Adult Volunteers

The Virginia Beach SPCA is currently postponing Volunteer Orientation until further notice and will be reaching out to accepted applicants as soon as new dates are available. Thank you for understanding. Please email volunteer@vbspca.com if you have any questions.

Our Adult Volunteer Program is vast and flexible as we want you to be extremely fulfilled while you dedicate your time to our organization. After appropriate training, VBSPCA Adult Volunteers are able to:

• walk dogs and assist in the kennel
• assist in the cattery feeding and socializing our cats
• assist with clerical and customer service tasks
• provide adoption counseling to new adopters
• provide home-based foster care
• assist at PetSmart cat adoption centers
• work with children and animals through our Humane Education Department
• visit residents at nursing homes through our Visiting Paws program
• provide transportation for our animals to-and-from the shelter
• attend special fundraising, awareness, and adoption events
• join our Photography Team
• transport wildlife through our Wildlife Program
• and more!

We invite you to apply for our Adult Volunteer Program if you are:

• 18 years of age and out of high school. Any interested parties still in high school must participate in our Junior Volunteer Program.  
• Able to commit to 3 hours every month
• Able to bend, squat, stand, twist, and lift for extended periods of time when volunteering
• Have regular access to the internet and an email address

 

Important Notes:

Background Check: The VBSPCA requires ALL adult volunteer applicants to complete a standard national criminal background check. This will not check your credit. Applicants with prior felony convictions may be declined, depending on crime.

Short-Term Volunteers: We are unable to accept applicants who cannot commit to our hourly requirement of three hours per month.

Cost: All adult volunteer applicants must pay a registration fee of $45 to cover program costs. This registration fee is non-refundable regardless if you are declined, discontinue your volunteer journey, or end the volunteer application process. Your registration includes your training, background check, volunteer t-shirt, and activation in our volunteer software.

Volunteer Application Process:

1. Pay the registration fee – Once you have submitted payment, you will receive a confirmation receipt email with a link to our Adult Volunteer Application.
2. Complete Adult Volunteer Application – Once you have submitted your completed application, you will receive a confirmation receipt email with a link to Verified Volunteers to complete your background check
3. Once your background check is submitted and has been processed, you will receive a decision email on your volunteer status.
4. If accepted, you will receive a welcome letter with information on registering for orientation and our VBSPCA Adult Volunteer Program.

To register for our volunteer program, click here. 

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Volunteer group visits are also welcome at the VBSPCA, but these must be pre-scheduled with the Volunteer Manager. Contact volunteer@vbspca.com for more information. 

Adults who are mentally or physically challenged in any way must contact our Volunteer Manager to schedule a one-on-one meeting and initial orientation so we may find the best way to utilize your volunteer time at the VBSPCA.

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Court Ordered Community Service

If you need to acquire volunteer hours prior to a court hearing or to meet court-ordered community service requirements, please contact our Volunteer Manager before taking any further steps. Our Volunteer Manager can be reached at 427-0700 ext. 107 or by emailing volunteer@vbspca.com. Participation in and hours worked as a general adult volunteer will not count towards court-ordered community service hours.