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 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 signed all required paperwork.
- 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.
- Our orientation is digital and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Once you have filled out an application, the orientation will be email to you.
- Additional training may be required for certain positions and will be provided at the time of the signed up shift.
How to become a volunteer
- Create an account with the link below.
- Sign up for a General Orientation/Dog and Cat 101.
- You will receive an email from the volunteer manager within 3 business days containing information on the orientation, background check, and paperwork.
- Begin signing up for shifts and gain a wonderful experience helping Tulsa pets in need!
Volunteer Job Opportunities
Cat Enrichment – This position works directly with the cats in our free-roaming cat rooms, providing them consistent touch and basic needs fulfillment.
Green Level Dog Enrichment – Volunteer will be walking, grooming, playing, and/or sitting in with our green level dogs.
Pack Walk w/ Petcare – This position helps our Pet Care team take dogs on pack walks. We learn a lot from these walks, so volunteers are expected to pay close attention to the dogs’ behaviors, leash walking skills, comfort level with other dogs, etc. We use this information to decide if we want to move them into a playdate with another dog.
The first walk should take around 30 minutes; after that, volunteers can join Pet Care in another walk, keep that dog out longer for additional socialization, or move onto socialization with another dog.
Dog Activity Prep – This opportunity involves preparing enrichment activities for our dogs, distributing them to each dog in their kennels, and then cleaning up after. There will be a different designated activity for each day of the week. Examples include: stuffed Kong toys, bubble therapy, scented stuffed animals, prey tubes, etc. Volunteers will check in with a Pet Care team member at the shelter for instructions.
Cat Room Cleaning – Calling all cat lovers! We urgently need volunteers to help get our cat rooms ready for public viewing by 10:30 AM! This role is crucial for assisting our pet care team in cleaning and preparing the spaces for our adoptable cats.
Laundry/Dishes in Shelter – This position helps our pet care staff with cleaning dishes and laundry in the morning or any other area of the shelter that needs cleaning.
Help in Clinic – Volunteers may be asked to help clean kennels, sweep/mop the clinic lobby, do dishes/laundry – or possibly monitor animals as they awaken from surgery.
Vaccine Clinic Aid – This position helps out with our vaccine clinic. Responsibilities will include running out to vehicles, collecting paperwork, and getting people in for their appointments.
Quick Care Clinic Aid – This opportunity will be helping the clinic with our Quick Care Clinic by passing out paperwork, pagers, and directing traffic.
Mobile Adoption Center (MAC) – 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.