I Want to Volunteer

Get Started Here

Memphis Animal Services offer three levels of volunteering:

Level 1

  • First step for all new volunteers
  • Online orientation makes it very easy to get started from the comfort of your home anytime
  • Level 1 volunteers don’t do direct animal handling
  • Also perfect for:
    • Short-term volunteers
    • Community service volunteers
    • Volunteers under 18
  • You can choose to progress to Level 2 if you want direct animal handling or stay at Level 1 forever!

Level 2

  • If they choose, Level 1 Volunteers may progress to Level 2 Cat Volunteers or Level 2 Dog Volunteers (or both!)
  • Attend one Level 2 Cat Volunteer Course or Level 2 Dog Volunteer Course (each offered twice per month) to advance to direct animal handling opportunities within that species. You only need to attend the course once, and then you’re a Level 2 Volunteer!
  • See available Level 2 course dates/times here
  • Both Level 1 and Level 2 opportunities (for your species) are available to you

Level 3

  • Level 2 volunteers may progress on a case-by-case basis to Level 3 if they:
    • Have highly specialized skills from experience in the shelter or prior to volunteering in the shelter, i.e.:
      • Take notes of dogs’ behavior during playgroups, Lead programs like field trips on certain days
    • Train and/or mentor other volunteers, i.e.:
      • Facilitate Level 2 Volunteer Courses, Mentor volunteers on their first shifts
    • Training for these opportunities varies and is available on a case-by-case basis.
    • Are you a Level 2 volunteer interested in leveling up to a specialized skill or training/mentoring other volunteers? Email [email protected].

Get Started Here

Ready to get started as a Level 1 volunteer? Complete two easy steps:

  1. Watch our online orientation video.
  2. Fill out our online application.

Once your application is approved (usually within 24 hours), you’ll receive an email with instructions.

Become a Level 1 Volunteer Now

Curious about the different ways you can help as a Level 1 volunteer? Check out our Youtube tutorials of some of the ongoing daily needs of our pets that volunteers help us take care of.