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Donate your time to a worthy 'paws!'

Apply today to become a Young-Williams volunteer!

APPLY

Volunteer

Young-Williams Animal Center relies on our committed and caring volunteers every day! Volunteers can participate in a variety of activities at either shelter location (Division Street and Kingston Pike), as well as throughout the year at special events and even in their own home. All potential volunteers must first complete the online Volunteer Application at the link above.

If you are interested in volunteering through Doggie Day Trips, the Paws for Reading program or group volunteering opportunities, please find information here.

Volunteer requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Complete the online application form and orientation.
  • Attend a training session for the specific volunteer position.
  • Agree to volunteer at least six (6) hours each month for your first three (3) months.
  • Pay a one-time $35 volunteer program fee to cover the cost of your uniform and other program expenses.

We'll train you for your desired position, and you choose your schedule from our calendar options!

Example Duties:

  • Walk and socialize dogs.
  • Facilitate doggie playgroups.
  • Provide enrichment activities.
  • Join our Grounds Beautification team.
  • Help with daily feed and clean routines.
  • Join our Adoption Photography (AKA Petography) team.
  • Take part in educational and outreach programs.
  • Assist with administrative duties.
  • Help the Spay/Neuter Solutions team.
  • Assist in the vet clinic.

Short-term Volunteering

We offer short-term volunteering opportunities for community service such as Tennessee Promise and other programs. The tasks that short-term volunteers complete are all hands-off animal shifts, but still vital to shelter operations including:

  • Preparing toys and treats for the animals
  • Laundry and dishes
  • Outside shifts containing sweeping walkways and picking up litter
  • Preparing food to be given out to families in need through our Pet Food Pantry
  • Other tasks as needed

All short-term volunteers complete a virtual orientation class with 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 with a fee of $45.

 

APPLY  TO SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER

I’ve loved dogs ever since my dad brought me a collie puppy when I was a young boy. I volunteered for a couple of seasons during my working years but I kept letting a busy life get in the way. Now that I’m retired, it’s become a priority and a purpose. I love the Gandhi quote, " The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

 Jamey M.

Volunteering as a kitty caretaker at YWAC is one of my favorite things to do. I love cats and taking care of them and helping them get adopted is the best! Making friends with other volunteers and staff members is a bonus- it's really nice to hang out with other animal lovers and work together to help the most vulnerable animals.

Jenny W.

I have been volunteering with Young Williams for two years. I come from a family of dog lovers, and we have two rescues at home. When I put a leash on a dog at Young-Williams, he gets so excited to get to spend a few minutes outside with me!

Nan D.
Volunteer Login

2023 Volunteer Stats at
Young-Williams Animal Center:

  • 906 Active Volunteers
  • 56 Active Volunteer Groups
  • 110 Events attended
  • 108 Volunteer Group projects
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  • Our volunteers  worked more than 32,150 service hours and had an economic impact of over  $1,022,370!
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