Volunteer

You can make a difference in a pet’s life and help those in need when you volunteer at La Plata County Humane Society. As a volunteer, you become part of a committed team providing loving enrichment and quality care for pets in need. Whether you wish to help care for the animals, provide assistance by teaching human education programs to local school and community groups, help to make special events even more special, lend a helping hand at our store, or provide administrative support and/or maintenance, we welcome your participation. You play an important and vital role in helping the homeless and abused pets.

Welcome to Our Volunteer Community!

*We are changing volunteer systems so we are currently only accepting paper applications till the update is completed. 

Thank you for your patience!*

Thank you for considering volunteering with the La Plata County Humane Society! Our mission is to support animals in need and sustain our efforts through our thrift store, and we couldn’t do it without the passion and dedication of volunteers like you. Whether you’re interested in caring for dogs and cats, helping at our thrift store, or supporting us behind the scenes, your contribution makes a lasting difference. By joining our team, you’ll play an important role in giving animals a second chance and strengthening our community. We’re excited to have you on board—let’s make a difference together!

Here are a few areas where you can volunteer:

-Thrift Store: Help out and sort and organize items that are donated to us

-Cattery: Come cuddle and play with our wonderful cats and kittens.

-Dog Walking: Want to get out and get more exercise but have a friend to come with you? Come walk a dog on the gorgeous river trail.

-Puppy Playtime: We will have puppies in our care that are too young to be with the adult dogs. Volunteers help out with socialization and enrichment to the puppies while they are waiting for their furever home!

-Play Yard: Want to learn some dog behavior? Come help our behavior team and participate in play yard time. *Note: Behavior will need to approve the person before participating.

-Many more opportunities to come and help out the animals of La Plata County!

Volunteer Requirements

• $25 volunteer application fee. This payment will be done at orientation. 
• Must be at least 18 years old, or have a parent or guardian come with you while volunteering. Minors need to be at least 8 years of age.
• Complete a volunteer application and attend a mandatory orientation.
• Wear your badge while volunteering.
• Bring a positive attitude; your attitude affects the animals in the shelter.

Get Started

Please complete the volunteer application below or come into the shelter. Let us know your area of interest and availability, and we’ll get in touch with you to let you know more about orientation and the training process. (Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. If  under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present).

To learn more about our volunteer opportunities and needs, please contact Liza Brown, Volunteer Coordinator by email at volunteer@lpchumanesociety.org or by phone at (970) 259-2847 x120

Join the Adoption Patrol/Buddy Day Program!

Volunteers in this position walk dogs in downtown Durango to get them out in the public and seen by potential adopters. Volunteers are eligible for this program after consistently volunteering for one year, must provide their own transportation and have a valid driver’s license. An additional orientation is required for this position.

Please contact Liza Brown, Volunteer Coordinator by email at volunteer@lpchumanesociety.org or by phone at (970) 259-2847 x120 for more information.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Foster Care Volunteer

Make an immediate and lasting impact on the life of a pet in need as a Foster Care Volunteer. La Plata County Humane Society Foster Care program was created to provide a temporary home for animals who are sick, injured, pregnant, too young, and in need of socialization that may be preventing them from being adopted in their given state. This program has saved the lives of hundreds of animals over the years, by providing a chance of survival they may not otherwise had in different circumstances. To learn more, visit our Foster Care page.

Court-Ordered Community Service

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. La Plata County Humane Society does not accept individuals convicted of theft or any violent crime towards people and/or animals. For questions about the program, please call (970) 259-2847 x120.