Group Volunteer Opportunities

Program Requirements

16+ Years of Age

The San Antonio Humane Society can accommodate volunteers aged 16 and older. For more information about opportunities for individuals under the age of 16 please visit sahumane.org/education.

Group Size

Groups can be a minimum of four people, and a maximum of 30 people. Groups must ensure that there is at least one adult for every five minors participating in the activity.

Volunteer Waiver

All members of the group must sign a one-day volunteering waiver prior to beginning the project. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Group Volunteer Fees

Group Volunteer Opportunities serve as a fundraiser for the San Antonio Humane Society. A small portion of the fee helps cover the cost associated with offering group events. The remainder goes to continuing to care for the pets in our facility.

With a group donation of $250 or more, a group of 4-10 participants can volunteer. With a group donation of $500 or more, a group of 11-20 participants can volunteer. With a group donation of $750 or more, a group of 21-30 participants can volunteer.

Scheduling

Availability: Group opportunities can be scheduled Monday-Saturday. Hours will be determined depending on the activity selected and what works best for the volunteering group and the shelter staff.

Time Commitment: Group projects typically last anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on your group size and activity.

Dress Code

Group volunteers must wear long pants or long shorts, closed-toed shoes, and a short or long-sleeved shirt. Groups from a company or organization volunteering together may wear logo gear from their organization or company if they wish. Tank tops, crop tops, and flip flops are not permitted when completing a group service project on-site or off-site. In cold or inclement weather, heavier layers should be worn.

Please note that group volunteer opportunities are limited and dependent on current shelter needs and staff availability. Please allow 7-10 business days for us to process your request and contact you about available openings.

Activities

dog hike
Dog Day Hike (UNAVAILABLE)

Groups that select the Dog Day Hike activity will get to spend the morning (9:30-11:30 am) with a few lucky shelter dogs at one of San Antonio’s many dog-friendly parks! Groups will meet shelter staff at the park where they’ll receive a quick basic dog handling lesson before going on a guided hike through the park.

barks and crafts activity
Barks & Crafts

Groups that select the Barks & Crafts activity will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter and learn about the mission and vision of the SAHS. Participants will learn about enrichment and why it is important to the health and wellbeing of our pets. Groups will then help our staff make and pass out enrichment items to our shelter pets.

yappy hour group
Yappy Hour

Groups that select the Yappy Hour activity will start their event with a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter where they will learn about the mission and vision of the SAHS. Groups will gather in our Education Room where they can enjoy food and non-alcoholic refreshments (provided by the group) while working on small shelter projects. Projects will vary based on the needs of the shelter. Groups will also get a chance to meet some of our shelter pets throughout the course of the event.

dog in bath
Pampered Pooches (UNAVAILABLE)

Groups that select the Pampered Pooches activity will start their event with a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter where they will learn about the mission and vision of the SAHS. After the tour, participants will help the staff groom some of our shelter pets. Grooming includes brushing, bathing and drying pets, trimming nails, and cleaning ears. This activity will get messy, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!

man and dog
Puparazzi

Groups participating in the Puparazzi activity will start their event with a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter where they will learn about the mission and vision of the SAHS. Participants will then be split into teams where they will be assigned a list of pets in need of new adoption photos, bios, and videos. Each team will receive a guide full of tips and tricks from our Public Relations Associates before heading into the kennels to photograph their assigned pets. Teams will email their completed pet bios to the volunteer coordinator. Be sure to check our website and social media pages to see your photos and videos!

group with cat tower
Special Projects

On occasion, the SAHS asks groups to help with special projects around the shelter. Details vary depending on the project, but if your group is construction savvy we might have additional opportunities for you.

SAHS closed for Thanksgiving and Nov. 29
Sosy and Sasha's spooktacular adoption special
fall in love cat and kitten adoption special
the SAHS closed on Oct 22 for a special event
sahs special hours oct 11
no wellness clinic on September 21