Volunteer

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast could not operate at our current, far-reaching level without our volunteers. We are fortunate enough to have a pack of more than 500 active volunteers, ranging in age from 12 to over 90, who all together provide our organization with nearly 40,000 hours of service, annually. Will you join our pack?

There are many opportunities to volunteer and support our organization and the animals. Continue reading this page to learn about (1) the easy process to become an HSTC volunteer; (2) our different types of volunteer programs, and (3) the many opportunities in which you may choose to volunteer your time.

Questions?

Please contact HSTC Volunteer Manager, Courtney Zanetti, by phone at (772) 600-3211 or by email at czanetti@hstc1.org.

Become an HSTC Volunteer

Complete a volunteer application. These forms are linked in the next section ('Volunteer Programs') and also at the end of this page.
Attend a volunteer orientation. This orientation teaches new volunteers about our organization, mission, policies, and the available volunteer opportunities.
Select a volunteer job. You can review the various volunteer opportunities in a later section on this page. Available volunteer opportunities will also be discussed in detail at your orientation.
Schedule your specific volunteer job training. You and the HSTC Volunteer Manager will schedule this after you complete the volunteer orientation and select your volunteer job.
Start volunteering! Once you're trained and scheduled, you'll officially be ready to volunteer. It's important that you find a consistent schedule for the first few months. Our managers will help you schedule so that you and our shelter pets are all well accommodated.

Volunteer Programs

Adult Volunteer Program for adults ages 16 and older. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities in this program (scroll down on this page to learn more). You can complete the online volunteer application here to get started.
Junior Volunteer Program for youth between the ages of 12-15. Junior volunteers require adult (18+) supervision, working side-by-side on each shift. Adult supervisors must also attend orientation and training sessions with their junior volunteer. You can complete the online junior volunteer application here to get started.
Court-Ordered Community Service is available at our shelter. Please note that you must be 16+ to complete court-ordered hours with HSTC. Click here to get started.

Volunteer Orientation

Volunteer orientations are held in the Jane & Shirley Wurz Education Building on our Palm City campus. Each orientation lasts approximately 45 minutes. Volunteer applications must be submitted prior to attending an orientation. RSVP's are required to attend the volunteer orientation. Email Courtney Zanetti at CZanetti@hstc1.org to RSVP.

Volunteers must be able to commit to a weekly schedule for at least 3 months. Please remember, youth must be no younger than 12 years old to participate in our Junior Volunteer Program.

Upcoming New Volunteer Orientations:

Friday, Sept. 30 at 3 pm
Friday, Oct. 14 at 3 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 4 pm

RSVP for an Upcoming Orientation:

Please email HSTC Volunteer Manager, Courtney Zanetti, at czanetti@hstc1.org to RSVP.

Volunteer Opportunities

Click on each opportunity to learn more!

Canine Companion

Volunteers sit in the kennels with the dogs, providing the dogs with TLC, which includes brushing them, socializing with them and giving them “snuggles”. Each dog gets at least 10 minutes of direct contact and shifts last about 1-2 hours weekly.

Cat Care

Feeding, cleaning, and socializing the adoptable cats in our care. Presenting the cats to prospective adopters and talking about their personalities. Shifts are about 2-3 hours long each week. Cat care shifts are located at our main shelter, as well as at both thrift stores.

Community Events

Participation in community events and fundraisers as part of a planning committee or day-of-event needs such as selling raffle tickets, assisting at the information booth, etc. Shifts are as needed. Learn more about HSTC Community Events.

Learn More

Court-Ordered Community Service

To fulfill court ordered community service hours, you must be at least 18 years of age. You do not need to attend orientation, but you must complete a community service application prior to initiating service. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast does not accept all court-ordered offenses and reserves the right deny any application. You can complete a community service application online, or stop by the shelter to fill one out in person.

Critter Care

Cleaning, feeding, grooming, and presenting our critters to prospective adopters. Critters consist of mostly guinea pigs and rabbits, but occasionally we have other critters who need to be cared for, such as hamsters, ferrets, etc. Shifts range from about 2-4 hours weekly.

Dog Walking

Volunteers walk the dogs around our Memorial Garden to provide basic exercise, mental stimulation and needed human contact. Volunteers must be able to handle large, energetic dogs over 50 pounds. Shifts are about 2 hours long each week.

Front Desk and Administration

Assisting the customer service staff members with answering phones, organizing paperwork, scheduling appointments, assisting customers, etc. Shifts range from 2-4 hours weekly.

Mobile Adoptions

Handling of pets outside of the shelter to increase awareness of our mission and exposure to prospective adopters. Bringing dogs to events wearing an “Adopt Me” vest and assisting in off-site adoptions. Must be able to handle large, energetic dogs over 50 pounds. Shifts are as needed.

Pet Therapy and Humane Education

Volunteers, along with their pets, deliver educational programs to schools and youth groups, visit hundreds of seniors each month at senior centers, nursing homes and the hospital, and provide interactive programs for children with special needs

Learn More

Public Spay & Neuter

Assisting surgery staff in prepping animals for surgery, monitoring animals during recovery and reviewing follow up instructions with owners. Shifts are about 4 hours weekly.

Shelter Pet Photography & Wrangling

Taking photos of the animals in our care in order to provide a better adoptable visual for the HSTC Website and other media platforms. “Wrangling” is bringing the animals to the photographer and assisting with capturing the best possible shot for the camera. Shifts are about 1-2 hours weekly.

Thrift Stores North/Central

Cashiering, pricing incoming items, sorting donations and assisting customers. Shifts range from 2-4 hours weekly.

Learn More