VOLUNTEER

Say Hello to the Volunteer Program at SPCA Florida

At SPCA Florida, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
We warmly welcome individuals who share our vision of healthy animals and humane communities
and who want to make a meaningful difference through their time and compassion.

We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and are proud to work alongside people from all walks of life. Whether you’re passionate about animal care, community outreach, or supporting our day-to-day operations, volunteering with SPCA Florida is a rewarding way to give back. Our volunteers commit to being reliable, team-oriented, and enthusiastic ambassadors for our mission, helping us create positive experiences for both animals and the public. With proper training and orientation, you’ll be prepared to support our work while gaining valuable experience and connection within our community.

Volunteer Qualifications (Please review carefully):

Must be able to give a 6-month commitment (average of 2 hours per week)
Must have reliable transportation
Must be able to fully support SPCA Florida’s vision, mission, and policies, and be able to communicate those to the public
Must demonstrate good customer service skills and be able to work well in a team environment
Must complete volunteer process and orientation to be considered

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

CURRENT VOLUNTEER LOGIN

Adult Program

Through our adult volunteer program, you will be a part of a dedicated team that

is committed to fulfilling the mission and vision of SPCA Florida. You will be doing

lifesaving work that results in life-changing milestones for both you and the animals.

Requirements:

18+ years old
Must complete volunteer process and orientation
$25 fee due by orientation to cover T-shirt, name tag, and training

Student Program

Students will not only be making a difference in the lives of thousands of animals, but they will have the opportunity to complete their community service hours for school through our student volunteer program.

On-site Requirements:

16-18 years old
Must complete the volunteer process, essay questions, and orientation to be considered
$25 fee due by orientation to cover T-shirt, name tag, and training

Donation Drive Requirements:

13–18 years old (must be in middle or high school)
Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat wet food: 6 cans: 1 hour
Click here to download and print the donation drive information. Follow the instructions on the form and be sure to contact the Volunteer Manager at volunteer@spcaflorida.org to schedule an appointment to bring your donations in.

Apply Now!

Donation Drive Info

Group Volunteering

Does your team, group, or organization want to become part of the solution to the problem of homeless and neglected companion animals in our community? SPCA Florida welcomes groups of as little as 5 to as many as 30 who are looking to complete a service project together. As part of your project, you will experience a “behind the scenes” tour of SPCA Florida’s Animal Medical Center and Adoption Center. To reserve your group project and tour, contact the volunteer department at volunteer@spcaflorida.org.

Community Service

Please note, court-ordered community service or Polk Work hours are NOT part of the volunteer program. We are not currently offering hours for court-ordered community service or Polk Works.

Thank you again for your interest in volunteering with SPCA Florida. We truly appreciate your desire to make a change in Polk County. Together, we will make strides in saving homeless and neglected companion animals in our community.

volunteeropportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at SPCA Florida︱Volunteer Application ︱Volunteer Login

Once you attend the volunteer orientation, complete your assessment interview, and attend the two required training classes, all potential volunteers will begin in the campus Adoption Center as an:

Animal Care Assistant

Shifts are scheduled in 2-3 hour increments, 7 days a week. In this role, you will:

Assist with basic Adoption Center tasks such as kennel, cattery, puppy room, and yard cleaning
Assist with feeding, socializing, and exercising animals in the designated play areas
Bathe and groom animals as needed
Assist with general cleaning tasks, such as laundry and dishes

Community Outreach Volunteer

To move to this position, volunteers must have met all criteria for the Animal Care Assistant requirements and be knowledgeable in all SPCA Florida programs and services. In this role, you may participate in the following:

Off-campus Community Outreach Events

Focus on communicating our mission to the public, participate in fund-raising activities, adoption events, and retail sales

Humane Education

Attend various events as an SPCA Florida representative; provide age-appropriate education programs on animal care and welfare

Compassion Connection

Visit facilities with SPCA Florida animals, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities

Offsite Adoption Event Lead

To move to this position, volunteers must have successfully completed the Community Outreach Volunteer requirements, all additional training required, and worked as a Community Outreach lead. In this position, the volunteer will work at off-campus Adoption Events to process dog adoptions.

Working FOR the Animals

Non-direct Animal Care Opportunities

We also offer other volunteer opportunities outside of the Adoption Center environment, which still benefits the animals. Volunteers must attend the volunteer orientation and complete any additional training required.

Campus Events – Assist with Critter Camp
Paws to Read – Take SPCA Florida dogs to schools or libraries to help children build reading skills
Pets Day Out – Take SPCA Florida dogs and cats to assisted living facilities to visit with residents
Special Events – Assist at our special events benefiting SPCA Florida
Administration and Miscellaneous – Assist with basic clerical duties, which may include data entry and filing, Ani-Meal packers and drivers, website photography, Adoption Center Greeters, and Foster caregivers (additional application/approval needed and must be at least 18 years old)