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 must be 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while on LTBHS property. Volunteer opportunities can include helping our animal care attendants with cleaning tasks such as dishes, laundry, cleaning of dog and cat enclosures, dog, and cat enrichment, and more! LTBHS frequently needs assistance with events, intakes, and transport opportunities as well as foster families to help us care for animals who are not yet available for adoption! The opportunities are endless here at LTBHS and we encourage volunteers to help us brainstorm additional tasks that could be available!

  • Volunteers are welcome to come to our facility anytime during normal business hours. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. To arrange volunteering at a time outside of normal business hours, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at volunteer@ltbhs.org or 231-347-2396.

  • Orientation and Training

    All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application and attend a volunteer orientation (within 30 days of beginning volunteering). These are scheduled at least once per month and can be done individually upon appointment.

    Dress Code

    We require that our volunteers wear appropriate clothing for working with animals in the shelter environment. This includes wearing closed toe shoes and long pants. Volunteers should expect they may get messy and should plan accordingly. Failure to dress appropriately for the shelter environment may result in a limitation to volunteer duties on that date or being asked to change before volunteering. We also ask that LTBHS volunteers wear a name tag while they are on-site helping us! Name tags are available at the front desk.

    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.

  • Looking to get kids involved? 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.