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.
Olga K.Volunteering is a commitment but it's also a lot of fun! I started volunteering at Young-Williams Animal Center 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!
Theresa F.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.
Nan D.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!
SIGN IN TO VOLGISTICS
In 2022, volunteers at
Young-Williams Animal Center:
- Dogs Walked - 3,130
- Cats Cleaned - 3,568
- Playgroups Organized - 330
- Events Volunteers Represented the Shelter at - 84
- Loads of Laundry Ran - 3,510
- Hours Worked Remotely - 1,134
- Group Volunteer Projects - 80
Our volunteers made a difference in the lives of more than 7,073 animals, worked more than 36,524 service hours and had an economic impact of over $901,746!
