Volunteer
Volunteer of the Month
Kelly has been volunteering with Second Chance SPCA since June 2021, learning about the shelter while looking for animal-related charities. She wanted to act on her passion and love of animals, wanting to do as much as she could to help those without stable homes or those in need. She searched for no-kill shelters online and found us!
Kelly has been a great help at Second Chance SPCA, feeding the dogs and cats, cleaning the cages and food bowls of the dogs and cats, cleaning the pens for the dogs out back, support with bathing and brushing dogs, doing laundry, walking dogs to the park across the road, and assisting with introducing prospective adopters to the available pets when requested by the on duty manager.
Kelly was born in England but was raised in South Africa. She was an Occupational Therapist before moving to the US and is now pursuing a career in nursing. Kelly lives with her husband (Garrett), their 6 month old daughter (Reagan), and their 3 pets: a black Labrador called Bear and two cats (adopted from Second Chance) called Maverick and Goose. Kelly enjoys taking Bear and their baby for walks and to the park, going for picnics, giving back to the community, and any outdoor activities that Kelly is able to do with her little girl.
Kelly has enjoyed getting to provide positive interaction (cuddles and love) and quality of life (getting out of the cages, exercising, playing and seeing a new environment) to the animals. She loves to show them they are loved, cared for, and valued. She enjoys being part of the reason that they can be excited to see people, to know that not all people are bad, and that they are safe. Kelly loves seeing them run and play and show enjoyment/happiness in life, as life is not just to be survived, but to be enjoyed.
“I quickly learned not to wear my good pants to shifts; one of my favorite long term residents at Second Chance in 2021 was a Shepherd cross named Dax. He loved to jump and play and during my second shift he ripped my pants, luckily I had a spare pair of shorts in my car! Since then I make sure to wear my oldest pants and always carry a spare!”
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. We do have limited spots available for new volunteers so that they can be properly trained.
- 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. We do have limited spots available for new volunteers so that they can be properly trained.
- 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.
