Volunteer Opportunities at the Shelter and
Essential Care Center

S.T.E.P.S. (skills, training, engagement and practice for success):

Columbus Humane has many volunteer opportunities available at our shelter in Hilliard as well as our Essential Care Center on South High Street.

All volunteers begin with STEPS training, where you’ll learn how to support the critical, day-to-day work that keeps our organization running, from laundry and dishes to donation sorting. Volunteers also play an important role in our pet food pantry, helping organize supplies and provide food to families so pets can stay in the homes where they belong.

After completing STEPS training, volunteers can expand their impact through species-specific training and mentoring, with opportunities to work hands-on with dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Columbus Humane’s volunteer program is proudly sponsored by Schoedinger Pet Services. Through their generous support, each STEPS participant receives a training manual, photo ID badge, and volunteer t-shirt. A one-time $50 mission investment is required for all new volunteers.

Opportunities for those seeking service hours outside of the volunteer program are limited, and court-ordered service hours cannot be accommodated.

Want to become a columbus humane volunteer?

Our volunteer applications are currently closed. We are working hard to expand our volunteer programming and will release our volunteer application as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest in helping pets and people in our community!

Shelter Volunteer Training Process

Columbus Humane Shelter
3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard OH, 43026

1. Apply and Approval of Application: Get started by applying at the button below.

2. STEPS Orientation (2 hours, in-person at the shelter): You have been accepted as a Columbus Humane Volunteer and have begun your training.

3. Species Specific Classes (2 hours, in-person at the shelter): Begin training with specific species of focus, whether that is dog, cat or rabbit.

4. Mentoring Sessions (2 Hours per session, in-person at shelter): Begin hands-on learning experiences to learn and finalize your training.

5. 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

1. Apply and Approval of Application: Get started by applying at the button below.

2. 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.

3. Welcome to the Team: You are an OFFICIAL volunteer with Columbus Humane. Woo hoo!

   Estimated time of complete: 2 hours total

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 at sign-up.

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.

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