They need you. We need you. Volunteer today.
Volunteers are very important people at the Dumb Friends League. As the largest animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region,we rely on the assistance of caring and hard-working volunteers in all of our programs. In a year's time, the League receives more than 25,000 lost, unwanted and abused pets, and helps tens of thousands of people and animals throughout the Denver metro area, and beyond.
At our main shelter in southeast Denver and our Buddy Center in Castle Rock, dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets enjoy the comfort of a nurturing environment in state-of-the-art facilities.
The Dumb Friends League encourages the participation of volunteers who support the following mission: to provide shelter and care for animals; to provide programs and services that enhance the bond between animals and people; to be advocates for animals … speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
All potential volunteers must be interviewed prior to placement. We also require that all volunteers participate in our training program as part of their work experience. If you agree with our mission and are willing to be interviewed and trained, we encourage you to complete this application. The information on this form will help us find the most satisfying and appropriate job for you.
Volunteers must:
- be at least sixteen years old (some positions require individuals to be at least 18 years of age)
- make a six-month commitment of approximately three hours per week
To get started:
- Complete the application
Fill out the application and mail it to us, or stop by either the Quebec Street or Buddy Center shelters, or you may call (303) 751-5772, Ext. 1933. If your availability and interests c
oincide with available volunteer positions, we'll contact you to schedule you for a volunteer orientation. - Attend orientation
Each volunteer attends a two-and-a-half-hour orientation where we provide an overview of our services, philosophies, an introduction to our volunteer program and a tour of our Quebec Shelter. - Interview
Prospective volunteers interview one-on-one with a League representative to discuss personal goals and to determine the most suitable volunteer assignment. - Attend training class
To learn about safety procedures, pet adoptions, animal behavior and other
important information about the League's
many programs, volunteers also participate in an all-day training class.
Why become a Dumb Friends League volunteer?
- You can develop new skills while exploring the field of animal care
- Meet new people with similar interests
- Acquire work experience for future endeavors
- Receive support and guidance from professional staff
- Most importantly, volunteering will make life brighter for the pets in our care, and better for the people and animals in our community.
Positions with the greatest need
Humane Education Instructor
Provide age-specific presentations to children and adults about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Free presentations are made available to schools, community organizations and tour groups.
Junior Volunteer Club Mentor
Lead volunteers (over 18 years of age) are needed to facilitate the Junior Volunteer Club. You will bementoring youths ages 12—15 that meet the first or third Saturday of the month for two hours. Junior volunteers help out in various departments. Kennel cleaning, dog walking and cat enrichment are among the possible options.
Adoption Counselor
Work from start to finish as a team with the adoption staff by counseling patrons, in order to find the best possible match between a pet and patron
Clerical Assistant
Provide support though data entry, research, filing, training and other clerical duties. Positions are available in administrative offices (human resources, volunteer services, accounting) as well as development offices, customer care, behavior and health care.