Volunteer with Animals in Tuscaloosa County
Help us help them!
Become A Volunteer
Nearly one of every four cats and dogs entering an Alabama animal shelter is euthanized. At HSWA, we are driven by the profound mission to change this heartbreaking reality. We are an all-volunteer team and partners who work to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving adopters for the homeless, neglected, and abused animals in our county. Alongside a strong network of area veterinarians, we ensure that every animal is healthy and well cared for before they meet their forever families. Our team is a collective of passionate people who share their time and skills to make this happen.
Our volunteers work every day with the animals. For cat care, volunteers are needed Sunday through Friday starting around 9am for about 2 hours. On Saturdays, the shift is 10am to about noon. For dog care, volunteers are needed every day from noon to 2pm.
If you’re available during those hours we’d love for you join us, even if it’s only once or twice a month. There is no minimum commitment. NOTE: we cannot accommodate those who need court-ordered community service hours. Email us at info@humanesocietyofwa.org if you have any questions. Or, if you’re ready to get started, click on the link below to apply!
Volunteers are the Heart of our Operations
It only takes a second to create ripples of change that echo for generations. Just a few hours of volunteering with animals at HSWA, helps a cat or pup to feel loved and to receive the attention they need ahead of their newfound home. We accept volunteers from all walks of life 19 years or older, and work with students 16-18 for supervised events with the permission of a parent or guardian. Below are a few of the activities that you can volunteer in.
Dog Care
At the care center, volunteers are needed from 12:00pm – 2:00pm each day. The dogs are taken out, kennels and yards are cleaned as necessary, and they are given some playtime! New volunteers must attend two orientation/training sessions to become familiar with the facility and the dogs. Volunteers are scheduled each month in advance, so you will be able to choose which days you are available to volunteer each month.
Cat Care
We scoop the litter boxes, sweep and mop the floors, de-fur the bedding, and wash and refill the food and water dishes. We are cage-free at the Cat House, so we get lots of help from the cats as we work! At the Cat Adoption Center, we depend on volunteers to come in on a regular day each week. Training is provided.
Foster Care
Volunteers are always needed to take care of a dog or cat/kitten in their own home. This allows us to rescue and find forever homes for more animals. HSWA provides all supplies, food, and vet care. The foster provides love, socialization, and transportation (if able) for vet visits, and works with us to schedule visits with potential adopters.
Events
The HSWA holds public events throughout the year, which are often adoption events and various fundraisers. An email about upcoming events is sent to all active volunteers and they can sign up to volunteer at events during that time. Also, keep an eye on our Events tab for upcoming fundraisers that you may be interested in supporting!
Important Notices
Authorizations
Only authorized, trained volunteers may work in the pet adoption center or handle animals.
Bringing Friends
Volunteers assigned to work at the pet adoption center or adoption events may not bring friends, children, or anyone else not on the volunteer roster to work with them. Your friends are encouraged to join you once they have completed the volunteer application and been authorized to work HSWA.
Court Order Volunteers
Court-ordered volunteers are required to have at least 20 community service hours to complete. It is the responsibility of the court-ordered volunteers to sign the form in the office. Hours will NOT be awarded unless the form has been completed.