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Our shelter has been undergoing some exciting renovations! We will temporarily be suspending new volunteer recruitment for positions at our shelter and thrift stores. Phase II of our shelter renovation project will have a big impact on all areas of the shelter, but, specifically the adoption areas where we house the animals. Staff and volunteers in these areas will be shifting roles; therefore, the need will be limited for volunteer support until the shelter renovation is complete.
We apologize that we cannot offer you a volunteer role at this time. We are really excited about all the changes to our shelter, and hope that you will be interested in volunteering with HSTC post-construction, which is scheduled to be complete by the year’s end!

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 nearly 500 active volunteers, ranging in age from 12 to over 92, who all together provide our organization with over 44,000 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, Laura Faber, by phone at (772) 600-3214 or by email at lfaber@hstc1.org. 

Become an HSTC Volunteer

  1.  Complete a volunteer application. See forms at the bottom of this page.
  2.  Attend a volunteer orientation. This orientation teaches new volunteers about our organization, mission, policies, and the available volunteer opportunities. 
  3.  Read the volunteer handbook HERE. This goes over rules and regulations to follow when volunteering at our organization.
  4.  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.
  5.  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.
  6.  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).
  • 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 fill out an application, and attend orientation and training sessions with their junior volunteer.
  • Court-Ordered Community Service is available at our shelter. Court Ordered Community Service Application (Must be over 16+ years old, a first time offender, resident of Martin County with the offense occurring in Martin County).

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 and RSVP's are required. Email Laura Faber at lfaber@hstc1.org or 772-600-3214 to RSVP. 

Attendance will be limited to 20 prospective volunteers per orientation on a first come, first served basis.

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.

NOTE: Please make sure to check your spam folder from email addresses ending in HSTC1.ORG and mark us "SAFE."

Upcoming New Volunteer Orientations:
  • None scheduled at this time

Volunteer Opportunities

Click on each opportunity to learn more!

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 an information booth, etc. Shifts are as needed. Learn more about HSTC Community Events.

Court-Ordered Community Service

To fulfill court ordered community service hours, you must be at least 16 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 hospitals, and provide interactive programs for children with special needs

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.

Thrift Stores North/Central

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

Volunteer Application Forms - currently on hold

Get Involved

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Contact Us

Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave
Palm City, Florida 34990
Main Line: (772) 223-8822
Fax: (772) 220-3610
admin@hstc1.org

Journalism inquiries only:       Contact Doreen Poreba at prczar@prczar.com

Registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit
Tax ID #:  59-0774235

 

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Thrift Stores

Central Thrift Store:
3302 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 286-6909

North Thrift Store:
1099 NW 21st St., Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 232-4887

Contributions:
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free (800) 435-7352 within the state or by visiting FDACS.gov. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Registration #CH1552.

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© 2025 Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Tax ID #: 59-0774235