General Volunteers

Please note: As of 10/29/25, our general volunteer roster is full.  We will re-activate the application when we have openings - check back often!

Volunteer applications are accepted and processed year-round to schedule orientations and training. All applications are screened to determine if the applicant’s interests and availability are a fit with our current openings.

Volunteers must be 16 or older to volunteer independently. Volunteer opportunities for children aged 10-15 are available when the youth is accompanied at all times one-to-one with an adult (21+) companion to come together. Children under 10 are invited to join our “Shelter Buddies” program. Shelter Buddies must be accompanied by an adult (21+) and may visit with the cats and kittens in our community housing areas only.

Because of our volunteer program structure and training requirements, we cannot accept short-term community service volunteers or clinician-accompanied youth or adults.  Groups of volunteers will be accommodated as staffing and scheduling permit. We ask volunteers to make a commitment of 6 months to their volunteer service here.

Please open the links below for specific in-shelter volunteer opportunities.

Cat Land Companion

Small Animal Buddy

Waggin Dog Walker

Foster Care Providers

We are currently looking for folks willing to become Foster Care providers for our animals. Foster Care providers play a key role in helping animals get socialized before being available for adoption.

If you would like to help at this time, please complete our Foster Care Provider Application.  Click here to complete our DOG foster application and click here for the KITTEN/CAT foster application. If you have any questions about the program, please email to volunteer@homewardboundanimals.org.

 

Transport Drivers

We are in occasional need of volunteers willing to use their personal vehicles to drive shelter animals to medical appointments.  Transport drivers are an important part of our team and if you are interested in this flexible volunteer job, please fill out this application and email it to volunteer@homewardboundanimals.org. or you may mail it to 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury VT 05753.  ATTN:  Volunteer Coordinator.