Volunteer
Volunteer of the Month
Andrew has been volunteering with Second Chance SPCA since February 2025. He first learned about the shelter when he adopted his first pet back when he was in high school. Motivated by the shelter’s mission and the way we care for animals pushed Andrew to join our volunteer team.
Born and raised in Richardson, TX, Andrew works in real estate, helping train interns and guide clients through buying and selling homes. Andrew also works as a commercial appraiser, helping people value their properties. Outside of work, Andrew loves traveling, hiking, photography, playing ultimate Frisbee, and spending time with family and friends. He can play the clarinet and enjoys concerts. Andrew is also in the process of obtaining his pilots licence to start flying in the air for either work or leisure. As for pets, Andrew has two cats, one adopted from the Denton Animal shelter named Minerva and the other from Petsmart named Bunny.
Andrew has shown great enthusiasm volunteering at the shelter, often helping with tasks such as cleaning kennels, fundraising, helping with donations, spending time with the cats and dogs, and keeping the shelter clean. Over time, Andrew has said that he has also been lucky to meet all of the incredible people that he has volunteered alongside with.
“There’s nothing like the moment when a dog or cat finds their forever home—it’s incredibly rewarding. I also love the community of volunteers; everyone’s there because they genuinely care. It’s a special place full of heart.”
“One time, I stepped into a kennel to play with one of the larger dogs. He enthusiastically chased after the toy I threw—but on his way back, he got a little too excited. He leapt up to return it and ended up knocking me flat on my back!”
We truly could not run our shelter without our amazing and compassionate volunteers! We’d love for you to join us!
Volunteering with Second Chance SPCA is a rewarding experience but is also a demanding role and should be taken seriously. To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and animals, volunteers must meet the qualifications listed below. After reading ALL requirements, please fill out the Online Volunteer Application Form at the bottom.
- Volunteers are required to be 16 years old or older
- Volunteers are required to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per month
- Volunteers are required to commit to 50 hours per year
- Volunteers are required to pay a one-time administrative fee of $30 – This includes a shirt that you will wear when volunteering
- Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes
- Volunteers must complete the Volunteer application, and sign all release forms
- Volunteers must attend an orientation prior to any volunteering
- Volunteers must work with an experienced volunteer for 2 shifts, before volunteering on their own. All volunteers (new and experienced) must follow the directions of shift leaders.
- Volunteers are required to be 16 years old or older
- Volunteers are required to make a 4-6 month commitment
- Volunteers are required to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per month (about 50 hours per year)
- Volunteers are required to pay a one-time administrative fee of $30 – This includes a shirt that you will wear when volunteering
- Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes
- Volunteers must complete the Volunteer application, and sign all release forms
- Volunteers must attend an orientation prior to any volunteering
- Volunteers must work with an experienced volunteer for 2 shifts, before volunteering on their own. All volunteers (new and experienced) must follow the directions of shift leaders.
- Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (example: open cage door while handling animal).
- Ability to walk unaided on unpaved, uneven, rugged and sometimes muddy and slippery areas (when walking dogs outdoors).
- Ability to bend and squat in order to leash and pick up an animal.
- Ability to stand for significant periods of time while walking dogs, assisting the public with visits, or cleaning cages/kennels.
- Average vision to move safely around the building, to be able to observe animal body language without difficulty and to be able to read notes.
- Average sense of smell and touch in order to assess condition of animals, and to note signs of illness or injury.
- Ability to hear if an animal is growling or making sounds indicating fear or pain.
- Ability to speak and effectively communicate verbally.
- Ability to maneuver well in tight spaces and react and move quickly to prevent dogs or cats from escaping.
- Ability to handle and restrain animals with extreme caution and care.
- Ability to deal with strong and unpleasant odors, fleas, feces and possible wounds or injuries to animals in our care.
- Ability to cope with a loud environment due to animal noises.
- Average strength to assist with lifting animals or items.
- Ability to understand, retain and follow instructions and procedures.
- The ability to judge an animal’s reaction and to change voice to a soft or strong, authoritative tone to calm a dog or to give commands.
- Must be aware of surroundings when working with the animals. Can remain calm with animals who are upset; behave sensitively and confidently; show good judgment and act appropriately in these situations.
- Once trained, must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, and recognize limitations in knowledge and abilities, and ask for help when needed.
- Must have the ability to work as a team member with other volunteers and take direction from SCSPCA Shift Leaders and Staff.
If you would like your volunteer hours to count towards community service, you must meet these requirements:
- You must be at least 18 to do community service with us.
- You must have at least 40 hours of court mandated community service.
- You must submit a copy of your offense to volunteer@secondchancespca.org.
Common Questions
Apply here!
Apply here!
In a nutshell: volunteers help take care of the dogs and cats! They help take the dogs outside for potty breaks and bring them back in, clean up the indoor kennels, poop scoop the outdoor kennels, clean cat litter boxes, fill waters, give the animals baths, do laundry and dishes, and help feed the dogs during feeding time. After more training, volunteers can take the dogs for walks. They can also learn how to help animals find homes by becoming an adoption ambassador. After they are done cleaning, volunteers get to play with the dogs and/or cats.
A minimum of 4 hours a month is required (about 50 hours yearly). If you can commit to 4-6 months of volunteering, that’s great! However it is not required.
You must be at least 16. If you are 15, you may submit your application up to 1 month before your birthday.
Just like the rest of us! We’d love to have you on our team for whenever you’re available.
We would love for you to play with them …after you are finished with your volunteering work 🙂
Please note: You must complete the orientation and sign the form at the shelter before you sign up for a time.
If you have any questions regarding the volunteer application, please email us at volunteer@secondchancespca.org or call us at 972-424-0077.
