Are you interested sharing your love of animals?
Come join more than 450 dedicated individuals just like you.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Shelter and
Essential Care Center
Administrative support
Cat care
Dog care
Greeting visitors
Rabbit care
Shelter support
Special events
Pet Food Pantry support
And more!
STEPS (skills, training, engagement and practice for success):
Columbus Humane has two locations for volunteer opportunities to choose from. At the shelter, you can expect to work hands-on with animals or completing crucial shelter tasks to maintain the operation of the shelter. At the Essential Care Center, volunteers work exclusively in the pet food pantry either organizing stock or helping distribute food to pet families in need. Both locations rely on volunteers to help pets and people in need. We can’t do this work without you and we look forward to serving with you.
Shelter Volunteer Training Process
Columbus Humane Shelter
3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard OH, 43026
Apply and Approval of Application: Get started by applying at the button below.
STEPS Orientation (2 hours, in-person at shelter): You have been accepted as a Columbus Humane Volunteer and have begun your training.
Species Specific Classes (2 hours, in-person at shelter): Begin training with specific species of focus, whether that is dog, cat or rabbit.
Mentoring Sessions (2 Hours per session, in-person at shelter): Begin hands-on learning experiences to learn and finalize your training.
Welcome to the Team: You are an OFFICIAL volunteer with Columbus Humane. Woo hoo!
Estimated time of complete: 8-10 hours total
Pet Food Pantry Training Process
Columbus Humane Essential Care Center
3772 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207
Apply and Approval of Application: Get started by applying at the button below.
STEPS Orientation (1-2 hours, in-person at the Essential Care Center): You have been accepted as a Columbus Humane Volunteer and have begun your training.
Welcome to the Team: You are an OFFICIAL volunteer with Columbus Humane. Woo hoo!
Estimated time of complete: 2 hours total
Want to become a columbus humane volunteer?
Fill out our application at the button below for the location you are interested volunteering at and we will be in touch with next steps to sign-up for Volunteer Orientation. Thank you!
Shelter
3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard OH, 43026
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION DATES:
February 15, 2025
March 5, 2025
April 12, 2025
April 30, 2025
June 7, 2025
June 25, 2025
August 2, 2025
August 27, 2025
October 4, 2025
November 5, 2025
Application Opens January 6, 2025
Essential Care Center
3772 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION DATES:
Full until 2025
The STEPS program is proudly sponsored by Schoedinger Pet Services. Thanks to their support, each STEPS class participant receives a training manual, photo ID badge and volunteer t-shirt. We ask all incoming volunteers to make a one-time mission investment of $30.
Opportunities for those seeking service hours outside of becoming a volunteer are minimal and limited. Court ordered service hours cannot be completed at this location. If you have any questions, please email us at volunteer@columbushumane.org.
VOLUNTEER FAQS
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER?
Junior Volunteers, ages 12-15 years old, may volunteer with an Adult Volunteer Partner over the age of 21.
Teen Volunteers are 16-17 years of age and are able to volunteer independently and must have a “Junior & Teen Volunteer Waiver and Release” form completed with guardian consent.
Junior & Teen Volunteers must attend STEPS training. Junior Volunteers will be accompanied by their Adult Volunteer Partner at all times while volunteering at the shelter.
WHAT IF I NEED SERVICE HOURS FOR A SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY PROJECT?
We currently are not accepting volunteers for service hours at this time outside of those who go through our STEPS volunteer program to regularly volunteer at Columbus Humane. Court ordered service hours cannot be fulfilled at this location.
ADOPTION HOURS
Monday - Friday 2pm - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 12pm - 5pm
ANIMAL SUPPORT CENTER
Appointments are available from 11am-6pm M-F and 9am-4pm Sat-Sun. Same day appointments may be available. The entrance to the Animal Support Center is located at the side of the building. Call (614) 777 - 7387 for an appointment.
GENERAL CONTACT
Phone (614) 777 - 7387 (Our Call Center is open from 9am-5pm)
Fax (614) 777 - 8449
questions@columbushumane.org
3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard, OH 43026
