Volunteer at the Shelter
Volunteer Program
Interested in helping pets who need homes? We have a vast number of opportunities that allow volunteers with different interests and skill sets to help out!
Apply to Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer with us, please complete our Volunteer Application. Our Volunteer Program Coordinator will contact you regarding next steps.
If you have questions about volunteering, review our Volunteer Handbook or email our Volunteer Coordinator.
Sample Volunteer Opportunities
This list is representative of some of our basic needs. However, our needs change depending on the needs of our animals. If you want to volunteer but aren’t sure what you’d like to do, email our Volunteer Coordinator for ideas.
Having a facility full of furry friends often means having to play catch up on cleaning constantly. We’re always grateful for anyone who can provide a helping hand in keeping up with this monumental task. Between laundry, dishes, wiping down surfaces, and even scooping and mopping up animal living quarters, this helps promote a safer and healthier environment for all.
We have a large number of dogs who all love going on walks. Each one has a different level of energy and a vast range of behaviors and needs. It’s best to keep to those you feel most comfortable handling. If you need help finding the right match, feel free to ask staff for assistance. We also have white boards set up in the hallways outside of our adoption wing and stray wing with notes about each dog to help direct our volunteers and provide instructions for dogs with specific needs.
Our cats love getting a chance to stretch their legs in our Meet-and-Greet rooms. Between leisure play and taking naps on a warm lap, every cat can be a happy feline. We have a number of different blanket types and toys available for use in these rooms. We do ask that all items and the floor of the room are cleaned and mopped between cats to help prevent disease transmission.
Love taking pictures? Need a project for a photography class? We are always looking for someone to get great photos of our furry friends. Great photographs help present them to the public much better. It is also a great way to show their unique personalities. We find that good photos help them locate their forever families much quicker. So whether it's a professional photoshoot or just a quick selfie on the trail, all photos are helpful.
At times we have special projects that are great for individuals or large groups looking to help. These projects can range from enrichment programs to off-site adoption events. There are always new projects on the horizon!
Groups such as Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Senior Clubs and others are welcome to take on projects outside the shelter to help our homeless pets. If you’d like to take on your own special project, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator first so we can be aware and help spread the word.
Here are ways you can earn hours and help CCAS:
- Earn 2 hours by filling a large shoe box with enrichment items. These can be handmade or items that have been purchased. Enrichment items are cat toys or dog toys that the animals can enjoy while at the shelter. You can find many ideas for handmade enrichment toys on Pinterest.
- Earn 5 hours by filling a 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. shipping box with food and enrichment items. Enrichment items are cat toys or dog toys that the animals can enjoy while at the shelter. You can find many ideas for handmade enrichment toys on Pinterest. All food donations should be unopened and unexpired.
- Earn 15 hours by holding a fundraiser or donation drive for the shelter that you have organized. You will need to contact the shelter at (828) 466-6812 to schedule a time to drop off the items in order to receive credit for this particular project. Please note that all donated items must be clean and in good condition, and all food donations should be unopened and unexpired. Make sure you bring the following information when you come to the shelter to drop off the donations or funds you have collected:
- Flyer or proof of other ways you promoted your event
- Documentation of how you prepared your event
- Details of the event (day, time, location, etc.)
- Pictures of you at the event
- A short summary of what it means to you to be able to provide these needs for the animals at CCAS
- A signed release (we will provide) stating that CCAS can share this information/pictures on social media and our website. If you are under the age of 18, the release form will have to be signed by a parent or legal guardian when you bring your items to the shelter.
We welcome individuals who wish to volunteer at the shelter in order to fulfill court-ordered community service hour requirements. Only people with minor infractions, such as driving on an expired license, speeding, etc., will be allowed to earn community service hours at CCAS. To earn community service hours with us, you will be helping with laundry, dishes and general cleaning. Please note: Anyone interested in fulfilling community service hours with us will be required to provide an email or letter from their attorney disclosing the charges. You will need to complete a Volunteer Application [LINK] and then schedule your hours with the Volunteer Coordinator. Generally, these hours are scheduled in 4 hour increments.