Volunteer Programs

  1. Volunteer
  2. Foster
  3. Hikes With Hounds
  4. Donate

Volunteering at Burlington Animal Services


Burlington Animal Services welcomes volunteers who have a sincere interest in our animals. Volunteers are an integral extension of our staff and we appreciate your time and willingness to help. To be an effective volunteer there must be a sincere interest in the work to be done, acceptance of supervision, adherence to our policies and a prudent use of common sense when working with the animals. We ask volunteers to be professional and courteous at all times, and to maintain the dignity and credibility of the shelter and Pet Adoption Center with the public.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS Volunteer

  • Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
  • Must complete orientation session (see below for schedule and information). 
  • Agree to adhere to Burlington Animal Services' policies and procedures.
  • Complete application and liability waiver. A background check is required for age 18 or older. Persons with certain criminal convictions will not be permitted to volunteer. Click on the links below for volunteer forms.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 
  • Pet Pal—This involves walking, talking to, and playing with adoptable dogs and cats. These animals need exercise and attention. Volunteers can play with them in special areas at BAS and shower them with love and affection. A socialized cat or dog will become someone's pet much faster.
  • Dog Obedience Training—Most BAS dogs are eager to learn their manners and would benefit from learning the basics of sit, stay, down, etc. Well-mannered dogs get adopted faster. If volunteers have any experience in obedience training, BAS welcomes them to help train BAS dogs.
  • Grooming—Many BAS animals have not been cared for before coming to BAS. Their fur may be dirty, matted or shaggy from seasonal shedding. Their chance for adoption increases greatly if they have been groomed.
  • Photography—BAS posts pictures of all adoptable pets on different websites and can always use volunteer help in getting good photographs of animals.  
  • Special Events—BAS takes animals to special events such as adoption fairs, the Carousel Festival, Christmas parades, etc., and can use extra hands and helpers. 
  • Rabies/Microchip Clinics—BAS holds several rabies/microchip clinics each year and needs volunteers to fill out the certificates and collect fees. BAS can use volunteers at these clinics who have neat handwriting and good spelling skills.
  • Laundry—BAS staff need help washing, drying, and folding linens used for cleaning and in animal kennels.
  • Kennel Cleaning Assistance—Keeping animal kennels clean is a 24/7 job, so BAS staff welcome volunteer help in cleaning cat cages and dog kennels.volunteers

In order to volunteer at BAS, individuals must complete the application process (described below), attend a volunteer orientation, and adhere to BAS policies and procedures.

VOLUNTEER FORMS

 
Forms can be completed online and emailed to lmichel@burlingtonnc.gov. Click on application and liability waiver to complete. Volunteers age 18 and older are required to complete a background check form as well. 

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION 


Applicants must attend one volunteer orientation session. Sessions are usually scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of each month at 12:00 p.m., and one evening session March-October, to be announced below .Orientation will last at least 1-1/2 hours. Space is limited; you must pre-register for orientation by emailing Laura Michel at lmichel@burlingtonnc.gov or calling 336-578-0343, opt. 5. 

​​UPCOMING ORIENTATION  SESSIONS: 

Thursday, September 12th at 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24th at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 10th at 12:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER HOURS 


Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m 
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
Burlington Animal Services is closed to the public on Sundays and most holidays.