PetSmart volunteers change the lives of shelter pets through weekly adoption events. These caring people make sure adoptable cats, dogs, and puppies stay healthy and find their perfect forever homes.

The PetSmart Adoption Center in Kildeer, IL runs purely on volunteer power. Anyone who wants to help just needs to commit to one monthly shift that lasts two to three hours. Volunteers take care of different tasks – they clean spaces, watch how animals interact, and help potential adopters find their new family members.

This piece shows you everything about becoming a PetSmart volunteer that most people don’t know about. You’ll learn about training requirements, physical work involved, and what you’ll do with different types of animals. The guide covers all you need to know before you begin your trip into animal welfare, whether you want to work with cats, walk dogs, or take care of puppies.

Understanding the PetSmart Volunteer Program

PetSmart’s volunteer program is the life-blood of animal welfare efforts in North America. This nationwide program brings together animal lovers with shelter pets waiting for adoption. It creates valuable opportunities that benefit both volunteers and homeless animals.

What exactly is the PetSmart volunteer program?

The program works as a well-laid-out system where animal lovers help care for shelter pets temporarily housed in PetSmart stores. PetSmart Charities has helped more than 11 million pets find homes across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. This initiative serves as a vital link between homeless animals and people looking to adopt.

The program turns retail spaces into adoption centers where volunteers become champions for animals in need. The Kildeer, IL store’s adoption center runs completely on volunteer power. This community-driven approach lets PetSmart reach and help more animals than their paid staff could manage alone.

Volunteers usually work monthly shifts of two to three hours, though each location has different requirements. They clean habitats, spend time with animals, and answer questions from potential adopters. These efforts boost adoption rates and make shelter stays better for the animals.

How PetSmart partners with local shelters

Local shelter partnerships are the foundations of PetSmart’s volunteer program. The company works with almost 4,000 animal welfare organizations throughout North America[42]. These partnerships let shelters showcase their pets in busy retail spaces, which substantially increases their chances of finding homes.

PetSmart Charities also provides money to these organizations. The charity gave $5 million to local animal welfare groups to prepare pets for adoption events in PetSmart stores. This money helps cover vet care, transportation, and supplies – resources that smaller shelters often struggle to afford.

Each location might work differently, but they follow a similar approach: shelters choose adoptable pets, PetSmart provides space and equipment, and volunteers fill the gap by caring for animals and helping with adoptions. This teamwork helps about 400,000 pets find homes every year, showing how well the program works.

The different volunteer roles available

PetSmart has various volunteer positions that match different skills and priorities. Each role plays a specific part in helping pets find homes:

Adoption Event Volunteers help during weekend adoption events by preparing spaces, welcoming visitors, and sharing information about available pets. These volunteers often meet potential adopters first, making their friendly presence essential.

Pet Care Volunteers look after the animals’ daily needs. Their tasks include:

• Feeding and providing fresh water
• Cleaning habitats and litter boxes
• Grooming and socializing animals
• Watching for health issues and reporting concerns

Species-Specific Roles let volunteers work with their favorite animals:

Cat Watchers keep cat areas clean, handle cats safely, and help potential adopters meet the felines. At places like the South Philadelphia PetSmart Adoption Center, these volunteers also take photos and videos to showcase cats online.

Dog Walkers take care of exercise, bathroom breaks, and help introduce dogs to potential adopters. Safety comes first – these volunteers must always keep their dogs under control.

Puppy Patrol volunteers maintain clean areas, help with proper handling, and make sure puppies stay either held or in their designated spaces.

Administrative Support volunteers manage important paperwork, answer phones, and keep track of supplies.

If you can’t find volunteer spots at your local PetSmart, many stores can connect you with partner shelters that might need help.

Age Requirements and Application Process

PetSmart’s volunteer program has specific criteria and a well-laid-out application process. You can save time and boost your chances of joining this rewarding program by knowing what they need.

Minimum age to volunteer at PetSmart

Age limits are the first barrier for people who want to volunteer at PetSmart. Most stores need volunteers to be at least 18 years old to work on their own. Some locations let 17-year-olds volunteer but limit what they can do.

Some PetSmart stores give younger animal lovers special ways to help out. These roles need parents to agree and stay with their kids, which makes it a family activity. All the same, age rules can be quite different based on what you’ll be doing and which shelter partnership is involved.

“The minimum age requirement fluctuates based on the volunteer role and local store policies,” explains a PetSmart volunteer coordinator. “Positions involving direct animal handling generally maintain stricter age limitations due to safety considerations.”

Step-by-step application guide

PetSmart’s volunteer application follows four main steps:

1. Original Contact: Get in touch with your local PetSmart store to ask about current volunteer spots. The staff will tell you what positions are open and help you understand their application needs.
2. Orientation and Information Session: You’ll need to attend an info session and a PetSmart Adoption Event Orientation led by the Volunteer Team. These sessions cover rules, what they expect, and safety steps.
3. Application Submission: Fill out and turn in the volunteer form. You’ll need to provide personal details, when you’re free to help, past experience, and sometimes references.
4. Interview and Training: If your application looks good, you’ll have an interview (often online) with a Volunteer Coordinator and then get training for your role. This training helps you learn the right way to handle animals and follow store procedures.

After orientation, you’ll learn how to pick your shifts. The program works best when volunteers commit to at least one shift each month to stay familiar with everything.

What to highlight on your application

These qualities and experiences will make your PetSmart volunteer application stand out:

Animal Experience: Show any past work with animals, especially shelter pets. Your experience with different animals is valuable for specific volunteer roles.

Customer Service Skills: PetSmart wants volunteers with “great customer service skills” since talking to potential adopters is a big part of the job.

Health Status: Be clear about your health, especially any allergies that might cause problems around animals or cleaning products.

Commitment Level: Show that you’ll stick to regular shifts. Most locations want you to work at least once a month to keep up with their procedures.

Flexibility: Let them know you can adapt to different schedules and tasks since things often change in the adoption center.

Common reasons applications get rejected

PetSmart and their shelter partners turn down many applications. Here’s what often leads to rejection:

Health Concerns: They usually say no if you have allergies that might get worse from being around animals or cleaning supplies.

Background Check Issues: Any problems on your background check, especially if they involve animals, will get your application rejected right away.

Incompatible Goals: Your personal aims need to match PetSmart’s animal welfare philosophy.

Age Restrictions: Not being old enough is a common issue, though this depends on the location.

Unprofessional Attitude: They’ll reject you if you don’t show respect for staff, community members, or animals during the application process.

The review team looks at applications within 10 business days. They only contact people they select, but keep rejected applications on file to look at later.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities of PetSmart Volunteers

Life as a PetSmart volunteer combines hands-on animal care with rewarding human connections. Each successful adoption represents countless hours of dedicated work that helps shelter pets stay healthy and ready to find their forever homes.

Working with cats: what to expect

PetSmart’s cat care volunteers spend their time socializing with felines and keeping their living spaces clean. The daily routine includes fresh water, food refills, and clean litter boxes. Volunteers need to watch each cat’s health and tell the core team about any signs of illness. Most PetSmart locations keep cats for about two weeks before they move to foster homes if nobody adopts them. Social interaction plays a vital role – giving cats playtime outside their cages lets them show their true personalities to potential families. Some cats might not want to be held, so volunteers should respect each cat’s comfort zone.

Dog walking and handling protocols

Safety comes first for dog volunteers through strict handling guidelines. They must use proper gear including martingale collars, correct harnesses, and standard leashes – no retractable ones allowed. Dog walkers need to keep full control of the leash and prevent dogs from rushing toward other animals or jumping on visitors. Volunteers should watch a dog’s behavior and approach from the side before taking it out of its crate. These walks help shelter dogs reduce stress, explore their surroundings, manage their weight, and get one-on-one training time.

Cleaning and maintenance duties

Clean spaces make a huge difference in animal health and adoption chances. Regular tasks include:

• Sanitizing habitats, cages and play areas
• Cleaning up accidents right away
• Washing animal bedding, towels and soft toys
• Keeping food, treats and waste bags well-stocked

These basic but essential cleaning tasks directly shape each animal’s chance of finding a new home.

Interacting with potential adopters

Volunteers bridge the gap between shelter pets and their potential new families. The role needs great people skills – a warm welcome, eye contact, and thoughtful questions about the family’s lifestyle and priorities. Good volunteer-adopter conversations focus on finding the perfect match rather than pushing any particular pet. Volunteers should stay focused on helping people connect with shelter pets instead of checking phones or chatting with others when potential adopters visit.

The Hidden Challenges Nobody Mentions

PetSmart volunteers face challenges that orientation materials rarely mention, beyond the heartwarming adoption stories and cute animal interactions. New volunteers might feel caught off guard without proper preparation about these hidden aspects.

Emotional burnout when working with shelter pets

Animal welfare positions come with serious concerns about compassion fatigue. Animal welfare workers rank among firefighters in having some of the highest suicide rates by career choice. PetSmart volunteers often feel emotional strain as they work with abused or abandoned animals. Bonds form naturally with these animals, which makes goodbyes tough even when they go to loving homes. As one volunteer shared, “I fall completely in love with every animal that comes into my home, but they all have to leave eventually. It’s hard saying goodbye.”

Physical demands of the role

New PetSmart volunteers often feel surprised by the physical requirements. Most roles just need you to lift 20 pounds and stand for up to two hours with reaching, bending, and walking. Some positions might ask you to lift up to 50 pounds. The job also puts you in wet environments full of pet hair. These demands can wear you down, especially during long adoption events or while handling multiple animals.

Dealing with difficult animal behaviors

Proper training and patience help volunteers handle challenging behaviors. Some animals bite from excitement or show aggression toward other animals. Past trauma or poor socialization cause many behavioral issues rather than the animal’s natural temperament. Volunteers must spot warning signs quickly and follow strict rules – like keeping dogs from meeting others during walks and watching all public interactions with animals.

Managing expectations vs. reality

New volunteers might imagine their shifts filled with puppy cuddles and kitten playtime. The real work involves lots of kennel cleaning, bowl washing, and accident cleanup. People think the environment feels sad, but experienced volunteers say helping animals brings more joy than hardship. As one volunteer points out, “A lot of people I know say to me, ‘I could never do it. It would make me so sad.’ But it’s a happy place… You’re playing with them. You’re giving them attention.”

Finding PetSmart Volunteer Opportunities Near Me

PetSmart volunteer programs operate through catteries and adoption centers at many locations. Each store structures their volunteer programs differently, giving people a variety of ways to help.

How to locate participating stores

The best way to find PetSmart volunteer positions starts with a call to your local store. The staff will tell you about their current needs and walk you through how to apply. PetSmart has catteries inside many retail stores that support local animal rescue efforts. Animal rescue organizations like ARE Animal Rescue run catteries at multiple PetSmart locations across cities, which creates a network of opportunities for volunteers.

Local animal shelters often showcase their adoptable cats at PetSmart catteries throughout the day. These cats need dedicated volunteers for their daily care. The PetSmart cattery at 2902 S. Shepherd Dr. in Houston lets volunteers choose from four different shifts.

Understanding different location requirements

PetSmart’s volunteer requirements vary based on local needs and partnerships. Location rules can be specific – the Save-A-Pet program at Kildeer, IL PetSmart only accepts Illinois residents. Time commitments also differ. Some locations ask volunteers to work at least 6 hours monthly for a minimum of 3 months.

Typical volunteer hours and scheduling flexibility

Most PetSmart volunteer work happens during evenings and weekends when adoption events take place. Cattery volunteers usually work evenings (6-8pm) and weekends (9am-8pm). Adoption events typically run Saturday shifts between 11am-4pm. Volunteers should plan to work at least one monthly shift to stay familiar with the protocols.

Alternative options if no positions are available

Many other animal welfare opportunities exist if your local PetSmart isn’t currently accepting volunteers. Here are some options:

• Transport volunteer programs (driving animals between shelters)
• Foster care for shelter animals
• Remote volunteer positions with Best Friends or other national organizations
• Contacting Best Friends Network Partners in your community
• Assisting with community outreach or administrative support
• Helping with photography for adoption profiles
• Participating in fundraising activities

PetSmart’s partner organizations might need help at other locations. Many shelters work with multiple retail stores, so it’s worth checking before looking elsewhere.

PetSmart volunteer programs are vital lifelines that help countless shelter animals in North America. Animal lovers can make a real difference in their communities by socializing with cats, walking dogs, or helping out at adoption events.

A love for animals isn’t enough to volunteer at PetSmart. The role comes with physical tasks, emotional challenges, and time commitments. The experienced volunteers say it’s all worth it when they see shelter pets finding loving homes.

Volunteers can pick roles that fit their schedules and comfort levels. They’ll find opportunities that match most schedules and skill sets, from weekend adoption events to weekday evening shifts. On top of that, people who can’t find positions at their local PetSmart can work with affiliated shelters and rescue organizations.

These dedicated volunteers connect homeless pets with potential adopters. Their steadfast dedication keeps changing lives – both human and animal – one adoption at a time.

Here are some FAQs about petsmart volunteer oportunities:

How old do you have to be to volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society?

While Best Friends has its own age requirements, those interested in Petsmart volunteer opportunities should note the Petsmart volunteer age is typically 18+. For younger animal lovers, the Petsmart volunteer cats program sometimes accepts teens aged 16-17 with parental consent. Always check specific location requirements when searching “Petsmart volunteer near me” as policies may vary.

How do I cancel my Petsmart online order?

While this isn’t related to Petsmart volunteer programs, you can cancel online orders through your account dashboard before shipment. Those interested in animal care might prefer exploring how to volunteer at Petsmart instead, where you can work directly with pets. The Petsmart volunteer cats program is particularly popular for feline enthusiasts.

Can someone else pick up my PetSmart order?

Yes, someone else can pick up your order with proper authorization, similar to how Petsmart volunteer opportunities allow approved individuals to handle animals. If you’re more interested in helping pets, consider searching “Petsmart volunteer near me” to find local opportunities. The Petsmart volunteer age requirement is usually 18+ for handling animals in stores.

Can I cancel an online order before it is shipped?

While order cancellations are possible pre-shipment, animal lovers might find more fulfillment through Petsmart volunteer work. Learning how to volunteer at Petsmart allows direct interaction with pets rather than shopping. The Petsmart volunteer cats program offers especially rewarding experiences for feline fans meeting the Petsmart volunteer age requirements.

What grade level is animal rescue friends?

The “Animal Rescue Friends” book series is typically aimed at grades 3-7, perfect for young readers who might later qualify for Petsmart volunteer opportunities. While the Petsmart volunteer age is usually 18+, younger teens can prepare by reading and exploring animal care concepts. Those meeting the age requirement can search “Petsmart volunteer near me” for hands-on experience.

Does PetSmart accept cash?

Yes, PetSmart accepts cash payments, but those interested in animal welfare might prefer exploring Petsmart volunteer opportunities instead. The Petsmart volunteer cats program allows qualified individuals to help care for adoptable felines. Remember the standard Petsmart volunteer age is 18+, though some locations may have junior volunteer options.

Can someone else pick up my Too Good To Go order?

While order pickup policies vary, animal enthusiasts might find more satisfaction through Petsmart volunteer work than food apps. Searching “Petsmart volunteer near me” can reveal local opportunities to help pets directly. The Petsmart volunteer age is typically 18+, with special programs like Petsmart volunteer cats for feline lovers.

Does PetSmart refund?

PetSmart does offer refunds on qualifying purchases, but those passionate about animals might prefer investing time in Petsmart volunteer opportunities instead. Learning how to volunteer at Petsmart provides hands-on experience with pets while giving back. The Petsmart volunteer cats program is ideal for feline fans who meet the Petsmart volunteer age requirements.