Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of Domestic Animal Services, contributing more than 2,500 hours each month to support animals and the community. Their dedication ensures animals receive compassionate care and increases opportunities for positive outcomes.

Each year, volunteers contribute time assisting with animal care and socialization, fostering pets in their homes, supporting daily shelter operations, advocating for animals, and educating the community. Whether spending time with animals or supporting behind-the-scenes efforts, every role has a meaningful impact.

Volunteer opportunities are available to individuals 18 years of age or older and include a background screening as part of the onboarding process. Volunteer service hours do not qualify for court-ordered community service. Individuals with a history of animal cruelty or neglect, or offenses involving physical violence, are not eligible to volunteer.

Volunteers have a variety of ways to make a difference at Domestic Animal Services. Opportunities include socializing animals, walking and handling dogs, assisting with customer service, transporting animals, representing DAS at community events, providing office support, and helping with the foster program.

Almost any skill or talent can be put to use to help animals and support our mission. Whether you love spending time with pets, engaging with the community, or assisting behind the scenes, there’s a volunteer role that can match your interests and make a real impact.

Prospective volunteers begin by completing an online application, which reserves a spot for an upcoming orientation date. The New Volunteer Orientation introduces Collier County Domestic Animal Services’ role in the community, includes classroom presentations on dog and cat handling, and highlights the variety of volunteer opportunities available.

After completing the general orientation and classroom sessions, participants are invited onsite for a facility tour and hands-on training in the area where they wish to volunteer.

Once all training is complete, volunteers may process the $10 volunteer shirt fee, officially becoming a DAS volunteer and ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals.

For your convenience, the DAS Volunteer Handbook(PDF, 266KB) and Volunteer Agreement Acknowledgment(PDF, 146KB) are available online.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Collier County Domestic Animal Services volunteer team! Volunteers play a vital role in providing support for the animals and helping fulfill our mission to serve the Collier County community and its pets.

Before you get started:

1. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.
2. If no orientation dates are currently available or selected on your form, your form will not be submitted.
3. You must receive a confirmation email before attending orientation.

Click here to complete the Volunteer Application

If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer, please email:  Volunteers@collier.gov We look forward to welcoming you to the DAS volunteer team!