will learn the proper way to interact with shelter dogs/cats, learn basic handling techniques, and learn how to deal with problem situations.
Complete a Shadow Day
You will spend a shift with an experienced Volunteer or Staff Member in the area you are interested in donating time. This will help us determine if you are volunteering in the area best suited for you and our needs can be met.
Training is set up so that you may complete all steps within 4 weeks. Once you have completed these steps, you will be a Nassau Humane Society Volunteer and can start donating time and love to the animals in our shelter.
Complete a Buddy Day for Canine Volunteers
After successfully completing a Shadow Day and setting a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, Canine Volunteers will complete a Buddy Day. There is a lot of information learned throughout training and because the tasks related to our Canine Positions are so involved, we want to be sure you are comfortable before volunteering independently. On this day, an experienced Volunteer or employee will partner you during your first Volunteer Shift for support and guidance.
If you have any questions, please call our shelter or contact the Volunteer Manager.

VOLUNTEER IN OUR SECOND CHANCE & CLOSET STORES:

Second Chance and The Closet are the primary source of funding for Nassau Humane Society and our shelter. Come join a fun, energetic team where we have fun, laugh a lot and truly make a difference in the lives of animals in our community. Choose from front of store, behind the scenes and many other areas that drive our success and help us continue our work in funding the rescue of animals in need.

Submit Your Volunteer Application

Open and print liability waiver

Open and print volunteer code of conduct

Volunteer

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

VOLUNTEERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

STEPS TO BECOME A SHELTER VOLUNTEER:

VOLUNTEER IN OUR SECOND CHANCE & CLOSET STORES: