Volunteer Information
So, you’ve decided you want to set aside some time each week or month to volunteer at the R-H SPCA? By becoming a Pet Socializer, you can help us improve the quality of life and adoptability of the pets awaiting their forever homes.
Just imagine: you’re away from the only home you ever knew, and you’re surrounded by strangers who don’t speak your language. You may have always been out in the cold or heat, and having a roof over your head is more scary than welcome. Maybe you’re just tired of being lonely. Then one of these strangers offers you a yummy treat and a gentle hand.
Volunteers can be that superhero for our pets while they await adoption. While our staff supports the immediate needs of the pets in our care, there is always room for more socializing, force-free training, exercise, and love.
Volunteer Policy
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA welcomes the public to visit our pets any time during our regular hours of operation. While we welcome visitors, those who are not planning to adopt are not permitted to remove the animals from their kennels or cages. The spread of disease is always a concern in the sheltering environment, so direct contact with animals is limited to adopters, staff, and trained volunteers.
Requirements for volunteering at the shelter are as follows:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Attend Basic Volunteer Orientation
- Complete and return the Volunteer Profile and Pledge
- Parent signature required for those under 18 years of age
The Basic Volunteer Orientation covers health and safety protocols as well as the R-H SPCA’s policies and procedures. Attendees will receive a handbook for their personal reference. Volunteers work within certain time parameters to allow the staff adequate time to take care of animals’ day-to-day needs. Visit the Orientation page of this website for class dates and registration information. Pre-registration is required, as seating is limited.
Please be aware that pet socialization does not qualify for court-ordered community service. If you need to serve court-ordered hours, please call the shelter at 434-5270 to arrange your schedule. You will be asked for the following information: First & last name, phone number, number of hours needed, when they will have to be turned in, and your offense. Be prepared to answer these questions when you call, and know that there are some offenses that we can’t accept for community service due to the nature of our work.
Special Interest Groups
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA works closely with the community to provide volunteer opportunities for individuals with special needs. Organizations such as the Op Shop, Summit House and Pleasant View, Inc. provide us with many hours of service annually. Because we want to welcome these groups, we sometimes make exceptions to the regularly scheduled volunteer hours on and as-needed basis. If clients/patients of these organizations need to provide service during off-hours, prior arrangements must be made.
Community organizations that would like to have their clients/patients volunteer at the shelter must see to it that any staff supervising their residents/clients receive the proper training. It is also advisable that the clients themselves attend a workshop whenever possible, with agency staff determining who should attend. Regular sessions are offered monthly, however, if the agency prefers, a private class can and will be provided. To arrange an orientation for your staff and residents, please contact Lauren Watson, Humane Educator at 540-434-5270 or by email at humane[at]rhspca.org.
Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA 