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Volunteer

HPA Volunteer

Want to help save lives?

Join the Houston Pets Alive volunteer team!

(If you’d like to volunteer as a foster parent to help save a cat or dog’s life, please complete the foster application here.)

Volunteer applicants must be 18 years of age or older to complete the form.  Applicants have the opportunity to include a minor in the application. Age requirements for each volunteer area are included in the descriptions below.

Following approval of your volunteer application, you will receive a link to make a $10 non-refundable screening and T-shirt donation. You will be able to access volunteer orientations once the screening and T-shirt donation is paid. Please note that if you pay the donation and neither show up for orientation nor respond to follow-up communications, you will forfeit your T-shirt. If you are apply with a minor(s), you will be required to cover a $10 non-refundable screening and T-shirt donation for yourself and each minor volunteer.

How to volunteer:

STEP 1: Review volunteer opportunities below (click each to expand their descriptions and age requirements).

Daily shifts: 8-10am; 6-8pm

Houston Pets Alive! - 2800 Antoine Drive, Suite 2854, Houston, TX 77092

  • Walk dogs
  • Clean dog kennels
  • Play with and engage dogs
  • Maintain clean facility (wash dog bowls, mop, do laundry, etc.)

    Must be at least 18 to handle dogs, and at least 14 with a parent/guardian present to assist with dog care.
    • Daily shifts: 9:30-11:30a; 6-8p

    PetSmart Dunvale - 8380 Westheimer, Houston, TX, 77063
    PetSmart Copperfield - 7050 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095
    PetSmart Bunker Hill - 9718 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77055
    Petco Katy-Cinco Ranch - 24944 FM 1093 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406

  • Feed cats and clean cat kennels (litter box, bedding and wipe down kennel)
  • Play with cats outside of cages – you’re their outlet for fun!
  • Monitor/report well-being and updates through Facebook group page
  • Speak to prospective adopters, connect with cats, and process adoption applications
  • Optional transport of kitties between other store locations

    Facility run exclusively by volunteers with no more than 8 cats in area.
    • Tuesday-Saturday shifts: flexible between 10am-4pm

    Houston Pets Alive! - 2800 Antoine Drive, Suite 2854, Houston, TX 77092

  • Option to observe surgical procedures
  • Help with recovering pets following surgeries
  • Clean surgical equipment
  • Clean cages
  • Check-in/Check-out support for surgical appointments
  • Assist with fosters with other medical related appointments
  • Optional data entry of medical records

    Key role supporting both our medical staff, animals, and foster families as they bring animals in for appointments.
    • Sunday-Saturday 10am-6pm, multiple shifts

    HPA! Thrift - 2532 Nottingham Street, Houston, TX 77005

  • Greet and engage customers
  • Sort, tag, and display donated items
  • Process sales and provide customers with a memorable shopping experience
  • Promote HPA! mission, adoptions, and purpose of Thrift
  • Have fun!

    Thrift volunteers receive a 20% store discount and Team Leads receive a 40% store discount!
    • Ongoing or as needed/one-time projects, usually remote

  • Support staff or other volunteer leads with varying degrees of miscellaneous projects as they come about
  • For example, research, updating spreadsheets or documents, creating lists, etc.
    • As needed and remote

  • Help request in-kind and monetary donations
  • Promote and create fundraisers
  • Graphic design
  • Flyer creation/distribution
  • Setting up/managing small events
  • Support social media efforts
    • As needed

  • Pick up animals we rescue and transport them to HPA! or other locations.
  • Pick up donations and bring them to HPA!
  • Assist with other transportation-related tasks as needed.

    • STEP 2: Compete the volunteer application here.

    STEP 3: Once you submit your application, someone will be in touch with you.

    Want to volunteer in a way not listed above? We’d love to hear from you! Email Volunteer@HoustonPetsAlive.org.