Adult Volunteers

Your Digital Cheetah Account is the place to sign up for volunteer shifts, log or print a report of your hours, view volunteer resources, complete training checklists, and update your profile.

General Requirements:

• At least 18 years of age.  Volunteers under 18, see the Youth Volunteer Program.
• As a Shelter Volunteer, we ask that you commit to at least 8 hours per month. This requirement does not apply to Special Events Volunteers.
  • Salem Only – Dog walkers are required to commit to one recurring weekly shift.
• Active volunteers must have an email address that is checked regularly, and have access to the internet, as important communications are sent via email.  
• Most volunteer positions work directly with the public, staff, and other volunteers. For this reason, it is important that our volunteers are able to communicate clearly, professionally, and politely. Volunteers must also be able to read and understand instructions and procedures.  

All volunteers should be able to: 

• Work independently with minimal supervision after completing training. 
• Acknowledge personal limits and ask for guidance when unsure or in unfamiliar situations. 
• Accept and apply constructive feedback in a positive, growth-oriented manner. 
• Understand and respect the distinct roles of volunteers and staff members. 
• Maintain a positive, solution-focused mindset, especially in challenging or emotionally demanding situations.

For those volunteering with animals specifically:

• Identify and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous situations. 
• Stay calm and composed around anxious, overstimulated or reactive animals. 
• Interact with animals using patience, confidence, and positive reinforcement techniques. 
• Work comfortably in environments that may be loud, fast-paced, or unpredictable. 
• Multitask and react quickly to prevent escapes and safely retrieve animals if needed. 
• Bend, squat, or kneel to leash, harness, or occasionally lift animals when necessary. 
• Stand for extended periods while walking dogs, socializing cats and small animals, or cleaning enclosures. 
• Visually and audibly interpret animal body language and behavior. 

If you do not meet the above requirements, please email us at [email protected] or [email protected] for other ways to get involved at OHS or to discuss reasonable accommodation options.  

If you are unable to volunteer in person, we have many ways to help from home!

Please click on one of the Volunteer Application Links Above. 

• After you complete one of the following applications, complete the volunteer onboarding checklist on your Digital Cheetah homepage. This will include completing a background check, reviewing required documentation, and registering for a New Volunteer Orientation. Email us at [email protected] or [email protected] with questions.

Court-Mandated Service: This program cannot be used to fulfil court-mandated hours.

Students: We cannot accommodate students who are required to fulfill short-term community service hours, unless the student is volunteering as a Special Events Volunteer at a signature OHS event. See the Events page for details.

Short-term Volunteers: We do not accept short-term shelter volunteers due to extensive training requirements, except for our Special Events Volunteers.

Portland opportunities include (but are not limited to):

• In shelter animal care 
• Dog Walking 
• Cattery Assistant  
• Small Animal Care 
• Administrative Assistance and Data Entry
• Customer Care, Retail Store, and Food Bank help 
• Assist with Youth Volunteer and Education Programs 
• Special Events Volunteering
• Adoption Volunteers (both on-site and at off-site adoption events) 
• Technical/emergency animal rescue
• Assisting at one of our two medical centers 
• Grounds maintenance and facilities help 

Salem opportunities include (but are not limited to):

• In shelter Animal Care
• Dog Walking – weekly shift REQUIRED
• Cat Cleaning Assistant
• Animal Enrichment
• Administrative Assistance and Data Entry
• Customer Care
• Assist with Education Programs
• Special Events Volunteering
• Grounds Maintenance and Facilities help
• Spay and Neuter Clinic Reception and Assistant

*Please note that not every volunteer position is available for drop-in and may require commitment to scheduled shifts.

Partner Pair program

Adults in need of a support person or guardian may also apply as part of our Partner Pair Program. Each individual needs to fill out an application, attend orientation, and complete all the trainings, whether you are the individual or the support person. If you do not share a last name or address, please message us.