How to become a volunteer:

The CNYSPCA is currently looking for volunteers who are committed, accountable and responsible to volunteer a minimum of 6 hours a month to help us “Speak for those who cannot speaking for themselves”. We need friendly, out going and personable volunteers to assist the public and staff in our shelter and at off site adoption events. If you LOVE working with people to help the animals, then this is the place for you.

In order to become a volunteer you must attend a Volunteer Orientation Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. ( see “Who can volunteer”)

To register for one of the CNYSPCA Volunteer Training Orientations, you must fill out a volunteer application. (If you have applied in the past, you must still fill out a new application to register for one of the up coming registrations) Once filled out, you can fax it to (315) 454-4908, mail it to CNYSPCA, 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse, New York 13211, email it to education@cnyspca.org or you can turn it in at the shelter’s front office desk.

A volunteer liaison will EMAIL or call you to scheduled volunteer orientation. Orientations are held once a month. Attending an orientation is mandatory before you can begin volunteering at the CNYSPCA. It is the time to learn our policies, procedures and programs, learn about basic animal behavior, and gain a thorough understanding of the many ways you can truly make a difference – and ultimately help find homes for the many animals in our care.

Please be aware that a limited number of volunteers can be accommodated, and that a period of several weeks may be required for personal interviews and training.


General volunteer requirements:

• Reliable transportation to the shelter is necessary. A car is highly recommended. Centro bus has only a limited route by the shelter (see the Court Street – Industrial Park route – route 152 & 152X).

• As a volunteer, you will be expected to support and promote the mission of the CNYSPCA and abide by all volunteer rules and regulations.

• All volunteers must attend a basic orientation and sign all necessary release forms.

• Treat it like a job. If you cannot come in on your assigned/scheduled day, contact your area supervisor/manager or your volunteer coordinator. Your services as a volunteer are greatly appreciated at the CNYSPCA, so we would miss you if you just did not show up one day without any kind of warning.

When can I volunteer:

Each volunteer position has limited spots available at various times throughout the day. Majority of the volunteer jobs need to be done during the shelter’s operating hours. (Refer to Home page for shelter hours) but some can be done from home, or after hours, so please ask for possible availability.


Who can volunteer:

You must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer. If 16-17, a parent or guardian must be present to attend the initial 1-hour orientation and then execute the necessary forms on the minor’s behalf. Ages 12-15 may volunteer with an adult present at all times. (All participants must fill out Volunteer Applications and adult volunteers would be required to go through Volunteer Training Session.)

For volunteers seeking short term volunteer opportunities to meet minimal school or church requirements or court mandated volunteering, special arrangements may be made with a Volunteer Liaison at the CNYSPCA as the need for short term assistance is occasionally required. (There is no guarantee that all volunteer requests will be granted)