Volunteer
Who can volunteer at the Luzerne County SPCA?
Volunteering at the Luzerne County SPCA can be a wonderful experience. We rely on our volunteers to help us as we care for the thousands of animals that come through our doors each year. We do our best to accommodate those who would like to help, but above all we need to do our best to keep the animals and volunteers safe. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old to volunteer individually on site at the Luzerne County SPCA. From age 15 -17 a child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must go through orientation and be with the minor at all times.
We work with organizations that help people with various physical and mental disabilities, knowing that this can be a truly rewarding experience for the volunteer. The support person must go through orientation and stay with the person at all times. No one who is not truly independent can be alone with the animals. After orientation a volunteer should be ready to work on their own. Staff will certainly answer questions and help when necessary but volunteer work is independent.
Groups:
While we welcome organizations to help with specific projects and civic groups for educational tours, we cannot accommodate large groups. Max number of 10 people for groups.
Volunteer Requirements
The SPCA of Luzerne County wishes to be accessible to all who are interested in volunteering, however, we do have the following requirements:
- All potential volunteers must be able to work independently or be accompanied by a support worker at all times.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Volunteers must not have a criminal record at any time to volunteer.
- Possess strong customer service skills; read and understand instructions and procedures; All volunteer positions work directly with the public, staff and other volunteers.
- Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (for example: open kennel door while handling animal)
- Ability to bend and squat to leash/harness, and/or pick up an animal.
- Ability to hear if animal is giving warnings, such as growling, yelping or hissing.
- Ability to react quickly to prevent animals from escaping (for example: ability to quickly pursue and retrieve an animal who have escaped from a kennel)
- Ability to work in a loud and chaotic environment.
- Recognize limitations in knowledge and abilities and know when to ask for help.
- Acceptance of the boundaries between the role of volunteer and the staff.
- Maintain a positive attitude and a solution-oriented approach to challenging situations.
How to Start Volunteering at the SPCA of Luzerne County
First, fill out and send back our Volunteer Application. Our Volunteer Coordinator will process your application in the order she receives them before contacting you to schedule you for an upcoming class. {This may take up to three weeks depending on the time of year!} Orientations are held on a bi-weekly basis, start at 5pm and are 2 hours long. You will then be considered an active volunteer and be able to start helping the homeless animals in your community! You could email applications to camos@luzernespca.org. We look forward to seeing you at the SPCA of Luzerne County! Volunteering is fun and rewarding, and most of all you get to show a homeless pet true love.
