Volunteers Make Our Mission Possible
Become a Houston Humane Society Volunteer!
By volunteering, you’re joining a compassionate community dedicated to saving lives and creating a more humane Greater Houston. Whether you’re working hands-on with animals or supporting our programs, your time makes a real difference.
How to Apply to Volunteer
Step 1 Complete our Volunteer Application
- Start your application
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Youth Volunteer Application
- Note: parents or legal guardians of youth volunteers are required to apply here
Step 2 Complete and pass a background check
- Completed online through the application
- $20 fee, paid by the applicant
- Required for volunteers 18+
Background checks must be renewed every 5 years. You’ll receive automated reminders when it’s time.
Step 3 Attend Volunteer Orientation
- Those being invited to join our program will need to attend an in-person orientation led by our Volunteer Team.
Houston Humane Society Adoption Center
14700 Almeda Road
Orientation Times
- 1st Sunday of the month: 12pm - 2pm
- 3rd Saturday of the month: 12pm - 2pm
- 4th Monday of the month: 2pm - 4pm
Your time can change a life. Take the next step and start your volunteer journey today.
Houston Humane Society is committed to an inclusive volunteer experience. If you have a disability or need accommodations, we’re happy to explore options and find roles that fit your abilities.
Modified roles may include shorter shifts or alternative tasks to ensure comfort and success.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinators: Volunteer@houstonhumane.org
Youth Volunteers - Under 18 years
The Houston Humane Society is proud to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for young animal lovers. We welcome youth volunteers in select roles and are committed to providing a fun, safe, and rewarding experience for every child who volunteers with us.
To help ensure the safety of both our animals and our volunteers, the following guidelines apply to all youth volunteers:
- Minimum age: Children must be at least 10 years old to volunteer
- Adult supervision: In most cases, youth volunteers must be accompanied by a registered adult volunteer
- Parental consent: A Parent Consent Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for all volunteers under 18
- Volunteer profile required: Each youth volunteer must complete the Youth Volunteer Application
Youth Golden account setup: For all youth volunteers (under age 18), a parent/guardian must create a separate Golden account/profile for the youth using an alias email format. The youth alias email should be created by adding “youth-” in front of the parent/guardian’s email address.
Example: Parent/guardian email: volunteer@houstonhumane.org → Youth email: youth-volunteer@houstonhumane.org.
Volunteer Opportunities Available at Houston Humane Society
Volunteering with the Houston Humane Society is a rewarding way to support animals in need while giving back to your community. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in Greater Houston for animal lovers of all backgrounds, whether you enjoy hands-on work with animals or prefer supporting our mission behind the scenes.
Cat Interaction Volunteer
Spend quality time socializing with our cats and kittens. Through gentle handling, playtime, and enrichment activities, you help cats build confidence, enjoy positive human interaction, and prepare for adoption. Your time directly supports their journey to loving forever homes.
Dog Walking
Help our dogs stay active, happy, and healthy through dog walking and one-on-one interaction. Regular walks and positive engagement improve behavior, boost confidence, and increase adoptability. Every walk you take helps a dog get one step closer to a forever family.
Help our dogs stay active, happy, and healthy through dog walking and one-on-one interaction. Regular walks and positive engagement improve behavior, boost confidence, and increase adoptability. Every walk you take helps a dog get one step closer to a forever family.
Community Outreach Volunteer
Be an ambassador for the Houston Humane Society in the community. Outreach volunteers help share our mission, promote programs and events, and connect with supporters at community events. Your voice helps raise awareness, inspire compassion, and build a more humane Greater Houston.
Be an ambassador for the Houston Humane Society in the community. Outreach volunteers help share our mission, promote programs and events, and connect with supporters at community events. Your voice helps raise awareness, inspire compassion, and build a more humane Greater Houston.
Administrative & Office Support
Prefer to help behind the scenes? Administrative volunteers provide essential support through data entry, filing, phone assistance, and general office tasks. Your organizational skills help our staff stay focused on what matters most, caring for animals in need.
Prefer to help behind the scenes? Administrative volunteers provide essential support through data entry, filing, phone assistance, and general office tasks. Your organizational skills help our staff stay focused on what matters most, caring for animals in need.
Special Events & Fundraising Volunteer
Support the Houston Humane Society at special fundraising events throughout the year. From event setup to guest support, volunteers play a key role in making these events successful and helping raise critical funds that support lifesaving programs.
Support the Houston Humane Society at special fundraising events throughout the year. From event setup to guest support, volunteers play a key role in making these events successful and helping raise critical funds that support lifesaving programs.
No matter how you choose to volunteer, your time, compassion, and dedication help save lives and strengthen our community.
Ready to get started? Apply today and become part of the Houston Humane Society volunteer team.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Houston Humane Society is proud to welcome volunteer groups from across our community. We regularly host group volunteer days for corporations, schools, faith-based organizations, scout troops, and other community groups looking to give back together.
Group volunteers provide valuable support in areas where extra hands make a big impact, while participants enjoy a meaningful, team-building experience.
To ensure a safe, organized, and rewarding visit for everyone, all group volunteer experiences must be planned and scheduled in advance.
The guidelines below help both group leaders and HHS staff create a successful volunteer day.
Book Your Group Volunteer Experience
If your group includes 10 to 30 participants and is interested in volunteering at the Houston Humane Society, please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator Ana Jaspe
Group volunteer opportunities are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly encourage reaching out well ahead of your preferred date. A member of our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions about available group activities.
Planning Your Group Visit
All group volunteer experiences begin with gathering key information to ensure the opportunity is a good fit for your group and our needs.
Please be prepared to share:
- Group name
- Primary contact name
- Email address and phone number
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can volunteer?
- Adults 18 years and older are welcome to join our volunteer program
- Children must be at least 10 years old to volunteer
2. How much time is required?
- To get the most out of your experience, we recommend 4 hours a month
- Advanced volunteer opportunities may require an additional time commitment to allow for specialized training and responsibilities
3. What training is provided? All volunteers receive training to feel confident and prepared:
- Orientation: Learn about Houston Humane Society, our mission, and volunteer policies
- Animal handling: Training to safely interact with dogs, cats, and other animals
- Optional workshops are available for volunteers interested in specialized roles
4. Is there a fee? To ensure safety and a consistent volunteer experience:
- Background Check: $20 for adult volunteers (required)
- Volunteer Shirt: Branded shirts should be worn at all times when representing HHS in public ($10 each, required)
- For Dog Walking Opportunities: A slip leash is required ($6, available at HHS)