Volunteering FAQs

You must first complete a volunteer application at located here. Upon completing the application, you will automatically receive a list with the dates of the next several volunteer orientation sessions via email.  Please respond to the email with your preferred date.  Please note that we only have a certain number of spots at each orientation, so you must reserve your space in advance.

The orientation and training process takes approximately 2-3 weeks, depending on the volunteer job you would like to do. After attending general orientation, which lasts 1.5-2 hours, you will be scheduled for a site-specific training before you can begin volunteering.

You can volunteer for community service hours, but you must go through the same application, orientation, and training process as every other volunteer, and you are expected to commit to 8 hours a month for 3 months, regardless of the time you need to complete for your school or the court.

Yes, we have one-day or recurring group volunteering opportunities. Group volunteers are also welcome to assist at Pet Soup distributions and at special events in the community. Please contact Sara Jackson, Manager of Volunteer Programs, at 803-465-9187 for more information or volunteer@pawmettolifeline.org

Volunteers must wear close-toed shoes when working in the facility. Shorts must be fingertip-length or longer. No spaghetti straps or cropped shirts. Hats are discouraged, as they make some of our animals nervous.

Volunteer hours at our facility are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM - 6:00 pm. Special events and community outreach volunteering have varying hours. Volunteers can sign up for available shifts through Volgistics, our online Volunteer Information Center. Upon completion of orientation, each volunteer will receive login information and a password for this system." 

Personal pets are not allowed during your volunteer shift.

We do not have opportunities for job shadowing currently.

Internships will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact Sara Jackson, Manager of Volunteer Programs at 803-465-9187 or via email at volunteer@pawmettolifeline.org to learn of available opportunities.

Pawmetto Lifeline has a fee-based summer camp for kids ages 7 to 12 called Fur Friends.  We also have opportunities to host birthday parties and Girl/Boy Scout troop meetings at our facility.  Pawmetto Lifeline can also provide humane education to school groups at their schools and in the facility.  Contact volunteer@pawmettolifeline.org for more details.