Welcome to the Pawsibilities!

We appreciate your interest in volunteering your time and energy to help better advance animal welfare and enrichment at Columbia Animal Services.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, including dog walking, cat socialization, dog and cat enrichment, and adoption events. You will also be able to meet other animal lovers and make new friends. Volunteers are also encouraged to share their skills and talents to help improve the shelter’s programs and services. We believe every volunteer can make a difference in the lives of the animals we serve.

Volunteer Qualifications: Have a positive and friendly attitude to animals and people. Willingness to promote the shelter. Commitment to follow instructions and follow the policy and procedures of the Columbia Animal Shelter. Ability to work with staff and visitors. All volunteers under eighteen (18) years of age must have a parent or guardian present during the volunteer shift.

Volunteers with Special Needs: Volunteers who cannot volunteer independently must have an adult partner at least twenty-one (21) years of age to complete training and volunteer alongside them.

Group Volunteer Efforts: CAS has a minimal number of group volunteer opportunities. However, we can accommodate specific date requests with advance notice. The need for a larger group of volunteers all at once depends significantly on the needs of our Shelter Operations. The size of your group and the time of year will determine your volunteer activity.  Group size is limited to a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 25 people. Please contact [email protected], and our volunteer coordinator will reach out to schedule your group.

To begin the volunteer sign-up process, watch all four orientation slides by clicking on this link: 

(Please pay attention, as there will be a test attached to your volunteer application) 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLioqf45WacQExCMZaKq2I8tqH5qN9LDyr

Once you have watched all orientation slides, complete your application by clicking the link below. Parents and guardians will also have to complete an application. If a minor’s volunteer application is received without the legal guardians application accompanying it, it will not be processed.

Adult/Parent/Guardian/Supervising Adult Application (18 and older) https://forms.columbiasc.gov/232115286990055

Minor Application (Under 18) https://forms.columbiasc.gov/240366302648960

Once you have filled out and submitted your application, our volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule your tour (Please check your junk mail folder).

Thank you for considering volunteering with us! We look forward to working with you to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in our community