Volunteer with Second Chance!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Second Chance Humane Society. Second Chance relies heavily on the generosity and support of our wonderful volunteers. Our volunteers devote their time and skills to support our vision of 'Loving Homes for All Pets'. By joining our team, you will help us provide lifesaving services and meaningful programs to pets and people throughout our community.

There are many ways to get involved, ranging from several hours weekly to a few times a year and everything in between. Apply your talents & skills toward a variety of Second Chance opportunities:

• Thrift Store Volunteers
• Adoption Event Volunteers
• Dog walking, socialization and grooming at our adoption facility
• Cat cuddling and socialization at our adoption facility
• Feral Cat Program assistance including education and TNR
• Community Outreach Programs including classroom education and animal assisted therapy (Pet Power)
• Administrative Help
• Fundraising Assistance
• Publicity Assistance
• Graphic Design Assistance

How do I become a volunteer?

A completed application can be submitted to Second Chance Humane Society by one of the following ways:

• Bring the application to: Second Chance Humane Society Thrift Shop (309 Sherman Street) or at our Adoption Center located at Angel Ridge Ranch (177 County Road 10, map below)
• Mail the application to: Second Chance Humane Society, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO 81432
• Submit an online application by clicking here.

What training is required?

Volunteers are provided New Volunteer Orientation and additional appropriate training workshops and/or shadow training for their assigned programs. We have a few manuals that help provide an overview of our guidelines and practices to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable volunteer experience:

1. Dog Walker & Care Manual
2. Cat Specialist & Care Manual

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Currently, you must be at least 16 years of age in order to volunteer with Second Chance. Younger volunteers must be accompanied by an adult we plan to be adding youth programs in the summer of 2012.

I’m not quite 16 yet but my friends and I really want to help. Isn’t there anything we can do?

While you are not yet able to work directly in the shelter, we do have a few options for volunteers who do not meet the minimum age requirement. A few things you might want to try:

1. Supply Drives: Running an animal shelter is an expensive endeavor and we need donations of everyday items to assist us! Many school children help the shelter animals rescued by Second Chance Humane Society by holding supply drives in areas such as their classrooms, scout troops, churches and other youth groups. (view our wishlist)
2. Publicity for Pets: It's amazing at what a colorful sign can do! A bright sign that says "adopt me" really attracts a lot of attention and can help us when we are having difficulty placing a pet. We use these signs at our adoption events to hang on the kennels.
3. Animal Ambassadors: Because our animals can't talk, we need to talk for them and speak up for them in our community! As an animal ambassador our youth volunteers can pass out information at various community events and not only help publicize the issue of pet overpopulation but also tell the community what Second Chance Humane Society is doing to bring about solutions. Volunteering as an Ambassador includes helping to distribute general information as well as publicize special events. Parental assistance and supervision is required.

Can I satisfy academic, government program, or court-ordered community service requirements?

Yes indeed contact us to learn more.