Each year, more than 400 volunteers, with a wide variety of backgrounds, donate more than 30,000 hours of service. They give hands-on care to animals, help us raise much-needed funds, educate our community, assist our staff at the shelter, provide support, and more. SFAHS volunteers report a deep sense of satisfaction in contributing to improving the lives of our rescued animals while working alongside others who desire to create a better future for all animals.
SFAHS provides training for all volunteer positions, so no prior experience is required. Whether walking dogs, helping match people with potential pets, or helping to make an event successful, you can be apart of the life-saving work we do at SFAHS.
Volunteers support nearly every area of our work. Together, we are creating a safe haven. It is our goal that every pet in the shelter gets a minimum of 20 minutes of human contact daily. Studies have shown that 20 minutes of human contact daily can make a difference in the life of a pet. It decreases the pet's anxiety, which can cut down stress-related illnesses and make them 'show' better to potential adopters. Your help in the shelter can and does, make a world of difference for the animals.
SHELTER CREWHelp with all aspects of the shelter including cleaning, giving out toys and treats, laundry, washing of dishes and litter boxes, and more!
MORNING DOG WALKINGMorning dog walkers come to the shelter starting at 7am and help our kennel staff take each dog for their morning walk before they get breakfast. As you walk the dogs, kennel staff are cleaning their kennels and moving them to new ones. You will be trained to walk the dogs in a specific way, that every volunteer and staff member is taught for consistency and to help with training.
AFTERNOON & EVENING DOG WALKINGThese dog walkers come to the shelter during our public hours and walk the dogs to keep them active and socialized. You will be trained to walk the dogs in a specific way, that every volunteer and staff member is taught for consistency and to help with training.
SMALL ANIMAL SOCIALIZATIONWork with the small animals so they stay socialized while at the shelter.
CAT CUDDLING & SOCIALIZATIONWork with the cats so they stay socialized while at the shelter.
MATCHMAKERSEvery volunteer also has the potential to be a matchmaker! This means helping pre-screened adopters find the perfect animal for their home.
EVENT HOPPERYou will help with event preparations including mailings, donations, errands and distribution of marketing materials.
SHELTER AMBASSADORS**Ambassadors are volunteers who help us at our public events! You are the face of our volunteers and representatives of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. It is required that you know basic facts about the shelter, are reliable and have a positive attitude. Events happen throughout the year. Some events may require extra training sessions.
BATH BUDDIES**This program requires an extra training session with one of our volunteer groomers. The groomers that lead these classes are professionally trained. Those that participate in the Bath Buddies program will be trained to help with basic grooming including baths and brushing.
DOG TRAINING**This program requires an extra training session with our staff dog trainer. The dog training program is in its second year at SFAHS! The program helps the dogs learn basic manners, good leash walking skills and other good behaviors to help them get adopted faster! This is the base training method we use at the shelter and apply it as an overall training. We modify as needed for each dog's learning style and behavior. Our staff trainer is the only handler that leads this class, for consistency.
(**These positions may require extra training sessions)
Sound like you would be a fit? Fill out an application.
Applications can be found at the front desk in the lobby of the SFAHS.
You must fill out your application thoughtfully and in full to be considered.
For questions, please see our
Volunteer FAQ.
We are currently not accepting any new volunteers until further notice due to COVID-19, and the inability to have orientations.ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF AND THE ANIMALS, THANK YOU, WOOF AND MEOW!