Safe Harbor Volunteers are a Diverse Group, spanning all ages and walks of life.  Whatever your interests or talents may be, we have a place for you.  Volunteers are the backbone of our organization.  Without the support of our dedicated Volunteers, Safe Harbor could not provide the services that we do. We are always looking for people like YOU to add to our team.  If you are interested in Volunteering at Safe Harbor please join us!

Volunteer Orientations are currently being held every Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30 PM inside suite 214, (between Adoption and the Veterinary Clinic.)  Please call (561) 747-8084 or email the Volunteer Coordinator  to reserve a spot as space is limited.  Please view our Upcoming Events for any updates.

Due to Safe Harbor ’s insurance regulations, only those individuals ages 16 and older are permitted to work with the animals.  If you are 15 or younger, you may volunteer at the animal shelter only if accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) or a legal guardian. 

ACADEMIC VOLUNTEERs

All persons volunteering for school credit hours can now participate in our community "Scavenger Hunt" program and earn hours towards Academic Community Service requirements. 

The Deal: Collect any of the items on our list and earn credit hours towards academic community service requirements.

The Catch: You are encouraged to collect these items from friends, family, and neighbors in order to increase the community's awareness of Safe Harbor.  Do not feel limited by the quantities listed.

The Goods:

• 12 Rolls of Paper Towels (1 hour)

• 12 pack cans of Friskie's Cat Food (1 hour)

• 5 Cotton Rugs (new or used) (1 hour)

• 4, 24oz. boxes/bags of Dog Cookies/Biscuits (1 hour)

• 12, 3-6oz. bag/pouches of Cat Treats (2 hours)

• 25-30lb bag of Purina (dry) Dog Food, (2 hours)                                            (including Adult, Puppy, Weight Management, etc.)

• 10-12 pack cans of Purina (wet) Dog Food (2 hours)

• Cleaning Supplies: Scrub brush, sponge pack, mop & laundry basket (3 hours)

• 25 "Like New" Dog and/or Cat Toys (4 hours)

• 25 used Bath/Beach Towels (5 hours)

• 25 used Blankets/Comforters (no bed sheets) (5 hours)

• 10 used Cell Phones (5 hours)

• 20 Empty Ink Jet cartridges (5 hours)

• 10 "Like New" 6 foot long dog leashes (NO Retractables) (5 hours)

• 5 Safe Harbor Memberships (5 hours)*

• $25 Gift Certificate/Card to: Home Depot, Publix, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam's Club, Pets Mart or Pet Supermarket (5 hours)

• 1 Humane "Cat Trap" or a $60.00 donation for us to purchase one (6 hours)**

• Shelter Pet Fostering: If you foster one of our dogs you will receive two hour per day, per pet.  If you foster one or more of our kittens or cats, you will receive 1 hour per day, per pet.

* Only checks will be accepted for memberships, NO CASH.  Membership forms can be obtained the Administrative Office at Safe Harbor, suite 205.

** Safe Harbor can purchase these traps with your donation.

COURT APPOINTED COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS:

For those volunteers applying for court appointed community service, you must complete our application, and provide us with a copy of your driver's license, and sentencing document, stating the charge and amount of hours required.  Your application must be processed and approved before you can sign up for orientation.  Safe Harbor will be happy to provide you with a letter of documentation for your service hours, however, we require at least 24 hours notice to verify and produce your documentation.  Thank you for your understanding in this regard.

Below are only a few of the volunteer opportunities we have available.  If you have a talent or interest that is not listed please call Safe Harbor ’s Volunteer Coordinator at (561) 747-8084.

  Adoption Center Operations

The Adoption Center staff at Safe Harbor needs help everyday to keep the center operational.  These needs range from cleaning cages and litter boxes, sweeping and mopping the floors, feeding and watering the animals, cleaning windows, and washing the dogs just to name a few.  It takes a lot of hands to keep our Adoption Center running smoothly.

Dog Walkers

All of the dogs at Safe Harbor are walked a minimum of three times a day: in the early morning, mid-day, and evening.  We are in need of volunteers to socialize with our dogs and take them out for their walks.  Please note: Volunteer dog walkers are required to attend a level 1 Open Paw training, which can be scheduled with our trainer.  You will learn procedures for dog walking, selecting and utilizing the proper collars, and more.  Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to arrange a meeting with our staff trainer.

Cat Socializer

We have two “Cat Rooms” at Safe Harbor .  We need volunteers to spend time handling our resident kitties.  Our Cat Socializers improve the quality of life for our cats, keeping them physically and mentally healthy and ready for adoption.

Foster Parents

Safe Harbor is always in need of volunteers to foster dogs or cats with special needs, however, our cat rooms are full and we have many kittens as well as older cats that are in desperate need of fostering.  As a volunteers you will be responsible for caring for our animals in your homes until they are well or old enough for vaccinations, sterilization, and/or adoption.  These include, but are not limmited to young cats & dogs, under-socialized, injured, or sick cats & dogs, and babies.  Foster homes help an animal regain confidence and acclimate to creature comforts after being abandoned.  It also allows us to learn more about an animal’s personality so we can assure a fitting adoption match.  For more information on becoming a Safe Harbor Foster Parent, please contact the Adoption facility at (561) 747-1598 x4 or our new "Cattery" at 561/747-7676.

Community Outreach

Throughout the year Safe Harbor participates in and hosts several events.  These include our annual Dog Wash and Strut-A-Mutt to name a few.  We need volunteers in all areas, from planning to staffing, to make these events a success.  Please keep an eye on this website for volunteer opportunities as these events are announced.  Safe Harbor also participates in awareness events throughout the year.  If you would be interested in staffing an informational table please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

Hurricane Relief

Following a hurricane disaster Safe Harbor is in need of volunteers to help care to displaced and injured animals.  Although each incident creates different needs, in the past we have had volunteers help us to take food, water, and supplies to the Gulf Coast Region and bring displaced pets back to our shelter for medical treatment and adoption.  This is a very rewarding experience for all involved.                                            

For more information on any volunteer opportunity please call (561) 747-8084