Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter. This is your chance to help homeless animals find permanent homes. You can meet other animal lovers like yourself who believe in our mission. Plus, volunteering is a rewarding and fun experience. We offer training, flexibility, and a variety of opportunities to match your interests.

Steps

1. We require that all new volunteers attend a volunteer orientation. Orientation sessions are not offered on a drop-in basis; you must pre-register. You may register online by selecting an open session on the right or if registering for an Adult session you may contact the shelter at 313.943.2697 ext #3555. Get more information about the orientation sessions regarding times and dress code.
2. Complete the Volunteer Application, and bring it with you to your orientation session.  If you are ages 12-17, your guardian must sign your application in order for you to volunteer.
3. Review the appropriate volunteer handbook. You need not print it but might want to refer to it online from time to time.
   1. Adult Volunteer Handbook (16 years of age and older)
   2. Youth Volunteer Handbook (12 – 15 years of age)

For more information or to schedule your orientation session, please contact the shelter at 313.943.2697 ext. #3555, or email Irene Addison, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteers@dearbornanimals.org.

Orientation Sessions

Orientation sessions take place monthly. Please refer to the schedule to the right for times, dates and locations. Please arrive on time. Information will not be repeated.

Adult Sessions

(16 years of age and older)
The orientation session includes the following:

• An overview of the Friends organization and the shelter.
• Information that describes the various events and projects that benefit the animals, as well as contact information for Project Leaders.
• A description of volunteer opportunities in the shelter, especially focusing on socializing the animals.

Youth Sessions

(12 - 15 years old)
The orientation session includes the following:

• An overview of the Friends organization and the shelter.
• Information that describes the various job opportunities for students inside the shelter, especially focusing on socializing the animals.
• A tour of the shelter and grounds.

Because student volunteers work directly with shelter animals,  the orientations focus on safety issues and shelter rules.

Parents and students, please be aware that during the school year, youth volunteers can sign up for two two-hour shifts per month, Saturdays only, 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-3 p.m., not consecutive. During breaks, including summer and holidays, students can sign up for two additional shifts per week. Shifts during the Dearborn Public Schools breaks will be posted on the door of the Volunteer Room, where students sign up.