Tips for Recruiting, Training and Retaining Animal Shelter Volunteers

A strong volunteer program can help animal shelters and rescues expand their capacity, support staff and improve care for animals. Use these practical strategies to recruit volunteers, provide effective training, build engagement and create a volunteer program people want to stay involved with.

Key Takeaways

Successful volunteer programs:

• Recruit: Look for volunteers within the communities you already serve.
• Match: Connect people with roles that fit their skills and interests.
• Train: Provide clear, role-specific and ongoing training.
• Empower: Give volunteers room to contribute ideas and take ownership.
• Retain: Build trust, recognize contributions and connect volunteer work to your mission.
   

1. Recruit Volunteers From Your Community

People who already know and support your organization can be strong volunteer prospects.

• Look for potential volunteers among adopters, fosters, clients, donors and community members.
• Reach out to local groups, businesses, schools and other organizations with connections to your mission.
• Make it easy for people to understand how they can help.
• Consider the skills, interests and experiences people already bring to your organization.

Example: An adopter who has had a positive experience with your organization may be interested in helping with adoption events, fundraising or outreach.

2. Match Volunteer Roles to Skills and Interests

Give volunteers opportunities that fit their interests, skills and experience.

• Ask volunteers what types of work they enjoy.
• Match roles to individual skills and comfort levels.
• Offer a variety of opportunities, including roles beyond direct animal care.
• Allow volunteers to suggest new ways they can contribute.
• Give people opportunities to learn new skills over time.

Flexibility can help volunteers feel valued and make it easier to find meaningful ways for more people to contribute.

Example: A volunteer with photography skills might take adoption photos, while someone with a background in social media could help promote animals or events.

3. Provide Clear, Ongoing Volunteer Training

Give volunteers the training, support and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

• Provide clear, role-specific training before volunteers work independently.
• Pair new volunteers with experienced staff or volunteers when appropriate.
• Make sure volunteers understand your organization's mission, policies and expectations.
• Offer regular training and opportunities to build new skills.
• Provide feedback and support as volunteers take on new responsibilities.

Example: Training doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on what volunteers need to know to perform their roles safely, confidently and effectively.

4. Give Volunteers Room to Contribute and Grow

Empower volunteers to use their creativity, skills and ideas to support your mission.

• Invite volunteers to suggest new ideas and solutions.
• Look beyond traditional shelter tasks when creating volunteer opportunities.
• Encourage volunteers to use professional and personal skills.
• Give trained volunteers appropriate ownership of projects.
• Share successful ideas with the rest of the team.

Example: A volunteer might develop a new fundraising idea, create enrichment activities, improve an adoption event or find a better way to communicate with the community.

Giving volunteers meaningful responsibility can help them feel invested in your organization's success.

5. Build Trust and Recognize Volunteer Contributions

Treat volunteers as valued members of your team and show them how their work makes a difference.

• Trust trained volunteers to take ownership of appropriate tasks.
• Give volunteers opportunities to contribute ideas and solve problems.
• Connect their work to the organization's mission and impact.
• Recognize volunteers for their time, skills and accomplishments.
• Create opportunities for volunteers and staff to support one another.

People are more likely to stay engaged when they feel trusted, appreciated and connected to a meaningful purpose.