Volunteer

A Message from the Volunteer Coordinator

Thank you for your interest in the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) Volunteer Program! Volunteers are vital in helping us continue our mission to improve the lives of dogs and cats in our community by providing shelter, care, adoption, rescue, spay/neuter programs, and community education.

We understand your time is valuable and we appreciate that you’re thinking about spending some of it with us!

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Adult Volunteer Opportunities

The SAHS General Volunteer Program is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Volunteers can help with our day-to-day tasks like morning cleaning, dog walking, and socialization. Volunteers can even be trained to do adoptions and help in our medical building.

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Group Volunteer Opportunities

Are you looking to make a difference alongside friends, family, and colleagues? The SAHS is proud to offer one-time volunteer opportunities for groups! Our group volunteer opportunities are a fun and unique way to learn about the SAHS and the volunteer program.

Participating groups can select from a list of activities including Puparazzi, Barks & Crafts, and Yappy Hour.

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Fostering Opportunities

To become part of our Foster Care Program all you need to do is fill out the foster application.

You must be at least 18 years of age, have a love for animals and be ready and willing to open up your heart and home to a new furry foster friend!

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P.A.W.S. Youth Volunteer Program

The P.A.W.S. program (Practicing Animal Welfare through Service) is a service-learning volunteer program designed for junior and senior high school students. Working and learning alongside SAHS staff and volunteers, P.A.W.S. participants will develop leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. The program is perfect for students needing to earn community service hours for programs like the National Honor Society or The President’s Volunteer Service Award.

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Court Mandated Community Service

Court Mandated Community Service hours are available at the SAHS for individuals needing to complete hours for minor traffic violations only. Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis by the Volunteer Supervisor. Individuals volunteering at the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) for court-appointed hours are considered temporary volunteers and will have no animal interaction while volunteering.

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Veterinary Technician/Assistant Program

The Veterinary Technician/Assistant Program is designed for individuals needing to earn hours for a veterinary technician or assistant program. The program is open to individuals 18 years of age or older that are planning to enroll or are already enrolled in a veterinary technician/assistant program.

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Pets adopted in 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

The SAHS does not offer volunteer opportunities for individuals under 16 with or without adult supervision.  However, opportunities for minors are available through our humane education program.

The SAHS currently offers new volunteer orientations once per month. The next month’s orientation dates will be posted the week after the current month’s orientation date. Please continue to check the website for updates.

The SAHS charges a one-time volunteer fee of $15. This fee helps cover some of the costs associated with running a volunteer program such as volunteer management software, insurance, and supplies. The SAHS also asks volunteers to pay for their own background checks, an $18.95 fee, through our background check provider, Backgrounds Online.

Group volunteer opportunities serve as a fundraiser for the SAHS. A 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.

Court-mandated community service hours are available for individuals 18 or older needing to complete hours for minor traffic violations only. Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis by the Volunteer Supervisor.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a national honor offered in recognition of sustained volunteer service. Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, recipients may receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. As a Certifying Organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the SAHS can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the Award criteria.

Eligibility

Hours are measured over a 12-month period (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30) and awards are designated based on cumulative hours. The awards are offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of your service achievement. Levels include bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.

Volunteers can access the volunteer portal anywhere they have an internet connection by going to sahumane.cervistech.com

Volunteer Testimonials

sahs closed 16 aug 2023