A man with gray hair, sunglasses, and a black t-shirt is smiling as he hugs a large brindle dog, who is licking his face. The man is wearing a smartwatch and shorts. The background is a plain pale yellow circle.
A young girl reaches out to pet a body of a large dog with a brindle and white coat at an outdoor event.

Volunteer

Our mission at LTBHS is to sustainably and respectfully serve pets and the people who love them with compassionate, comprehensive, and exemplary care. Volunteers make a tremendous difference in the work we do and fulfilling our mission. We are so grateful for our amazing volunteers!

Fill Out our volunteer application

  • Volunteers of all ages can make a difference at LTBHS! Children under 16 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian present at all times. Youth ages 16–18 may volunteer independently with a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.

    Volunteer opportunities can include helping our Animal Care team with dishes, laundry, cleaning dog and cat enclosures, animal enrichment, and other daily needs. Volunteers can also lend a hand with community and fundraising events, animal intakes and transports, and fostering animals who need a temporary place to stay.

    There are so many ways to get involved at LTBHS, and we encourage our volunteers to find opportunities that match their interests, skills, and comfort level. Whether you have a few hours to give or want to become a regular part of our team, your time helps us continue serving pets and the people who love them!

  • Volunteers are welcome to come to our facility anytime during normal business hours. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. To view specific scheduled events, please sign into our volunteer platform. To arrange volunteering at a time outside of normal business hours, please contact our Volunteer and Humane Education Coordinator at volunteer@ltbhs.org or 231-347-2396.

  • Orientation and Training

    All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application and attend a virtual volunteer orientation (within 30 days of beginning volunteering).

    Dress Code

    Volunteers should wear clean, comfortable clothing appropriate for their assigned role. Volunteers working directly with animals must wear closed-toe, secure footwear and clothing that provides reasonable protection from scratches, bites, cleaning products and other hazards. Long pants are strongly recommended for animal-handling roles. LTBHS volunteer identification, such as a volunteer shirt, vest or name badge, should be visible while volunteering. Loose or dangling jewelry and clothing that could create an animal-handling safety hazard should not be worn. Clothing displaying offensive, discriminatory, political, or otherwise inappropriate messaging is not permitted while representing LTBHS. Certain roles or events may have additional dress requirements.

    Personal Limitations

    LTBHS asks that volunteers communicate openly and express their comfort level as it applies to all tasks and animal handling. All employees of LTBHS reserve the right to limit the tasks available to volunteers for any reason.

  • We love helping young animal lovers get involved in our mission! Children under 16 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian present at all times. Youth ages 16–18 may volunteer independently with a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.

    Throughout the year, we also offer special opportunities designed for children and families to learn, participate, and help support the animals in our community.

    Looking to get kids involved in other ways? Click here!

  • Need to Complete Community Service Hours?

    Little Traverse Bay Humane Society offers a Community Service Program for individuals 18 and older who need to complete service hours. Tasks may include cleaning, laundry, and general shelter support.

    Click here to fill out an application.

    Please note: This program is for court-ordered or school-required service only. It is not part of our general volunteer program.