volunteering 

Touch the life of a homeless animal and connect with people who have similar interests by volunteering at the Virginia Beach SPCA.

Adult Volunteering (18 and over): Our adult volunteers are the backbone of our organization. All of our fundraising events rely on the help of volunteers, sometimes hundreds of them! Adult volunteers have many choices in how they would like to help out the VBSPCA, including: clerical, front desk help, adoption counseling, dog walking, cattery or kennel help, foster homes, PetSmart adoption centers, tour guides, Humane Education readers, pet therapy, beer pouring, photography, event planning,  etc. General Adult Orientations are held at least monthly, and are posted on our calendar of events.

Foster Program Did you know that our foster program cares for almost 1100 animals each year?  That's 1100 lives saved that would otherwise not have been ready for a shelter environment.  And we can't do it without you.
The Virginia Beach SPCA foster program is a cooperative effort on the part of our shelter and generous volunteers, for the purpose of providing specialized care to animals that are not yet quite prepared for the adoption process or shelter environment.  Foster families are required to attend a general adult volunteer orientation prior to attending a foster orientation. 

Wildlife Program We are one of a handful of shelters that accepts orphaned and injured wildlife.  Approximately 2000 wildlife receive temporary care in our Wildlife Room, prepare for release in our aviary, or are transferred by our wildlife transporters to one of our state/federally permitted wildlife rehabilitators for long term specialized care.  Our Referral line volunteers respond to thousands of calls from the public seeking advice.  If you are a wildlife enthusiast or you think that caring orphaned wildlife may be your calling, this is the niche for you.

Junior Volunteering (13-17): Junior volunteers assist kennel and cattery staff in the day-to-day operations of the shelter. JVs learn about the responsibilities of working with and caring for animals.  Cleaning and customer service are a major part of the junior volunteer’s duties.

Court Ordered Community Service: We accept court-ordered community service volunteers on a limited basis. We cannot accommodate all requests, so if you wish to fulfill your service hours here, you must let us know well in advance. This also includes those individuals who wish to show volunteer hours prior to going to a court hearing.  Restrictions do apply. Contact communityservice@vbspca.com to inquire or 427-0070, ext. 102.

Service Project Ideas for Youths: If your child is interested in helping the Virginia Beach SPCA, but is not old enough to volunteer? Is waiting for an available volunteer spot? Wants to find a project for a school club or girl/boy scout troop? We have compiled a list of ways in which kids can help the animals utilizing their individual skills and interests.  Contact our educationdirector@vbspca.com  for more information, or visit our Youth Services Projects page.