Denver Animal Shelter volunteer orientation — March
Two-hour Saturday orientation to start volunteering at Denver's city animal shelter. Required first step for all new volunteers.
Why we picked this
This is your entry point — a two-hour Saturday morning orientation that covers shelter operations and gets you into the rotation for weekly shifts with dogs, cats, and the occasional rabbit.
Denver Animal Shelter runs monthly volunteer orientations on Saturday mornings, and the March session lands on the 14th. The two-hour session walks you through shelter operations, safety protocols, and the different roles available. After orientation you’ll do a brief interview and then sign up for role-specific training — the whole onboarding process takes about two to three weeks before you start regular shifts.
Most roles involve direct animal care: walking dogs, socializing cats, cleaning kennels, and supporting the front desk. You’ll commit to a minimum of two hours per week, same day and time, for at least six months. If you’re 16 or 17 you can volunteer independently; ages 8-15 need a parent or guardian (though that program is currently at capacity — check back monthly).
Applications open two weeks before each orientation date. Head to the signup link, fill out the application, and select the March 14 date. Future orientations run April 11, May 9, June 13, and monthly through November if March doesn’t work.