Volunteer

Hello, thank you for your interest in volunteering!

We are always looking for volunteers in the following capacities: Transport, Shelter, Events, and Fostering.   Below is a short description of each capacity. If you are interested please fill out the Volunteer Application by clicking on one of the buttons below. If you have general questions please feel free to email our Volunteer Coordinator Tara Legenza at Tara@ForePremierProperties.com.

We encourage volunteers at Kerr County Animal Services! These impounded animals benefit from daily socialization and exercise. It is important to understand the environment you will be working in and the necessary qualities of a volunteer to make the experience a safe one. Each volunteer must be given a safety orientation by either KCAS staff or KPA volunteer coordinators in order to work with the impounded animals.

As a shelter volunteer, you must be skilled in working with dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments. The shelter environment can be challenging, stressful, and potentially dangerous. The animals here are often highly stressed, making it difficult to discern their true personalities, even for those of us who work with them regularly. Our goal is to assess their temperaments with humans of both genders, other dogs and cats, and children. This process can take several days to weeks as we work to build trust and understand their adoptability and the best type of home for them. Many of these animals have experienced being trapped, abuse, neglect, and lack of socialization, and nearly all have been abandoned. Sudden movements and noises can trigger fear or unexpected reactions, requiring our volunteers to stay calm and composed to prevent these triggers.

Week day volunteer hours begin at 9am until noon. The shelter is open to volunteers after 1 p.m. as well, but the heat precludes outside play during the summer. Cats benefit from being inside the building, so socialization is welcomed. If cat volunteers have cats at home, it is strongly encouraged that cats are up to date on their vaccines.

Saturday and Sunday volunteer hours are limited to when shelter staff is available. Most work additional jobs, and the hours fluctuate depending on which staff is scheduled. The hours have routinely been scheduled 8am – 10 am or 1pm – 3pm. The weekend volunteer hours are posted as soon as determined each week. We prefer that volunteers are 18 years or older, able to lift 30+ pounds, and capable of being active with good reflexes while working with the animals in the shelter. Volunteers younger than 18 years are allowed, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times who must also attend the safety orientation. KCAS requires their own waiver of liability and must be signed prior to volunteering at the shelter.

Shelter

As a shelter volunteer you must know how to work with all sizes and temperaments of dogs and cats.  Weekday hours are 9-11am and Saturdays (sometimes Sundays) 9-11am

Transport

Transporting dogs/cats in town, within the state or sometimes out of state.  It just depends if you are available and want to drive to that destination.  You can sign up for what makes sense for you and your vehicle.

Events

Each event is different but basically consists of spreading awareness of how Kerrville Pets Alive! is making a difference in Kerr County.  You will be added to our SignUp Genius and receive an email when we need help at an event.  The description, date(s) and time slots will be in the Sign Up where you can select what you can volunteer for.

Fostering

Taking in good cats/dogs that are at the shelter too long and just need someone to love them until the right family comes along.  This includes taking pictures and exposing the pet to the area in order for them to be adopted.