Opportunities From: Halifax Humane Society

HHS proudly partners with PetSmart to house some of our resident cats while they are waiting to meet their purrr-fect family! Volunteers assist us in caring for adoptable cats that are currently at PetSmart on International Speedway Boulevard (between Skip's and Best Buy across from the Speedway). PetSmart: 1900 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114

As these cats are being housed off-site, you will be instrumental in ensuring they receive the care they deserve by: 

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

If you are part of a school group or just want to get a group of friends/family together to come in and give back - this is the opportunity for you! 

This opportunity is for groups of 4-12 people at a time. 

If you are the team lead, you will be the one to register on behalf of your group. 

With our Open Paw shelter - the goal is for all our animals to interact and meet 20 new people a day. This process helps our cats and dogs feel more comfortable around new people, while also allowing us to learn more about how our animals interact. 

While you are here with your group:

A Volunteer leader will with be your group for a personal give back experience. 

group of 10 - Cat Socialization, Kongs and Hand Feeding 

Volunteers ensure dogs receive regular bathroom breaks in a safe, designated area. This task is core to the Open Paw program. It supports laying the foundation for handling and potty training for a smooth transition to a home environment.  

Please complete the Safe Handling and Leash Skills Trainings before signing up for this opportunity by clicking here. Thank you!

Responsibilities include: 

Potty Break Supervision and Routine: Leash and escort dogs to potty area, supervise them, and track potty activity. 

Monitoring and Reporting: Report on health concerns to staff.

Waste Clean-up and Sanitation: Clean up pet waste and ensure walking areas are clean. 

Safe Return and Kennel Security: Safely return dogs to their kennels and secure the doors.

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

Cat socialization volunteers help socialize cats to build their comfort and trust with people, making them more adoptable. Activities associated with this position include interacting through petting, brushing, and playing while assisting in cleaning the cat room. 

Responsibilities include: 

Socializing Cats: Pet, cuddle, and play with cats to encourage positive behaviors. 

Provide Treats: Hand out treats to reinforce positive behavior to build trust.

Assist with Cleaning: Clean cat kennels and maintain the cat room. 

Report Observations: Share health and behavior observations with staff.

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

Help HHS pets go out on an adventure and have real-world experiences! Participants in this program will take a pre-selected dog out of the shelter for a field trip! HHS will provide all the necessary equipment for the volunteers and their four-legged friends to have a safe and enjoyable day together. Training and information about pre-approved local adventures is also provided. 

Responsibilities include: 

Pick up pets at 8:00 a.m. and return to the shelter by 11:45 a.m.

Follow safety guidelines while visiting the pre-approved location. 

Upon return to the shelter, the volunteer will help the HHS team gain valuable insight into the pet’s behavior by completing a digital report card and uploading any photos or videos from your Dog's Day Out!

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

This training will build on topics and techniques discussed in previous trainings. Please ensure you have attended both Safe Handling and Leash Skills before signing up for this opportunity. 

Are you interested in helping our shelter pets learn tricks and techniques that will help them be more well-mannered and help them get adopted? Then this training opportunity is for you! 

Participants will work with our Behavior Team to understand cues and techniques for teaching dogs (and maybe even cats) how to sit, leave-it, lay down, and settle. After successfully completing this training, volunteers can participate in Training Walks and work on these important skills with resident pets. These opportunities provide mental stimulation for our pets and help them learn skills and manners that will help them get adopted and stay adopted! 

Please reach out to volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org with any questions. 

Help us care for our fabulous felines!

The Cat Care Attendant will assist our Animal Care Staff in performing a variety of animal care duties. You will ensure our felines have a clean-living space and litter box, fresh water, and food. You will also serve as an extra set of eyes and ears in the care of these animals by reporting any abnormalities - such as diarrhea, vomiting, or ocular/nasal discharge - to a Staff member. After cleaning and necessary care items are complete, participants will be encouraged to socialize with available felines. 

Responsibilities include:

Animal Care Duties: provide fresh water and food to our felines and ensure they have clean living quarters. 

Cleaning: assist Staff with cleaning dishes and other soiled items.

Transporting animals: assist staff in transporting animals to veterinary services if they are needing care or surgery. 

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions. 

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

The Open Paw Ambassador is a community-facing role that sets the tone for a potential adopter’s visit. Help guide community members as they come in to see our available pets and ensure visitors are engaging in Open Paw activities during their time here. 

Responsibilities include: 

Front-Desk Operations: Greet and assist visitors with the electronic sign in process.

Open Paw Advocate: Trained and fluent in the purpose and practice of the Open Paw methodology throughout the shelter.

Open Paw Activity Station: Escort and educate visitors on the Open Paw Activity Station.

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

Welcome to Open Paw Training. This training is the first of many that are being designed by an expert specifically for our volunteers and staff. HHS is investing in our community in support of the Open Paw mission to reduce the number of dogs surrendered each year. Your participation is truly appreciated!

HHS is requiring that this class be completed by all individuals who interact with dogs. The initial training is hosted by an outside dog trainer that has been contracted by HHS. The training is hands-on and will take place outside in the courtyard, so dress weather appropriate. 

Successful completion of the training is required, in addition to volunteer orientation, before registering for a Potty Walk volunteer shift. All current volunteers and staff are required to complete this training within 60 days.

Leash Handling Training will take place every Tuesday at 1pm.

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

Volunteers prepare Kongs for dogs, providing enrichment through stimulating mealtime activities. The task promotes physical and mental well-being and reduces boredom, playing a critical role in preparing the dogs for life in their new adopted home. 

The Kong Kitchen Attendant position is vital to shelter operations at HHS, with over 600 Kongs cleaned and stuffed daily.

Responsibilities include: 

Stuffing Kongs for Enrichment: Fill Kongs with kibble, peanut butter, pumpkin, or sweet potato. 

Cleaning and Maintenance: Sanitize and scrub Kongs, inspect for damage, and replenish the kennel's stock of Kongs.

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.

Welcome to Open Paw Training. This training is the first of many that are being designed by an expert specifically for our volunteers and staff. HHS is investing in our community in support of the Open Paw mission to reduce the number of dogs surrendered each year. Your participation is truly appreciated!

HHS is requiring that this class be completed by all individuals who interact with dogs. The initial training is hosted by an outside dog trainer that has been contracted by HHS. This is a requirement in order to sign up to be a Potty Walker. This training is the introduction to the Open Paw way and volunteers are trained in the process and benefits of the Open Paw Potty Walk methodology. Training includes a review of tasks and activities associated with a successful Potty Walk. All current volunteers and staff are required to complete this training within 60 days.

Please contact volunteers@halifaxhumanesociety.org if you have any questions or issues.