Join our volunteer/community service program!

Animal Shelter

Duties include: Dog walking, playing with cats, grooming animals, cleaning kennel and crate areas, laundry, or other tasks as needed (or we discover your secret talents!)

Seconds 2 Go

We had one of the first thrift stores in the Mission Valley to support our animal shelter! Volunteers assist us with organizing donations, laundry, and creating a welcoming presence in the store.

WHY VOLUNTEER?

With a staff-hours equivalent of six full-time employees, the Mission Valley Animal Shelter must rely heavily on support from a cadre of generous volunteers to carry out its life-saving mission.

Volunteering at the animal shelter has many perks:

  • The fulfillment that derives from helping save and care for the animals

  • The joy and love that the animals share with you

  • The relationships formed with our animal-loving staff and volunteers

  • The opportunity to learn about animal care, training, behavior and ownership

  • And much more!

Who Can Volunteer?

ALL ARE WELCOME! Almost anyone can volunteer at our shelter! So long as you are willing to help and sign a couple of waivers, we will welcome you with open arms!

KIDS

Children are welcome at the shelter, but those 16 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Dog walkers must be 18 or older.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We are happy to accommodate those needing to complete community service hours and will work closely with your supervisor(s) to address formal requirements. However, cannot accept those with a violent offense.

HOW DO I GET PLUGGED IN?

We ask those interested in helping to fill out a volunteer application and sign two waivers. This can be done at the front counter. You can also print the forms below and bring them completed with you on your first day.

We ask volunteers to contact our Shelter at (406) 883-5312 or email us at mvas@ronan.net to schedule days and/or hours!

HOW CAN I HELP?

There are many diverse ways of being involved! You can get your hands dirty, get your OCD fix in the office or you can simply get your puppy or kitten fix by playing with some animals or taking a dog for a walk. You can rest assured that whatever skills or support you bring, your help will be very appreciated by both animals and staff!

HERE ARE SOME OF THE FUN AND HELPFUL WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:

  • Fostering animals (see separate Foster tab for more information)

  • Walking dogs

  • Washing dishes

  • Socializing kittens

  • Brushing cats and dogs

  • Sweeping and mopping

  • Scooping poop

  • Helping clean kennel areas

  • Laundry

  • Sanitizing crates

  • Shoveling snow

  • Mowing grass

  • Pulling weeds

  • Data entry

  • Glass cleaning, dusting and other facilities cleaning

  • Other clerical organizational tasks

  • Socializing special-needs dogs (experienced adults only, staff approval needed on case-by-case basis)

  • Various projects as needed

  • Helping at our Seconds2Go thrift store

  • Much more!