The Houston SPCA Volunteer Opportunities

Making a Difference

The Houston SPCA has more than 500 dedicated volunteers helping us help the animals. Without these compassionate, caring people, we couldn't continue our efforts on behalf of the animals. The following volunteer positions assist with the daily operation of the Houston SPCA, and are available to qualified applicants.

We are always looking for volunteers to help further this mission, however we ask that all volunteers be at least 15 years of age ( please see the following NOTE ).  If you are between the ages of 15 and 18 years old please click here and request a volunteer application to be sent to you through the mail. Please provide your full name, address, city, state & zip code. NOTE : If you are ages 15 to 18, the application which you will need to complete and return to us can only be provided through post mail at this time. Upon review of your application, you will be invited to the next series of orientation and training classes, held on Saturdays.

Join us! Begin by completing the Online Volunteer Application Today!  For more information, or to request a volunteer application, contact the Volunteer Department at (713) 869-7722, ext. 123, via e-mail, or download the application here.

• Admitting
  Receive incoming animals, and assist in completing necessary paperwork. You must be 18 years of age,have 20 hours volunteer experience in adoption counseling/front desk and 20 hours in direct animal care. 
  
• Animal Behavior Trainer
  Volunteers work with our Animal Behavior Specialist and teach the large dogs basic obedience with clicker training and positive reinforcement. This program increases the large dogs' chance of adoption. A minimum of 20 hours volunteer experience in large dogs is required.
  
• Barn
  These volunteers assist the Barn Managers in feeding, bathing, and socializing the farm animals. Since most of these animals come from cruelty situations, farm animal experience is required.
  
• Clinic Technician Assistant
  Help the veterinary staff process incoming animals and prepare them for adoption. Includes preparing vaccinations, cleaning ears, and general grooming. A minimum of 20 hours in an animal care area is required for this position.
  
• Direct Animal Care
  Assist approved adopters, clean cages, help with feeding, and socialize animals. The areas are: large adoptable dogs and puppies, small adoptable dogs and puppies and cattery.
  
• Dog Walkers
  These volunteers give the large adoptable dogs a short break from their kennels. There is a sign in board where volunteers record the dog walked and the time of the walk.
  
• Foster Care
  Care for shelter animals in your home. These animals are future adoption candidates that may be too young or ill at the time of admission. Any medicines are provided by the HSPCA. Additional training is required. 
  
• Front Desk/Adoption Counselor
  Process adoption paperwork (including counseling), answer phones, take cruelty and lost & found reports and assist the public with general questions/directions. You must be 18 years old for this position.
  
• Healthy Adoptable Foster Care
  Care for shelter animals in your home. These animals have been health and temperament checked and are ready to be placed for adoption. The shelter may be too full or the animal may have been here too long. Additional training is required. 
  
• Mobile Adoptions
  Held at various locations throughout Houston, volunteers work to find homes for Houston SPCA animals. Examples of locations include the Houston Zoo and Neiman Marcus.
  

We'd love to have you join us! Complete your Online Volunteer Application today!