VOLUNTEER FAQS
Questions and Answers
Answers to our most frequently asked volunteer quesitons.
- What are some activities volunteers participate in at SAFE Haven?
- What are the current shifts during the week that volunteers are needed?
- How do I sign up for a particular time slot?
- What should I do if something comes up and I can't work the time I signed up for?
- Do I need to commit to a certain time each week?
1. What are some activities volunteers participate in at SAFE Haven?
Tender, Loving Care - The cats in our shelter need TLC every day. Some who are shy or frightened need extra patience, love and attention so they can eventually show themselves off beautifully to potential adopters. Volunteers pet, brush, comb, talk to, report on and play with all of the cats and kittens.
The Importance of Being Clean - We are a different kind of shelter in more ways than just being no-kill! We work hard at keeping our shelter sparkling clean so our animals are the healthiest and happiest they can be. Volunteers help scoop litter boxes, sweep out cages, wash and disinfect food dishes, wash and scrub litter boxes, sweep, vacuum and clean the floor and laundry.
Cleaning Captains – Volunteers who supervise other volunteers are captains.
Adoption Counselors – These volunteers go through training to develop the skills needed to meet with prospective adopters. They are great with people and enjoy answering questions and working to make just the right match of adopter and cat.
Special Events - Throughout the year we have many exciting and fun events. Volunteers are needed to help with events and activities like:
- Off Site Adoption Events
- Information Fairs and Festivals
- Speaking in public on behalf of SHFC
- Mouse Making Parties (One Saturday per Month)
- Holiday Gift Wrapping At Borders Bookstores (Raleigh & Cary)
- Fundraising/Marketing - Running a full-time shelter requires a lot of financial resources. This job includes visiting businesses to ask for donations or helping with special fundraising events.
2. What are the current shifts during the week that volunteers are needed?
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday Mornings
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Some of the activities that take place on these days may include:
Minor cage clean up, providing fresh water, moving cats from other areas of the shelter to the public adoption area, laundry, assisting in photographing the cats, socializing, playing, and grooming cats and kittens, cleaning cages, basically whatever needs to be done to keep the cats clean, happy and comfortable.
Emphasis is placed on getting the public adoption area and the cats in it ready for the shelter to open at 11am.
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday Afternoons
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Some of the activities that take place on these days may include:
Minor cage clean up, providing fresh water, moving cats from other areas of the shelter to the public adoption area, laundry, assisting in photographing the cats, socializing, playing, and grooming cats and kittens, cleaning cages, basically whatever needs to be done to keep the cats clean, happy and comfortable.
Thursday Evenings
7:00 – 9:00 PM
We clean every cage in the shelter and then spend time socializing with them.
Saturday
8:30 – 10:30 AM
Emphasis is placed on getting the public adoption area and the cats in it ready for the shelter to open at 11 AM.
Sundays
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Emphasis is placed on getting the public adoption area and the cats in it ready for the shelter to open.
3. How do I sign up for a particular time slot?
Sign-up sheets are located at the shelter or you can call the shelter at 872-1128 and leave a message or e-mail. You can also be on a weekly e-mail list that lets volunteers know what cats were adopted over the weekend and what time slots are available for the next two weeks.
4. What should I do if something comes up and I can't work the time I signed up for?
Just give the shelter a call at 872-1128 and leave a message or e-mail. We understand that plans can change at the last minute and the sooner you can let us know the better.
5. Do I need to commit to a certain time each week?
No. We will be happy for any time you can give us. You can sign up for whatever times are convenient for you but we ask that you try to give at least 4 hours per month.So what are you waiting for? Get started today by filling out the Volunteer Application. You will be contacted to come to the shelter for your first shift.
