Volunteer & Foster
Volunteer & Foster
Be the difference in an animal’s life. Join our compassionate community of volunteers and foster families!
At Sebastian County Humane Society, volunteers and foster families are the backbone of our mission to rescue, care for, and rehome animals in need. Whether you have a few hours a week or can open your home to a foster pet, your contribution makes a life-saving difference. Join us today and become part of something truly special!
Become a Volunteer
Join our dedicated team of volunteers who make a daily difference in the lives of shelter animals
Volunteer Opportunities
Dog Walker
Take our dogs on walks, provide exercise and enrichment, and help them become more adoptable through socialization.
Cat Socializer
Spend time with our cats, play with them, brush them, and help shy cats come out of their shells.
Animal Care Assistant
Help with daily care tasks including feeding, cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a clean shelter environment.
Photography Volunteer
Capture stunning photos of our animals to showcase them online and increase their chances of adoption.
Event Volunteer
Help organize and staff adoption events, fundraisers, and community outreach programs.
Administrative Support
Assist with office tasks, answer phones, help with adoption applications, and provide customer service.
Transport Volunteer
Help transport animals to vet appointments, adoption events, or foster homes.
Maintenance & Repairs
Use your handyman skills to help with facility repairs, building projects, and general maintenance.
Volunteer Requirements
✓ Basic Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older (16-17 with parent)
- Complete volunteer orientation
- Sign volunteer agreement
- Commit to regular shifts when possible
- Follow shelter policies and procedures
✓ What We Provide
- Comprehensive training
- Volunteer t-shirt
- Ongoing support and guidance
- Flexible scheduling options
- Meaningful volunteer experience
Ready to Volunteer?
Fill out our volunteer application and join our amazing team! We’ll contact you to schedule an orientation session.
Become a Foster Parent
Fostering saves lives! Provide a temporary loving home and help animals thrive
Why Foster Matters
- ✓ Saves Lives: Every foster opens space for another rescue
- ✓ Provides Comfort: Home environment reduces stress
- ✓ Increases Adoptability: Learn about personality and needs
- ✓ Supports Recovery: Ideal for medical cases or young animals
- ✓ Flexible Commitment: Foster for days, weeks, or months
- ✓ Rewarding Experience: Watch transformations happen
Types of Foster Care Needed
🐾 Short-Term Foster
Provide temporary care for a few days to a few weeks while an animal awaits adoption or recovers from a medical procedure.
👶 Bottle Baby Foster
Care for orphaned kittens or puppies too young for adoption, requiring bottle feeding every few hours until weaned.
🏥 Medical Foster
Provide a quiet recovery space for animals healing from surgery, injury, or illness—we provide all medical supplies.
🤱 Mom & Babies
Foster pregnant animals or nursing moms with their litters until babies are old enough for adoption.
🌟 Behavioral Foster
Help shy or anxious animals build confidence and learn basic manners in a home environment.
⏰ Weekend Foster
Take animals home for weekends to give them a break from shelter life—perfect for busy schedules!
What We Provide to Foster Families
Food & Supplies
All food, litter, toys, bedding, and supplies needed for your foster
Veterinary Care
Complete medical care including vaccines, spay/neuter, and medications
24/7 Support
Ongoing guidance and emergency support whenever you need it
Training & Resources
Foster orientation and access to training materials and tips
Foster Requirements
- Must be 21 years or older
- Have a safe, secure home environment
- Complete foster application and home visit
- Keep foster pets separate from personal pets initially
- Transport foster to vet appointments when needed
- Provide updates and photos to shelter staff
- Return foster when ready for adoption or as scheduled
- If you rent, landlord approval for fostering required
Ready to Foster?
Start your fostering journey today! Complete our foster application and we’ll match you with the perfect foster animal for your home and lifestyle.
Volunteer & Foster Success Stories
“Volunteering at SCHS has been the most rewarding experience. Seeing the dogs I walk get adopted brings me so much joy!”
— Sarah M., Dog Walker Volunteer
“We fostered our first litter of kittens and it was magical! Watching them grow and find homes was incredible. We’re hooked!”
— Mike & Lisa T., Foster Parents
“I started as a cat socializer and now I can’t imagine my life without this shelter. The community here is amazing!”
— Jennifer K., Cat Socializer Volunteer
