Volunteer

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Join Our Volunteer Team!

HSNEI depends on our volunteers to help socialize and enrich the lives of the cats and dogs in our care.

We value our animals, volunteers, and staff members: we want everyone to have a healthy, safe, and rewarding experience at the HSNEI Shelter/Love & Friendship Adoption Center. This is a top priority at HSNEI!

Volunteer Application

Please ask us questions and have fun! We will do our best to ensure your volunteer experiences meet your expectations.

Hands completing volunteer paperwork

Click Each Link to Complete Your Volunteer Onboarding Process

Volunteer with a dog at the shelter

When You Visit

After your volunteer application is approved, you may sign up for volunteer shifts at the Love & Friendship Adoption Center. Please check in with staff when you arrive so we can guide you to the animals and activities scheduled for your visit.

Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Follow staff instructions in all animal areas to help keep people and pets safe, calm, and comfortable.

Volunteers learning at the shelter

Volunteer Orientation

Volunteer orientation introduces you to HSNEI policies, safety expectations, and daily routines at the shelter. Orientation helps ensure that every volunteer has a healthy, safe, and rewarding experience while supporting the cats and dogs in our care.

Complete your application documents before attending orientation. If you have questions about scheduling or requirements, please contact us at info@hsnei.org.

Volunteer walking a dog

Dog Handler Training

Volunteers who walk dogs or take them out for enrichment must complete dog handler training. Training covers safe handling, leash skills, and Fear Free approaches that reduce stress for shelter dogs.

Please complete Application Documents and Volunteer Orientation before signing up for dog handler training. Staff will let you know when you are ready to begin.