About our Volunteers

The Parma Animal Shelter is run by volunteers. There are normally about 65 to 70 in shelter volunteers. In-shelter volunteers work regularly at the shelter while "Events" volunteers pitch to help when called upon, for example, to bake for sales or man information booths or work during special events. ALL volunteers have filled out an application and been approved to work at the shelter. To become a volunteer one must come to the shelter and fill out an application and sign a waiver and, after taking a tour of the shelter and reading the brochures we provide on the duties of volunteers, (also available on this web site), the applicant can choose whether to be trained to work with dogs or cats or be cross trained to work with either. Volunteers do not only work with the animals. They may also do laundry, clean, answer phones and interact with the public, and, of course, help at fundraising events and distribute publicity flyers at work, their vet, the grocery store and wherever else they can to help spread our message!

An experienced volunteer will mentor the new volunteer, answering any questions they may have once they have been trained. The Webmaster maintains an e-mail listbot for volunteers to spread the word on shelter events and a bulletin board with messages mirroring the e-mails is at the shelter for those without e-mail access.

Volunteers who do animal care must be 18 or over at this time. However, we do have a junior volunteers program which is for those 14-17. The junior volunteers act as receptionists and do laundry and help dog and cat care specialists. Jr. Volunteers must make an appointment to be interviewed for acceptance into the program. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the initial interview and bring with them the application and contract. Jr. Volunteers must e-mail the Jr. Volunteer Coordinator or call the shelter to be excused from their shift. Because Jr. Volunteers play such a key role in the efficiency of the shelter it is very important to be punctual and reliable.

If you know some one who would like to volunteer at a shelter, please tell them about us!

We are looking for people who can commit to at least one shift per month to work at the shelter. A schedule is posted for all volunteers. If you can help, please download the application and waiver . You must ask a volunteer on duty to witness your signature on the waiver. You will be contacted to arrange for training.

We are also looking for foster homes and barn homes.

E-mail us!

Volunteering is Good For Your Health!

A study conducted at the University of Michigan Research Center and published in the March 1998 Issue of American Health found that volunteering, more than any other activity, dramatically increases life expectancy. According to the center:

*Men who volunteered at least once a week over the course of the study lived two-and-one-half times longer than men who did not volunteer.

*Participants with heart problems who volunteered had reduced cholesterol levels and chest pains.

*The study also concluded that "volunteering is a way of connecting with people, and those with many social contacts tend to live longer than those who are more isolated regardless of race, income, and level of activity."