Volunteer

Join the team of lifesaving volunteers at Animal Care and Protective services and make a difference in the lives of the 12,000 animals that enter the shelter each year.

At ACPS we rely on the over 400 volunteers who contributed over 17,000 hours of service last year. We could not save the number of animals that we do without our incredible volunteer team.

We need volunteers to assist with just about everything we do, but our current biggest needs are:

• Medical clinic and foster assistants-assist veterinary technicians with animal handling and daily care. Support staff in the foster office, treatment area, surgery and vaccine clinic.
• Playgroup runner/assistant-Take dogs back and forth from kennels to play yards for playgroup.
• Dog walkers-Walk, play and handle dogs to give them a break from the kennel. Dog walkers should be comfortable handling dogs that are 50# or more. 
• Enrichment volunteers-Assist the behavior team with in kennel enrichment items including click for calm, preparing and distributing treats/toys and reading to shy dogs.
• Greeters/Receptionists- Provide excellent customer service to visitors to the shelter. Greet visitors at the front door and help direct them to the appropriate location or resource.   Help create a positive and fun experience for visitors.
• Adoption Counselors-Assist interested adopters with interactions, review medical and behavioral notes and help adopters choose the right pet for their family.
• Off-site event volunteers- Assist with setup/breakdown of off-site events. Assist with adoption counseling and interactions. Provide enrichment and walks for pets at the event.
• Photographers- Take professional photos of adoptable dogs and cats. Upload photos into shelter software program.
• Pet biography writer-Creative minds needed to help market adoptable dogs and cats. Use your expertise to help us write bios for adoption websites and social media to promote the pets for adoption

Ready to get started?   CLICK HERE!

1. Volunteers age 16 and older are able to volunteer independently.  If you are a bright futures scholar we encourage you to complete your hours with us.  Unfortunately we are not able to assist with court mandated community service hours. 
2. Fill this form out to help us get to know you. www.coj.net/volunteer
3. Attend an Volunteer Information Session
4. Complete a background screening.
5. Get Started!

Court-Ordered Community Service

Court ordered community service is available for individuals age 18 and up. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Please email ACPSvolunteers@coj. to make an appointment. You must provide documentation with your charges, hours needed, P.O. information and show picture ID to register. There is no animal handling while completing court ordered hours.

Gain Hours for Donations

Animal Services is now providing volunteer hours for donations! This is ideal for students who cannot volunteer in person at the shelter. 

Please email ACPSvolunteers@coj.net for assistance beginning.

Current volunteers click on this link to review schdules, upcoming events, training, and to review your shift. 

https://www.volgistics.com/ex2/vicnet.dll/?from=393231

Why do Shelter Animals Need Foster Care?

Foster parents fulfill a critical component of our life-saving work in the shelter. ACPS takes in an average of 32 animals per day, 365 days per year! Our staff works tirelessly to care for all of the incoming animals, but shelter space and resources are limited. Placing animals into foster care frees up much needed cat and dog kennels and allows our facility to provide care and attention to new animals entering our system daily.
Any adult (18 years or older) with spare time and space and a willingness to help animals-in-need can serve as a foster parent for ACPS. Foster terms can range from a few days or weeks to a month or more, depending on the preferences of the foster parent and the needs of the animal. We are always in need of foster homes for the most at risk animal populations, including:

• Moms with nursing kittens or puppies
• Orphaned kittens and puppies
• Animals too young for spay/neuter
• Animals recovering from surgery or who are sick
• Animals who need behavior training or socialization
• Animals too shy or timid in the adoption center environment

For more information about the ACPS foster program, please contact our foster care department directly at acpsfosters@coj.net.

Save a Life… Become a Foster Parent Today!

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent for ACPS, please come to ACPS located at 2020 Forest Street or email acpsfosters@coj.net

Dogs Around Duval (Dog Day Out) vs. Stroll Mates: Two Ways to Help Without Being an Official Volunteer

Did you know there are two programs that let you get dogs out of the shelter — no formal volunteer registration required?

Stroll Mates
Stroll Mates is a group-friendly shelter program where participants spend scheduled time walking dogs around the shelter property. Each walk gives dogs much-needed exercise, enrichment, and human connection — simple gifts that make a real difference.
This program is especially popular with schools, workplace teams, clubs, and community organizations looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back.
📧 To schedule a Stroll Mates activity, contact: Strollmates@coj.net

Dogs Around Duval - Dog Day Out
Dog Day Out gives individuals and families the chance to “check out” a shelter dog for a few hours during business hours and take them out into the community. Whether it’s a stroll through the park, a lazy afternoon nap at your home, a visit to a dog-friendly spot, or just some quiet time riding shotgun — every outing gives a dog a much-needed break from the shelter environment and a chance to meet their future foster or adoptive family.
Unlike Stroll Mates, Dog Day Out requires no advance scheduling. Just show up during business hours. Join Facebook group, “ACPS Dog Day Out Crew” to learn more.

Guidelines for Both Programs
        ∙       Dogs must remain at least 10 feet apart from one another at all times.
        ∙       Closed-toe shoes and a water bottle are strongly recommended.
        ∙       Shelter staff pre-select which dogs are eligible to participate.