Thank You for Your Interest in Volunteering!

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is very proud of the commitment and dedication of our volunteers.

Over 800 individuals have chosen to help us come to the rescue of thousands of animals per year. There are 3 basic ways to volunteer: through our Shelters, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, or as a Foster.

Each position has training, scheduling and physical requirements. Please explore them further below:

Volunteer at a Shelter

At our shelters, we have an enhanced safety and training program to provide new skills and learning, and to increase the adoptability of our animals. Our animal handling volunteers will become more skilled in understanding animal behavior and communications and how to help modify behavior problems and fearfulness.

Watching our info video, submitting an application, providing requested background clearances, and completing the Fear Free Shelters Certification course are prerequisites to volunteering at either of our domestic shelter locations.

Much of this process is self-paced, but should not take any longer than a few weeks. Training must be completed prior to the first shift for animal-handling roles. Mentoring during the first few shifts is also required for certain areas.

Qualified potential volunteers will be asked to commit to a minimum 2-hour weekly shift in a specific assignment recommended by the Volunteer Manager and agreed to by the volunteer.

Shelter volunteers must be age 16 or older; adults must be able to work independently without direct supervision or with minimal special accommodation. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need to volunteer alongside a parent or guardian – this individual is also responsible for submitting an application and meeting other volunteering requirements. Individuals under 16 years of age are invited to take part and learn about animal care in our Education Programs.

Please email volunteer@humaneanimalrescue.org to get started!

Volunteer at Our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

At our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, volunteers receive hands on experience working with Pennsylvania’s native wildlife and have the satisfaction of helping these injured and orphaned wild animals, who probably would not survive otherwise.

Taking part in an info session, submitting an application, and providing requested background clearances, as well as proof of Tetanus vaccination are prerequisites to volunteering at the Wild Rehabilitation Center. Much of this process is self-paced, but should not take any longer than a few weeks. Training in certain areas must also be completed prior to the first shift. Mentoring during the first few shifts is also required for certain areas. Qualified potential volunteers will be asked to commit to a weekly schedule and a minimum of 4 hours per week in a specific assignment recommended by the Volunteer Manager and agreed to by the volunteer.

Volunteers must be age 18 or older; adults must be able to work independently without direct supervision or with minimal special accommodation. Volunteers that are 16 or 17 years old are eligible to help the Nursery only – this is a seasonal position available from May to October. Individuals under 18 years of age are invited to take part and learn about animal care in our Education Programs year round.

Please email volunteer@humaneanimalrescue.org to get started!

Foster

We depend on a unique and dedicated group of foster volunteers to help us save more lives! By fostering a homeless animal, you can experience the joys of being a pet parent without the lifetime of responsibility.

Get Started Now HERE