Volunteer Onboarding Process
To join our volunteer program, you must be at least 16 years old and go through our Volunteer Onboarding Process, which includes both online and in-person trainings. As such, you will need to have access to an internet-capable computer, an active email account and reliable transportation to the shelter to complete our Volunteer Onboarding Process.
Anyone, aged 16 years or older, can access the Volunteer Handbook and Volunteer Application during one of our Enrollment Periods. Please note that your application must be submitted during one of the available Enrollment Periods in order to be eligible for consideration. The details of Enrollment Periods are posted at the bottom of this page.
Applications are available online and can be accessed through the link at the bottom of this page. The county will screen all applications and, if selected, you will be contacted by the Community Outreach Coordinator with information on next steps.
Please note, your eligibility to join our volunteer program is determined by careful consideration of your application and current shelter needs. Starting/completing the Volunteer Onboarding Process does not guarantee your acceptance into our volunteer program.
Handbook, Application, Screening, Training and Orientation
- The first steps to joining our volunteer program are to read the Volunteer Handbook and complete the corresponding quiz (linked below) during an open Enrollment Period. When you finish the quiz with a passing score of 80% or higher, a window will pop up with a code and a link to the Volunteer Application.
- Submit your online LC4 Volunteer Program Application.
- Please note that Lucas County will complete a thorough screening process for all volunteer applications, including background checks. Lucas County appreciates your patience, as our screening process may take some time.
- Once you have been accepted as a volunteer, you must complete harassment, discrimination, and retaliation training provided by the Lucas County via email, followed by the trainings listed here.
- Complete the online Maddie's Fund Canine Body Language in the Shelter Webinar. Certificate to be forwarded to the Community Outreach Coordinator.
- Complete the online Fear Free Shelter Program Core Module. Certificate to be forwarded to the Community Outreach Coordinator.
- Complete the online Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Leash Reactive Dog Course. Certificate to be forwarded to the Community Outreach Coordinator.
- Watch the online ASPCA Canine Communication Series and complete the quizzes. Certificate to be forwarded to the Community Outreach Coordinator.
- Once all required training modules are successfully completed and certificates or screenshots indicating completion have been sent to the Community Outreach Coordinator, volunteers attend in-person New Volunteer Orientation.
- All volunteers must agree and sign to the terms and conditions set forth in the LC4 Volunteer Program Code of Conduct.
- Complete your in-person Dog Walking Training Session.
- Once you've completed the onboarding process, the Community Outreach Coordinator will contact you with guidance and next steps to schedule your first volunteer opportunity.
Next Enrollment Period |
Details |
Fall New Volunteer Enrollment |
Enrollment Period is now open!
October 25, 2024 through November 22, 2024 |
2025 Winter Enrollment |
TBA |
Ready to begin? Click here to review the Handbook and get a code to start your application!