Did someone say “walk"?
Volunteer
Before I was adopted, I spent time with the absolute best volunteer dog walkers and tennis ball throwers. Friends of mine even got to stay in happy foster homes until their families were ready for them.
More than a shelter
Join paws with us!
Volunteers are at the heart of HSPPR’S success – because they give us their hearts! As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on the assistance of our caring, dedicated, and hard-working volunteers to accomplish our important mission. They work side-by-side with shelter staff to provide manpower for programs that improve the quality of life for shelter animals, making the community a better place for both people and pets.
Become a shelter volunteer
1
Attend an info night
Decide whether to volunteer at our Colorado Springs campus or Pueblo campus, then RSVP for an info night to see if it’s a good fit for you!
2
Make it official
Submit a volunteer application, complete the background check, and pay the volunteer fee for your t-shirt, name tag, and training materials.
3
Ready, set, go!
Complete the volunteer orientation and additional training specific to your duties. You’ll be added to the schedule in your designated area.
Volunteer opportunities
We offer a variety of ways to help pets and people in our community!
On-campus volunteers
From matchmakers to germ busters, our on-campus volunteers keep the shelter running. Review our volunteer opportunities, then follow the steps above to become a volunteer!
Foster care volunteers
Sometimes animals need a little extra time to heal or grow. That’s where our amazing foster volunteers come in!
CART volunteers
Community Animal Response Team (CART) volunteers stand ready to help in emergency or disaster situations.
Corporate/group volunteers
Our group volunteer program offers a variety of ways to get involved and build relationships amongst your teammates.
Scout
programs
Looking for badge or project opportunities for your troop? Check out our youth programs for ways to get involved.
Court-ordered
service
Complete community service requirements by performing janitorial work at HSPPR. Certain restrictions apply.
Frequently asked questions
Anyone at least 12 years old with a desire to help animals in their community and support our mission and values is welcome! HSPPR does not accept volunteers with a criminal record involving any felony, sexual or violent crimes, theft-related crimes, any neglect-related crimes or animal cruelty within the last 7 years. If you are interested in volunteering, you must register for and attend an info session first.
We ask for a weekly commitment of approximately 2-3 hours, typically occurring as a shift during the same day and time each week. We ask you to volunteer for at least 6 months. We’re sorry, but we can’t accommodate bi-weekly, drop-in, or one-time volunteers.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age, with a parent or guardian, due to HSPPR’s liability insurance. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer on their own without an adult partner present.
Not old enough to volunteer yet? Children under 12 years of age may participate in the foster care program. Or check out these projects you can do at home to help the animals in other ways!
We know you are eager to get started, but we are only able to onboard a certain number of volunteers every month – for your safety and the safety of the animals in our care. That’s why we require you to register for an info session. We recommend registering as soon as it opens. The info night calendars will indicate the day and time registration opens. We’re sorry, but we are unable to maintain a waiting list.
You will receive further information regarding orientation after attending an info session and completing the application process. Orientation typically occurs on the last Saturday of the month. If you cannot attend orientation in the same month you complete the info session, please consider attending a future info session date instead. Volunteers must attended an info session prior to orientation.
At our Colorado Springs campus, a one-time non-refundable fee of $30 per adult or $20 per youth helps offset the cost of the background check, insurance, t-shirt, and name tag. Scholarships are available by request. Fees are currently waived at our Pueblo campus.
It's just amazing how many volunteers are putting their time into making sure these animals get a home.
