Join The Pack
Volunteer
For Volunteers 18+
Volunteering at the
York County SPCA
Each task performed by our volunteers makes a difference in the health and welfare of the animals in our care. By offering your time and talent, you improve their quality of life as they wait for their forever homes.
Works with Dogs
Works with Cats
Works with People
Works with Medical
Spay/Neuter Clinic
Dog Walking
Kennel Greeting
Canine Enrichment
Cat & Small Animal Cuddling
Satellite Adoption Center Volunteers
Interested in a date with one of our pawsome pups?
Can't Volunteer At The Shelter?
Save A Life By Fostering
Fostering saves two lives – the life of the animal in your home and the one we now have space for in the shelter. Our foster families create the capacity for us to care for more animals, and for pets struggling in the shelter environment, a foster family’s loving home can make a lifesaving difference. Join our foster team to help pets heal, grow, and prepare for their forever home.
pets saved thanks to our volunteer foster families
volunteer hours
pounds of food donated through our Pet Food Pantry
For Volunteers Of All Ages
Volunteer Projects
For safety reasons, volunteers under the age of 18 are not able to work directly with animals in our care, but this doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. We have service opportunities for volunteers of all ages who have a passion for helping animals, and we need you – along with your student club, scout troop, and youth group – to partner with us to support animal welfare throughout York County.
For Cats
Build Community Cat Houses
For Dogs
Make Snuffle Mats
For Cats
Upcycle Toys For Enrichment
For All Animals
Plan A Facebook Fundraiser
For Cats
Sew Cat Trap Covers
Your kindness can save lives.
For Groups
Group Volunteer Opportunities
As a community resource center, our work wouldn’t be possible without you, our community. Although we currently do not have the capacity to host large group projects at the YCSPCA, we have
If you’re interested in completing a group project, please submit an interest form, and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you with more information.
Submit an Interest Form
Complete our group project interest form or reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator to share your idea.
Plan Your Project
Work with your Project Coordinator to plan a worthwhile project for your group.
Celebrate Your Impact
Host a party to complete the group project and celebrate your accomplishment.
Schedule A Tour
Visit the shelter for a tour to learn more about how to support the well-being of our shelter residents and community animals.
Mission Moment
Happy Tails
Rogan originally came to the York County SPCA as a stray with sores and a lump on one of his rear legs.
We couldn’t be more blessed to have him in our family. He does great with his sister, Korah the Pomeranian, and brother, Raziel. And Willow, the American bulldog, is still learning to play with him.
Shawna
Rogan (now Tolkien's) Adopter
Have A Question?
Foster FAQS
Want to know if welcoming a homeless pet into your home is right for you? Check out our most frequently asked questions to help you decide if this opportunity is a good choice for you and your family. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
- Completion of volunteer orientation, registration, and training.
- Have a valid, working email address.
- Ability to learn and navigate a volunteer database.
- $15 to cover the cost of a volunteer t-shirt and engraved name tag ($25 for dog walkers, as you will need to purchase a specific slip lead as well).
- Feline Enrichment
- Small Animal Enrichment
- Dog Walking
- Canine Enrichment
- Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Kennel Greeting
- Lobby Greeting
- Satellites
- Adoption Application Processing and Meet Scheduling
- Event Assistance
No prior experience is necessary, but it is helpful. Our shelter provides training to ensure volunteers know how to handle and care for the animals safely.
While we do not have a minimum number of hours that are required, we do recommend volunteering at least 2-3 times a month to be sure you are up to date on new policies and procedures.
It varies by role, but most volunteer activities are available Sunday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Our satellite volunteers assist our cats at Petco and PetSmart, usually with a set weekly shift, either in the morning or evening.
If you can no longer attend a shift, you will be taught how to remove yourself from the schedule on our volunteer database.
- Blue volunteer t-shirt and engraved name tag, provided by the YCSPCA.
- Closed-toe shoes, preferably non-slip for safety.
- Depending on the role, you may want to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid scratches, as well as warming layers in the cooler months if you are volunteering outside.
Currently, we do not have the capacity to host large group projects at the YCSPCA. We recommend utilizing our Project Ideas list for projects that can be completed and then donated to the shelter, or considering hosting an event for us, using these guidelines.
Yes, most volunteer opportunities do require mobility to get around the shelter, or satellite locations, whether you are sitting, standing, walking from place to place, reaching, grasping with your fingers, walking dogs, etc. Reasonable accommodation can be made, if possible.
Our shelter houses a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, and small animals, so exposure to dander, fur, and hay is common. If you have allergies, we recommend volunteering in an area where you will not be exposed to the allergen.
Training varies from role to role, but for most opportunities, it takes anywhere from one to three hours to complete. If you are interested in dog walking, the training requires training on three consecutive weekend days, for three hours per session.
Yes, or you can do both! Fostering is available for dogs, cats, and small animals, as available. If you are interested in learning more about fostering, please visit (link?).