BECOME AN SPCA VOLUNTEER

The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare welcomes individuals who can support staff in meeting the mission of the organization. Volunteers are the backbone of the SPCA Albrecht Center – contributing over 10,000 hours of compassionate care to our shelter pets every year. Volunteers are staff, who generously donate their time to ensuring a brighter future for homeless animals. When you become a volunteer, you are a part of our team for life! Volunteer roles include animal care, retail customer service, dog walking, and much more.

If you have questions about volunteering or want to request dates for a volunteer information session, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kami Vogel, at [email protected] or call 803-648-8683 extension 2008.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer Spotlight

VOLUNTEER LOGIN

Are you already a registered volunteer? Click the icon below to enter our secure volunteer portal. You will need your email address and Volunteer Information Center password you created when completing your volunteer application. THANK YOU for your service!

ENTER HERE

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

We are thrilled you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the animals at the SPCA Albrecht Center! We have many opportunities for our volunteers, and we’re sure you’ll find a place where you are fulfilled in serving our area’s homeless animals. We love our volunteers who work directly with the animals as well as assisting with customer service, facility maintenance, marketing, and special events. General volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Children aged 12-15 may join the volunteer team as Junior Volunteers who are able to participate in select volunteer activities with a parent or legal guardian. To become a volunteer, click here to complete an online volunteer application form and register for a volunteer information session. At the information session, you will receive a volunteer package which includes a volunteer t-shirt and name badge with lanyard. The cost for this volunteer package is $25 for general volunteers, $20 for seniors (55+) and students, and $10 for Junior Volunteers. We look forward to you joining our team!

MANDATORY (Court Ordered) COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service volunteers must be at least 16 years old. If you need to complete PTI or court ordered community service hours, please email the Volunteer Coordinator – include your case manager’s name and phone number in your email. The volunteer coordinator MUST FIRST verify your information with your community service contact before you can begin your volunteer duties. Once your information is verified, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. After the interview, if you are approved to participate in our program, you will be able to begin your service hours.

Applicants with the following offenses will NOT be permitted to perform community service with our organization:

Any offense relating to theft, burglary, fraud, arson, or breaking and entering
Any violent offense, including but not limited to: animal cruelty, assault and battery, domestic violence, child abuse or endangerment and any sexual conduct offenses.

Community service volunteers are charged a $10 deposit for the use of a t-shirt and name badge while completing their service. This deposit will be refunded upon the return of these items. Completion of required hours at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is dependent upon our need for additional help at the time you apply. The SPCA Albrecht Center reserves the right to refuse volunteer service from any applicant.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

DOG WALKING
& TRAINING

Volunteer dog walkers are needed each day at the SPCA Albrecht Center to get the dogs out of their kennels for some fresh air, exercise, training and enrichment. After training with our Pet Care Staff, volunteers become qualified to walk the shelter dogs. Must be 16+ to handle, walk or train the shelter dogs.

CAT CARE & ENRICHMENT

If you’ve been to our facility there’s no doubt you’ve noticed we have more than a few cats. While cats are known for being a bit more independent than dogs, they still crave human companionship and benefit from enrichment. Volunteers are needed to help clean and feed the cats in the mornings and provide enrichment in the afternoons.

THRIFT STORE

The SPCA Thrift Store accounts for approximately 1/3 of our annual income and is essential to continuing our operations and mission work. Many of our Thrift Store volunteers enjoy knowing they are helping the animals without being around the constant temptation of taking them all home! Shifts of varying hours can be coordinated between you and one of the Thrift Store managers. On the job training is provided.

CLINIC GREETER

The SPCA has a full-service Veterinary Care Center (VCC) which provides complete vet care for privately owned pets. 100% of the revenue from this practice goes to supporting the SPCA Albrecht Center’s mission. Volunteers can come during walk-in hours to greet clients, assist with client paperwork, and answer client questions about prices and services provided.

READ & RELAX

Developed by the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in Westbrook, Maine, “Read and Relax” decreases the stress levels of dogs on the adoption floor by teaching them to remain calm in the presence of humans without having to be the center of attention – in other words, just hang out. Volunteers can bring their own folding chair and book, or borrow one from us.

JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS

This program is open to children aged 12-15. Junior Volunteers have the opportunity to volunteer at shelter events. In addition, Junior Volunteer members can participate in Read & Relax and Cat Enrichment with their parent or guardian.

FOSTERING

Although our facility is large, there is not always enough room for all of the animals we would like to care for – especially during times like ‘Kitten Season.’ Volunteers help by temporarily opening their homes to animals in need. All fosters require a brief counseling session before you begin your foster work and a foster care application must be completed. If you are interested, please c lick here to complete the application.

OFFSITE ADOPTIONS

Most Saturdays a team of SPCA Albrecht Center volunteers set up for adoptions at PetSmart, Petco, Starbucks or other local businesses. These events keep us visible in the community and give us yet another opportunity to find homes for the shelter animals. Volunteers help with customer service, adoption counseling, handling the shelter dogs, and driving and loading the SPCA Albrecht Center van to transport the animals.

SERVICE PROJECTS

We have many DIY projects for you to complete to fulfill school service hours. These projects help us provide hours of enrichment for the shelter animals! Click here to download our Service Hour Guide. Once you have completed your service project, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 803-648-6863 or by email to schedule a drop off and sign off on your hours.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Photo of SPCA Volunteer Dylan!

Congratulations to Dylan, one of our junior volunteers, for being named March’s volunteer of the month. Dylan has a heart for animals and a passion for making a difference. He is making a big impact on the lives of all of our dogs here at the shelter, but his favorite dog to work with is Fish Tank. Dylan’s passion for animals is evident, he can be found here frequently playing with the dogs or helping his mom, who is a frequent dog walker.

Dylan’s love for animals extends beyond the shelter, as his family has a lot of pets, including eight dogs named Diego, Reepicheep, Cookie, Lolli, Lydia, Lucas, Pepsi, and Keira, three guinea pigs named Nutmeg, Oreo, and Mini, and two rabbits named Storm and Lacy. Dylan’s family has created a loving home for these animals, and he enjoys spending time with them and ensuring they have everything they need.

In addition to his volunteer work and love for animals, Dylan is also a dedicated student and when he is not volunteering at the SPCA, he enjoys playing video games and running track and cross country. Dylan is a well-rounded and compassionate individual, and his dedication to helping animals is truly inspiring. As our volunteer of the month, the SPCA community greatly appreciates Dylan’s efforts and contributions.

If you’d like to join Dylan as part of the volunteer team, please visit us at 199 Willow Run Rd or reach out to the Director of Volunteer & Foster Services, Kami Vogel, at [email protected]