Want to give back or get involved but maybe your schedule changes, or you're someone who likes to try things out before fully committing? Maybe you're someone who travels a lot and are still looking for a way to give back when you're in town. If any of these sound familiar - then Shelter Buddies is the program for you! Shelter Buddies - the way to give back for "people in a hurry." To sign-up and get started as a Shelter Buddy, stop by the shelter during business hours and a clerk will get you setup. You can start the same day you sign-up!
Common Tasks
- Dishes
- Laundry
- Scooping Yards
- Cleaning Cages
- Sweeping/Mopping
- Cleaning Windows
- Walking Dogs (As Resources/Availability Allow)
- Helping with Dog Play Groups (As Resources/Availability Allow)
- Dog Field Trips
Shelter Buddy FAQs
The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center's Shelter Buddies program is designed for people who want to help when they can. This is a drop-in service opportunity for people who want to help out at the shelter, on their time.
Shelter Buddies must be at least 18 years old. A valid ID/ driver's license must be presented at the time of onboarding.
Shelter Buddies will provide crucial shelter support! Examples include:
- Sorting/Organizing Donations
- Cleaning Kennels
- Walking Dogs
- Assisting with Playgroups
- Updating Bulletin Boards
- Collecting Laundry
- Cleaning
- Other Tasks as Assigned
Shelter Buddies can help any day the shelter is open, during normal business hours: Noon-5 p.m.
We recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty and closetoed shoes, for your safety.
The biggest thing is time - the process to become a Shelter Buddy is streamlined, so you can start working the same day you sign up! The Shelter Buddies program is exclusive to the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center; therefore, hours served as a Shelter Buddy have no bearing on other city volunteer hours served.
Yes, Shelter Buddies will be required to check in and out for their shifts. These hours will be tracked by the shelter. A shelter staff member can sign paperwork verifying hours served.
Stop by the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center during business hours and let the front desk clerk know you' re there to help as a Shelter Buddy!