Volunteer
Through September, in 2021 Young-Williams Animal Center Volunteers:
Walked 3,408 dogs
Cared for 3,592 cats
Led 240 Doggie Playgroups
Represented YWAC at 39 events
Washed 6,563 loads of laundry
(and more!)
Our volunteers made a difference in the lives of over 9,000 animals and had an economic impact of over $354,697!
Join Us!
The Animal Center needs volunteer help every day. Volunteers are welcome at the main Center on Division Street and at the Village on Bearden Hill, as well as throughout the year at special events. All potential volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application.
Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Attend an orientation class and separate training session
- Meet the attendance requirement:
- Volunteer at least six (6) hours each month for your first three (3) months
- Volunteer at least two (2) hours per month after your first three (3) months
- Pay a one-time $35 volunteer program fee to cover the cost of your uniform and other program expenses
Example Duties:
- Walk and socialize dogs
- Facilitate dog playgroups
- Provide enrichment activities to cats
- Help feed and clean the animals
- Join our Adoption Photography (AKA Petography) team
- Support the events and fundraising team
- Take part in educational and outreach programs
- Assist with administrative duties
- Help the S/N Solutions team
- Assist in the vet clinic
Short-term Volunteering
We offer short-term volunteering opportunities for community service, TN Promise, etc. Please note these volunteer opportunities are for basic but important tasks that help our operations run smoothly (laundry, sweeping/mopping, organizing supplies, yard work, etc.); however, no direct animal care tasks are available through short-term volunteering. All short-term volunteers complete a one-hour virtual orientation class. There is a one-time $10 program fee to cover the cost of your volunteer uniform.
Applications for short-term volunteering can be found here.
All volunteers earning community service hours for court are required to complete a background check. The fee for the background check is $45.
Volunteering is a commitment but it`s
also a lot of fun! I started volunteering at YWAC two years ago as a dog walker, now I am a member of Dogs Playing For Life. It’s a blast to watch the dogs playing and socializing during the DPFL playgroups.
I simply can`t think of a better way to start my weekends!
I began volunteering at Young-Williams
in 2008, right after I retired from TVA. I’ve learned so much from my colleagues about dogs and their play styles. And there is no better feeling in the world than seeing a scared dog come out of her shell and begin playing with other dogs.
I have been volunteering with Young Williams for 2 years. I come from a family of dog lovers, and we have 2 rescues at home... When I put a leash on a dog at YW he gets so excited to get to spend a few minutes outside with me!