Are you interested in helping the Chester County SPCA, but don't know where to start? Our volunteers are vital to our success. If you are able to help, the following volunteer positions (listed below) are available.
If you are interested in donating any items to benefit our Volunteer program or our shelter, please download our Shelter Wish List Download PDF.
If you are in need of court ordered community service you must fill out a community service application. You may not apply for the volunteer program below. Please complete the communtiy service application and send it to Dennis McMichael's attention.
FUR STAR**** Volunteer Program: If you want to work directly with our animals in a shelter setting, then this position is for you. At the Chester County SPCA, our shelter guests are like family and we want their stay with us to be as comfortable, productive and educational as possible! Fur Star**** Volunteers assist our staff with adoptable dogs and cats to ensure the success of our in-shelter animal training & behavior enhancement program. Fur Star**** volunteers work on exercise and socialize our shelter guests
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 years or older
TIME COMMITMENT: at least one 2-hour shift per month for at least 6 months.
*Everyone must attend an orientation, no exceptions. For more information on securing a spot in the next orientation, please complete the volunteer application and then either mail (1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380) email (humaneedandvolunteer@ccspca.org.) fax(610-436-4630) or stop by and drop it off. Once we receive your application you will be contacted about the next available orientation. Orientations are conducted once to twice a month.
By learning the most current and humane animal handling and training techniques, and by teaching ourselves to better understand our feline and canine companions, we can better accomodate their needs during their stay with us!
JUNIOR Fur Star**** Volunteer Corp: Do you want to volunteer, but you're too young to work with the animals? Then the CCSPCA Junior Corp is for you! This opportunity is for individuals ages 10-15 years old.
The CCSPCA Junior Volunteer Corp meets four times a year to discuss important animal welfare issues affecting our community. Activities and topics will vary at each meeting. Team-building activities, "homework" to benefit our animals and shelter, and educational topics are designed to give our youth valuable insight into our shelter and the world of animal welfare.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 10-15 years old
TIME COMMITMENT: attendance of quarterly meetings and "homework" for the months between these meetings.
For more details, please fill out a Volunteer application and contact our Volunteer Manager at humaneedandvolunteer@ccspca.org to learn about upcoming Junior Corp meetings.
FOSTER CARE:
Individuals who are 18 years or older and are interested in temporarily taking care of a shelter animal in their home should complete a foster care application. Once you have completed the application please send it to us by mail, fax or stop by and drop it off. Once we receive your application you will have a one-on-one interview with our foster coordinators to see if your home matches the needs of one of the shelter's animal candidates. The average commitment is 4-8 weeks. The shelter will help you and your foster animal get started by giving you instructions on its care, offer continual phone support, vet care if needed, possible transportation, and schedule a return date for you.
DOG'S DAY OUT: Like events and community functions? Have a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle? Then our Dog's Day Out volunteer program is for you! Take adoptable shelter dogs to participating pet supply stores, local events, or CCSPCA fundraisers. While at these locations, talk to customers and attendees about the dog and the Chester County SPCA.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: 18 years or older
TIME REQUIREMENTS: varies
ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Fur Star**** Program through the Advanced (dog walking) level. Additional event experience a plus.
SPECIAL EVENTS/FUNDRAISING: Are you interested in organizing and managing events, representing the Chester County SPCA in the community, or do you prefer to roll up your sleeves and energetically complete tasks? Volunteers are needed to work for the Chester County SPCA's fundraising and promotional activities. Please fill out a volunteer application.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 16 years or older.
TIME COMMITMENT: Episodic
DOG BANK FUNDRAISING PROGRAM: Volunteers monitor dog bank locations and collect donations on a quarterly basis. This money is sent to the shelter to benefit our animals. Dog Bank volunteers must be responsible, able to with with minimal supervision (under our volunteer Dog Bank Coordinator and our CCSPCA Volunteer Manager) and must have their own transportation. Volunteers are always encouraged to keep an eye out for new dog bank locations so that we can expand out donation network. Please fill out a volunteer application.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 16 years or older
TIME COMMITMENT: quarterly collection schedule
SHELTER AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: The Chester County SPCA's front and administrative office staff need your help! Tasks include data entry/computer work, individual and specialized projects to grow programs, putting together adoption packets and other organizational work, greeting visitors at the shelter, answering phones, or helping staff prep for events, trainings, and workshops. Please fill out a volunteer application.
*This position offers some opportunities for volunteers to work from HOME.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 16 years or older.
TIME COMMITMENT: varies due to each project or task.
VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM: Volunteers with a knack for photography, a love for animals, and the ability to work alone or on a team (with other volunteers or kennel staff) will be able to use their own photography equipment and edit pictures for our shelter use. **You must attend a Fur Star Volunteer Orientation before starting this program.
These pictures will be used to update our Petfinder page of adoptable animals and will also be used for promotional, educational, and event materials. Please fill out a volunteer application.
AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 years or older
TIME COMMITMENT: 1 photo session per month
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General Requirements for All Volunteers
Enthusiasm, dependability, communication skills, and a pleasant personality.
Able to make a regular commitment of service as required.
You must be covered by medical insurance to volunteer.
Please download and complete the volunteer application if you are interested in any of these opportunities. Feel free to call our volunteer manager with any questions 610-692-6113, ext.219.
Please mail all completed applications to:
Chester County SPCA
Attn: Volunteer Manager
1212 Phoenixville Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
or Fax 610-436-4630