Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are constantly changing as we grow and develop new programs; but what doesn't change is your impact.
I would like to volunteer
Get Social
What Can I Do To Help?
Animal adoptions
Are you an excellent matchmaker?

Love helping people find their perfect match? We would love to hear from you! We need someone who has a lot of prior experience with animals, and people to volunteer!
Cat Care and Socialization
Are you a Cat Lover?

Love Cats? We would love to hear from you! We need someone who has a lot of prior experience handling cats to volunteer!
Dog Handler
Are you a Dog Lover?

Patience is perhaps the most important quality for someone who wants to work with dogs. We need someone who is familiar with large dog breeds and has some experience handling them on walks and excursions.
Fostering a Dog
Are you an expert at giving love and attention to animals?

Our foster carers provide much-needed temporary homes for animals who require extra love and support before becoming available for adoption.
This can include animals such as orphaned kittens, nursing mothers, recovering surgery patients, and pets who need help correcting their behavior.
Community Programs
Awareness is step one.

All hands on deck! Help behind-the-scenes at various Community programs to raise awareness of our various programs and fundraisers.
Nursery Care
Do you love kittens but can't take them home?

The Nursery Care Team is a dedicated group of volunteers who will care for neonatal kittens in the shelter. As a Nursery Care member, you will be in a contact group that will be alerted when these kittens come in so you can help care for them in the shelter. You will be able to help care for the most critical animals in the shelter before they go to foster. We depend on you to help us save them. As a Nursery Care member you will help provide the following care:
- Kitten(s) must be fed and pottied every 2-4 hours.
- You will monitor them throughout the day for any health concerns.
- Help keep them safe and warm before they are transitioned into a foster home.
Medical Cat/Kitten Socialization
This group of volunteers will be responsible for handling and socializing of cats recovering in our medical department, and feral kittens ranging from 1-2.5 months. For feral kittens, this would include catching, burrito wrapping and carrying them until they are more handleable, feeding them during this time.
Rabbit Socialization Volunteer
This group of volunteers will be responsible for handling and socializing of rabbits and providing daily exercise and enrichment.
Mission Statement
The mission of Manatee County Animal Welfare is to maintain public safety and health through the enforcement of laws and ordinances related to animals, promote responsible pet ownership, promote adoptions and reduce pet overpopulation.