Your Journey to Helping Pets Starts Here.

Your Commitment Matters for the Animals We Care For.
At Companions Animal Center, we’re grateful for volunteers who bring a unique blend of skills, experience, and dedication to our mission and who are willing to grow alongside our team over time.

Volunteer roles are designed for individuals who can commit to regular, ongoing involvement. Because animal care and shelter operations change frequently, consistency and presence are essentialto ensuring safety, up-to-date training, and the best possible care for our animals.




Before applying, we ask that you review the following program expectations and requirements to ensure our volunteer program is the right fit for you: 

Age Requirement: Prospective volunteers must be at least 18 years old.


Active Participation Requirement:  To remain an active volunteer, individuals are expected to complete a minimum of two volunteer shifts per month. This helps ensure volunteers remain familiar with current procedures, animal needs, and shelter operations.

Application Process: Complete a volunteer application with just a few clicks to initiate your journey with us. Expect prompt communication from our team with pertinent details on the next steps.


Tech-Savvy Volunteers: Volunteers are encouraged to use technology to stay connected with our team, including email and text messaging, as timely communication is important for scheduling, training updates, and daily operations.


While basic communication access is important, we are happy to support volunteers who may have limited access to technology. Companions Animal Center provides an on-site volunteer kiosk for volunteers who need to schedule shifts or stay current but do not have access to a personal computer or smart device.


Background Check: Pass a preliminary background check to ensure a positive and secure environment for all.

Training, Communication & Ongoing Commitment: All volunteers participate in onboarding and role-specific training and are expected to stay current with updates, communications, and refresher training as needed.


Because animal care protocols, health needs, and daily operations can change quickly, consistent participation is essential for safety and effective teamwork.


That said, we understand schedules vary. Once training is completed, some roles allow volunteers to self-schedule for available shifts during staffed hours, while other roles follow set schedules based on shelter needs.

Important Program Notes:

  • While we deeply appreciate your enthusiasm, we do not currently have opportunities for school, college, or high school projects.
  • For safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who require on-the-job supervision, coaching, mentoring, or caregiver support.
  • We do not offer community service hours at this time.


If you are able to commit to ongoing involvement and staying active in your role, we’d love to hear from you. Complete our volunteer application to begin the process.


We're Looking To Add To Our Volunteer Team

Sound like something you would be interested in doing? Click on the pictures below for information on the position. If yes, submit your Volunteer Application today!

Volunteer Positions

Interested in learning more about how you can volunteer at CAC? 

Check out our opportunities below and then complete your Volunteer Application .

  • Canine Care

    Canine Care Assistants play a vital role in setting each dog up for a calm, healthy, and comfortable day. This position focuses on providing essential daily care—such as fresh food, clean water, and a welcoming kennel environment—while supporting staff with light cleaning and upkeep. Volunteers in this role directly improve each dog’s wellbeing, reduce stress, and help them feel safe and ready for adoption



    Apply HERE

  • Community Events

    You'll play a vital role in showcasing the unique personalities and heartwarming qualities of our animals. You'll  assist with community adoption events - gathering supplies, setting up, tearing down, and ensuring our adorable companions travel in comfort. 

    Please note: To be part of this extraordinary team, you'll need your own transportation and a heart ready to transport our adorable companions to and from these off-site events.  If transporting dogs, you will need to first fulfill the dog walker's training process.  


    Apply  HERE.



  • Dog Walker

    Embark on a meaningful journey as a Dog Walker Volunteer, where you will provide exercise, socialization, and play time for our canine residents outside their kennels. You will collaborate with staff and fellow volunteers to ensure a safe, fun, and enriching environment for our dogs. In addition to walking and play, you will help maintain the cleanliness and presentation of key areas of the shelter to support adoptions and animal wellness.


    Apply HERE

  • Feline Care

    As a Feline Care Volunteer, you’ll play a vital part in keeping our cat areas safe, sanitary, and welcoming for both our feline residents and their potential adopters. This position supports our Feline Care Team by maintaining kennel cleanliness, feeding schedules, and overall adoption room presentation.

    Your attention to detail and compassion will ensure that every cat enjoys a clean, comfortable space and that each visitor sees our animals at their very best.




    Apply HERE

  • Fundraising

    Seeking experienced fundraising assistance for the many events scheduled throughout the year.  Share your ideas and lend a hand wherever needed during events at Companions and also in the community.



    Apply HERE

  • Guest Services

    Create a welcoming and organized space for both visitors and our furry friends. As a Guest Services volunteer, become the friendly face of CAC during peak hours, answering phones, directing visitors and answering their questions, and assisting with pre-adoption questionnaires.

    Ensure the cleanliness of our entry doors and lobby windows to leave a sparkling first impression. Make a positive impact by assisting the Vet Tech team with the assembly of spay/neuter cones.

    If you are ready to make a pawsitive impact while providing excellent service. Sound like you? Apply now!



    Apply HERE 

  • Maintenance

    If you’d like to lend a hand without direct animal contact, this role offers flexible, as-needed opportunities to help with projects such as seasonal yard work, light facility tasks, snow-related needs, or occasional setup projects. Support may vary throughout the year based on current needs.


    If you enjoy helping behind the scenes and making a meaningful impact on the shelter environment, we welcome your support in furthering our mission.



    Apply HERE

  • Laundry Support

    Assist in maintaining the cleanliness, comfort and hygiene of animal-housing spaces by managing the laundry needs of the shelter: washing/drying/folding bedding, towels, blankets, linens, uniforms and other fabric items; restocking clean items; and helping prevent the spread of disease through proper laundering protocols


    Apply HERE

  • Lobby Ambassador (Greeter)

    Lobby Ambassadors (greeters) are the welcoming face of Companions Animal Center. This role plays a vital part in creating a positive first impression for adopters, donors, and community members visiting our shelter. As a Lobby Ambassador, you help ensure our lobby runs smoothly by greeting visitors, providing general information, and supporting a calm, friendly, and organized environment.

    This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy interacting with people, supporting animals behind the scenes, and contributing to a mission-driven organization focused on saving lives and strengthening the human–animal bond.


    Apply Here

OUTREACH AND EVENTS

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Group Volunteer Opportunities

A group of co-workers, friends, etc., can do a lot for CAC by organizing a fundraiser or supply collection for our shelter. While we cannot accommodate groups at our shelter, your group efforts can still make a massive difference to the animals in our care and to our community. Please contact Vicky Nelson at 208.772.4019 prior to your fundraiser to obtain approval.

Education

Volunteers will help our Development Director transport animals to classrooms and educate students about animal safety and advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals and promote humane awareness and compassion.