Requirements
The Tulsa SPCA has minimum requirements for our volunteer program to ensure all volunteers are the right fit for our organization and to ensure we are providing the best volunteer experience possible.
- We do not require volunteers to have insurance, but it is recommended. Volunteers must be at least 9 years of age.
- Volunteers ages 9-15 must have a parent or guardian with them at all times while volunteering.
- Volunteers ages 16-17 may volunteer on their own after a parent or guardian has attended orientation and all necessary training with them. Volunteers must pass background screening (ages 18 and up only). Volunteers must have a good attitude and a desire to positively impact the lives of dogs and cats within our community! Volunteers must wear a Tulsa SPCA volunteer t-shirt or vest and a nametag at all times.
- Every volunteer, regardless of age, will need an application. Each volunteer will have their own account in our volunteer database. There is no sharing of accounts.
Orientation and training
We strive to provide a well-rounded training program to ensure our volunteers feel safe and adequately prepared for their work with us and our animals.
- All volunteers are required to attend a general orientation (offered at least twice a month).
- Orientation could last up to one hour.
Dog/Cat 101 Orientation
This session provides training for our Cat and Dog Socialization opportunities. During this training, volunteers will receive a tour of the shelter, an overview of expectations for each opportunity, and hands-on practice harnessing a dog. Dog/Cat 101 may also be required for other opportunities, such as Mobile Adoption Center events.
How to become a volunteer
- Submit an online application.
- You will receive an email from the volunteer manager within 3 business days containing information on the orientation/training schedule.
- Sign up for a basic orientation.
- Complete any additional training necessary for volunteer job(s) that you are interested in.
- Begin signing up for shifts and gain a wonderful experience helping Tulsa pets in need!
Volunteer Job Opportunities
Clinic Clean Up – This volunteer opportunity will help keep the reception and lobby area of the clinic clean. This could be done through sweeping, mopping or any other thing that the clinic staff needs help with (in non-restricted areas).
Vaccine Clinic Aid: This volunteer opportunity will help clients during the shot clinic days, organizing, getting patients in order and whatever the clinic staff needs help with. Volunteer will need to go through basic orientation and clinic orientation.
Adoption Assistant: Adoption Assistants may help with the approval of adoption applications, putting together “Going Home” folders, following up with past adopters via email to ensure that their animal is adjusting well, and other duties. This assignment requires an extra orientation done by Intake or Adoptions Specialists.
Animal Showings: This volunteer opportunity will assist with showing dogs/cats to possible adopters or fosters. They can also assist with adoptable pet enrichment, whether its walking them around the clinic or bringing them to the friendship yard.
Green Dog Socialization: Green Dog Socializers are responsible for basic social needs of shelter dogs, including walking, playing, quiet time, affection/petting, exercise, etc. Dog socializers also learn basic dog body language and how to respond, as well as physical welfare needs of shelter dogs and how to meet them. This only includes dogs labeled as “green.”
Kennel Clean Up: This volunteer opportunity will help our pet care staff by assisting with dishes, laundry, cleaning kennels and/or helping with feedings.
Shelter Clean Up: This volunteer opportunity assists the pet care staff by keeping the shelter clean. This could be done by sweeping, mopping, organizing or any other thing that the shelter staff needs help with.
Shelter Reception Assistant: Shelter Reception Assistants are responsible for answering calls from the public, answering basic questions and transferring calls, paging for pet showings for potential adopters, directing traffic, ensuring the front office remains need and tidy, cleaning up any pet “accidents” that occur in the front office, checking the main line voicemail, and checking the TSPCA email account (info@tulsaspca.org).
Yellow Dog Socialization: Yellow Dog Socializers are responsible for basic social needs of shelter dogs, including walking, playing, quiet time, affection/petting, exercise, etc. Dog socializers also learn basic dog body language and how to respond, as well as physical welfare needs of shelter dogs and how to meet them. This only includes dogs labeled as “yellow.” The first time volunteering in this position will need to be done with another staff member, to ensure safety.
Cat Socializer – This position works directly with the cats providing them consistent touch and basic needs fulfillment.
Requires: Basic orientation, Cat 101
Clinic Receptionist Assistant – The reception assistant in the clinic works as a team with the clinic receptionist to ensure vaccine and spay/neuter clinics run smoothly and clients receive the best customer service possible.
Requires: Basic orientation, Dog 101, Cat 101, Clinic-reception
MAC Volunteer – A Mobile Adoption Center Volunteer assist the MAC Captain with many different duties. MAC volunteers assist with loading animals onto the MAC, showing animas for adoption, and cleaning duties. MAC Volunteers distribute information, and help keep our animals safe while they are off-site.
Requires: Basic orientation, Dog 101 and MAC training