Volunteer

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NEW VOLUNTEER: Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Nashville Humane Association (“NHA”)! We rely on volunteers to help us fulfill many important tasks including socializing animals, providing clerical assistance and running our food bank. We have many volunteer opportunities to fit your schedule, interests and skills. Please read the information below carefully before applying to become a volunteer.

***Please note that the volunteer program is highly competitive and submission of an application does not guarantee placement.

Age Limitations
Individuals must be at least 13 years of age to volunteer for NHA. No exceptions to this policy will be made. In addition, all 13 to 15-year old volunteers must have a parent or guardian over the age of 21 with them at all times.

Time Commitment
NHA requires that all volunteers commit 5 hours per month for the first 6 months. Through consistent care by volunteers, we can provide a better quality of life for the animals entrusted to NHA.

Administrative Fee
NHA charges a one-time $15 administrative fee to help us offset the costs for our volunteer program. As long as volunteers remain active, (volunteers are dropped after six months of inactivity) the fee covers all volunteer programs at NHA. Please note: Foster Care volunteers are exempt from the administrative fee.

We are currently accepting applications for the following volunteer positions: Canine Kennel Assistants, ROVER Assistant, and Food Bank Volunteers. Priority will be given to those volunteers with daytime, weekday availability. Please click here to read a description for each volunteer position offered at NHA. If you have an interest in volunteering a skill or professional expertise to NHA, such as event planning, photography, graphic design, fundraising, marketing, etc., please make note of this on your application.

How to become a NHA Volunteer:

Step 1: Fill out an application

Please complete this application. Once NHA receives your application, you will receive a list of upcoming information sessions. Please note: It can take up to two-weeks to reply to your application.

Step 2: Attend a volunteer information session

The volunteer information session will provide pertinent information on our agency’s mission, programming, and available volunteer opportunities. This overview will give you insight into whether you are ready to make a commitment to becoming a NHA volunteer. After the information session, the volunteer coordinator will review your application and will let you know when a position is available that fits your interests and schedule.

Step 3: Attend volunteer training

All accepted volunteers will attend a volunteer training. Volunteer training will begin with a half hour session that will discuss NHA’s safety policies and procedures followed by an hour-long hands-on training in your respective area (i.e. canine kennel assistant, cat socializer, adoption aide, etc.). During this time, all volunteers will receive a volunteer handbook and a name badge. Additionally, volunteers will fill out a waiver and pay their one-time volunteer fee. Once you’ve completed the volunteer training, you are now an NHA volunteer. Please note: Program volunteers will meet one-on-one with their supervisors for training.

Group volunteering

Interested in a team-building activity for your work, social organization or school group? Please contact the volunteer coordinator, Ashley Brown, to learn more about how groups can volunteer together at the shelter. Please note: some tasks are not conducive to large groups.

This program is not intended for those required to do court-ordered community service. For more information on court-ordered community service call 352-1010.