Volunteering at SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals
Guided by diverse and dedicated SAVE staff members, volunteers act in partnership to improve animals’ lives in direct and impactful ways. SAVE volunteers form a vital network of animal welfare advocates who are empowered to share their experience and knowledge with clients, visitors, friends, and family. If you share our interest, and want to make a positive change in the lives of homeless animals, please consider donating your time to SAVE.
Important items to note prior to emailing your application:
- You must be 16 years of age to volunteer with our cats
- 18 years of age to volunteer with our dogs
- Ages 8 to 15 may participate in our Paws for Reading program (more info below)
- We ask that all volunteers are able to commit to at least 8 hours per month
Email your application to: [email protected]
SAVE recommends that every volunteer have an updated tetanus vaccination. All volunteers must wear appropriate apparel, including closed toe shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and pants (if you choose to wear shorts they must extend past the fingertips when arms are extended comfortably at your side).
Paws For Reading
Tyson Loves Paws for Reading!
Make a difference in the lives of SAVE’s animals by reading books to them. Established by SAVE volunteers Pam Diaforli and Dana Schaar, this program gives young students the opportunity to effectively and safely interact with the cats and dogs in the shelter. Reading out loud is an excellent way to practice reading skills while helping to socialize our animals, making them more adaptable and adoptable. Plus, they truly love it!
Also, as a leadership opportunity, older children familiar with Paw for Reading act as counselors to mentor new or younger children in the program. It’s the purrfect way for the young people in our community to independently contribute to the happiness of our shelter pets.
This program is for students ages 8 to 15 and held on Thursdays between 4pm-5pm. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own books. Please complete a SAVE volunteer application before your child comes in for their first visit. For more information or to schedule a session, please contact [email protected].
CORPORATE AND GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT SAVE

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Rally your team for a few hours of furry fun to support our adorable, adoptable friends! We have sessions Wednesday–Friday (9:30 am–12 pm). Your group will kick off with a quick orientation and tour, setting the stage for volunteer activities perfectly tailored to our shelter’s current needs. Once the volunteer magic is done, your crew is invited to enjoy some quality time socializing with our charming cats and dogs. It’s team bonding with a delightful twist!
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES
(MAX 4-6 PEOPLE)
• Cleaning (dusting, sweeping, mopping, laundry, washing food bowls, etc.)
• Organizing donations
• Special projects (e.g., painting, yard clean-up, landscaping, etc.)
LARGE GROUP ACTIVITIES (MAX 12 PEOPLE)
Larger groups can engage in self-directed team building in our spacious community room while interacting with adoptable dogs (e.g., making fleece blankets). Join us in creating meaningful moments for both volunteers and our beloved animals.
To organize your group volunteer experience at SAVE, please call 609.309.5214 x0206 or email [email protected].
SAVE Volunteer Handbook
At SAVE – A Friend to Homeless Animals, our volunteers are the heart of our mission. Whether you’re here to walk dogs, socialize with cats, help with daily shelter tasks, or assist at events, your time and dedication make a real difference in the lives of the animals we care for.
This handbook is your guide to volunteering at SAVE. It’s filled with helpful information about our shelter, our expectations, and how you can best support our furry friends. Think of it as a roadmap to ensure a safe, positive, and rewarding experience for both you and the animals.
We welcome you to come on board and join the SAVE volunteer family!
Become a SAVE volunteer and help us save homeless pets! Whether you help care for the animals or help keep the shelter clean, your time and compassion will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our animals who depend on us. We hope you’ll join our dedicated and committed family of animal lovers!!!
Email to: [email protected].
