Are you looking for a way to use your time and talents to help animals live a better life?

Do you want to become part of a vibrant organization that is committed to doing the right things for animals, regardless of the cost or challenge? If so, then you are our type of person.

Please contact us for more information and to get on the schedule to attend the next volunteer orientation.

2013 Volunteer Orientations

Wednesday, April 24, 6 pm
Saturday, June 1, 10 am
Tuesday, July 9, 6 pm
Sunday, August 11, 1 pm
Thursday, September 19, 6 pm
Saturday, October 19, 10 am
Wednesday, November 13, 6 pm
Wednesday. December 11, 6 pm

All volunteer orientations are held at the Valerie Friedman Program Center, 34C Sanrico Drive, in Manchester.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Sanctuary Volunteers
7 days a week 7 am to 9 pm
__DOGS Animal Care- Daytime and Evening Shifts available – activities can include taking dogs for walks, brushing, cuddling, socialization, hanging out.
__CATS Animal Care – Daytime and Evening Shifts available – sit with the kitties and give them love and attention, evening shift includes feeding dinner.
Animal care volunteers will be required to attend an orientation specific to this work and commit to a shift of their choosing.

Animal Helpline Pet Advocates
The animal assistance Helpline is one of our busiest programs and we need more volunteers! We are still feeling a ramp in assistance calls due to the current economic climate and need more help.  Many people are looking to find new homes for pets they can no longer afford. We also receive calls for behavioral assistance, low-cost spay and neuter, feral cat assistance, and even for the placement of small animals.  We also anticipate a huge increase in volume when the Rescue Cottage opens and wants to be prepared beforehand.  Our Companions is seeking Pet Advocates to join our Helpline team.  Pet advocates provide telephone counseling, resources to clients, and handle the rescue and adoption of homeless pets.  Calls are distributed via e-mail, so daily e-mail access is a requirement.  Minimum time commitment is approximately 5 hours per week.  A training program is required for this opportunity.

Dog Training - Canine College Program 
Interested in dog behavior and training?  Our Canine College program provides a structured training curriculum for individuals who are interested in becoming a professional dog trainer.  Those who have past training experience or first- hand experience with the training of their dog is a plus.  We will help you develop the necessary skills, and provide application of your skills, by serving pets in need through our private and group dog training classes.  Volunteers may specialize in various aspects of training which include, group classes, private training sessions, evaluations, training buddies, dog/dog introduction and socialization, dog promotion, and adoption follow-up.  A program orientation and ongoing training is required.  A detailed listing of the time commitment involved for this opportunity will be reviewed with you prior to volunteering.

Poster Campaign Coordinators
Individuals needed throughout Connecticut to work from their home coordinating the distribution of life-saving posters to area civic organizations, local shopping centers and veterinary offices.  Must have own transportation, access to e-mail, and the ability to print and distribute color flyers.  You will work with other individuals to ensure your community receives timely, updated fliers detailing pets in need.  Must be willing to keep records of what locations you’ve posted fliers at and when.  Save animals’ lives while running your weekly errands!  We are also looking for people with graphic design experience to create new pet posters.

Graphic Artists, Photographers, Videographers
We always need talented people to help with our website, magazine, and other public outreach projects. You can help us promote adoptable animals, create our promotional materials and direct your creative talents to help animals.

Special Events 
Volunteers are needed to set up tables on behalf of Our Companions at local events.  We are looking for people who enjoy interacting with the public and have excellent communication skills to spread the word about Our Companions and animal welfare issues.  A training class and all of the materials you will need are provided.  This is a great opportunity to sign up for events that are already scheduled, or feel free to attend events in your own part of the state! 

Mascots
Aspiring actor? Always wanted to be one of those costumed characters you saw at Disney World? We have some wonderful mascot costumes, and need a couple of flamboyant volunteers to wear them at events!

Feral Cat Food Drives
Our Sterile Feral program provides food to caretakers who have successfully trap-neutered-returned their feral cats.  We need volunteers to host food drives and donate the food so that it can be distributed to our Sterile Feral clients. Hosting a feral cat food drive is perfect for a school project, office promotion and for civic groups.

Feral Cat Shelter Building
Our Sterile Feral program provides shelters to caretakers who have successfully trap-neutered-returned their feral cats.  We need volunteers to build and donate shelters for the cold weather months.  This is an excellent school or youth group project. 

Just for Kids
While Our Companions is in the process of building an animal sanctuary and pet resource center we have a wide variety of programs that need support. In our Volunteer Activities for Young People document you will find different ways in which you can get involved. Each step by step activity is designed for young adults or groups of young adults to get involved. Whether it is raising money for our organization’s programs or collecting food for feral cats, your efforts will go directly towards saving the lives of precious animals.