Needs From: United Way Volunteer Connect

Cleaning Support Volunteer
Reports to: Kennel Staff II or Training Staff

As a Cleaning Support Volunteer, you’ll work alongside the kennel team to maintain clean, safe, and sanitary conditions throughout the shelter. A well-maintained environment helps reduce illness, keeps pets comfortable, and ensures animals are presented in their best light to potential adopters.

Location: Mobile County Animal Shelter 7665 Howells Ferry Rd
Time Commitment:

Shifts are approximately 3 hours long

Weekdays: Between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Weekends: Between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Shifts are flexible - coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator or training kennel staff.

Assist with routine cleaning and sanitation tasks

Help maintain a healthy and presentable shelter environment

Check in with staff at the beginning of each shift for assigned tasks

Sanitize surfaces and areas within the adoption center following established protocols

Clean food/water dishes, perform laundry, and assist in feeding areas

Mark off completed tasks and communicate notes or needs to staff

Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety and cleaning protocols

Able to lift between 10–40 pounds

Comfortable walking, bending, stooping, and standing for extended periods

Friendly and respectful when interacting with staff, visitors, and other volunteers

Committed to supporting the shelter’s mission and policies

Must be at least 18 years old with adult signed waiver 

We are having an all-out adoption event here at the shelter October 11th, come volunteer to help customers find their new best friend, walk dogs, play with puppies. 

Arrival is 8am and pack up is 2pm or when the last customer leaves. 

If you want to work directly with the dogs or cats start here :) 

This is a recorded orientation you can complete from home. After watching the video, please answer the three questions below and email your responses to me at Tammy.reese@mobilecountyal.gov 

How many Animal Control Officers do we have?

What device do we sometimes use to move feral or scared cats?

What is the name of the brown dog (far right) on the “No Photo Zone” slides?

Once I receive your answers, I’ll send you the link to view and then you can sign up for available volunteer shifts that interact directly with animals.

For your first day at the shelter, bring a valid photo ID. You’ll receive your Volunteer Handbook, sign a waiver, and complete a quick 40-minute training at the start of your shift.

Thanks so much for supporting the animals—we’re excited to have you on board!

Volunteer Orientation Video

This Fall Festival, find more than just pumpkins—meet adoptable pets ready to jump into your heart and home! Come for the fun, stay for the cuddles. October 19, 2025 | 12 PM – 6 PM Mary G. Montgomery High School

Preparation will be at the shelter at 10am and we will return and put dogs back in kennels and feed by 7pm

Come paw-ty with us at Woofstock!

Join us Saturday, October 18th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.for a tail-waggin' good time!

We will meet at the shelter by 10am to start walking and loading up and return and put dogs back in kennels and feed by 5pm
 

Help Behind the Scenes – Volunteer Shelter Helper Needed!
Not every hero wears a cape — some carry laundry baskets and dish soap!
At Mobile County Animal Shelter, keeping things clean and organized is essential for the health and comfort of our animals. We’re looking for dependable volunteers to help keep our shelter running smoothly.

What’s a Shelter Helper?
Stop by anytime you have 2 hours to spare, just say you're here to be a shelter helper! Shelter Helpers are the backbone of our daily operations. By tackling tasks like laundry, dishes, and general tidying, you free up staff to focus on animal care — and you make the shelter a cleaner, more comfortable place for our furry friends.

What You’ll Do:

Wash and dry animal bedding, fold and organizing towels, and blankets

Wash and sanitize food/water bowls and toys

Sweep, mop, and tidy common areas as needed

Restock supplies and keep workspaces organized

Pitch in wherever a helping hand is needed

Qualifications:

Comfortable working around dogs and cats but not necessarily with them (if you don't want to)

Willing to get a little messy (laundry and dishes can be a splash zone!)

Able to lift light to moderate loads of laundry and supplies

Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently or with a team

Flexible with tasks — needs can change daily

Why It Matters:
Clean bedding, fresh bowls, and tidy spaces help our animals stay healthy, happy, and ready to meet their forever families. Every load of laundry or washed dish is a step toward adoption day!

Join Us Today!
Mobile County Animal Shelter

Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm and Weekends 7am to 2pm
Helping hands make happy paws!

Become an Adoption Advocate – Change a Dog’s Life from Anywhere!
Mobile County Animal Shelter is looking for dedicated volunteers to help our dogs find loving homes — using your spare time, media skills, and passion!

What’s an Adoption Advocate?
As an Adoption Advocate, you’ll select one dog — or a small handful — to champion. You’ll visit the shelter to meet them, learn their personality, and gather photos or videos. Then, from home or on the go, you’ll create engaging posts, write heartfelt bios, and share their story across socials, community groups, and other online platforms to connect them with potential adopters.

What You’ll Do:

Visit the shelter to meet and photograph your chosen dog(s)

Write engaging bios that capture their personality

Promote them on socials, community pages, and adoption groups

Share updates to keep interest alive until they’re adopted

Stay informed on daily adoptions by keeping up with our Facebook and Adoptable page

Qualifications:

Must be comfortable and active on socials

Able to regularly check the shelter’s Facebook and Adoptable page to stay up-to-date

Good writing and communication skills

Passion for helping dogs and sharing their stories

Self-motivated and able to work independently in your spare time

Why It Matters:
Your posts could be the reason someone falls in love with a dog they’ve never met — turning a kennel stay into a forever home. Help tails wag and hearts connect

Join Us Today!

Contact Tammy Reese at tammy.reese@mobilecountyal.gov

Be an Advocate for the Animals – Even Without Volunteering at the Shelter!

Even if you don’t have much time to spend at the shelter, you can still make a big difference in the lives of the animals here. Every small action adds up, and there are many ways to support our mission from wherever you are:

Help Spread the Word: Stop by the shelter to pick up flyers and materials to distribute in your neighborhood, workplace, or at local businesses. Just a few minutes of your time can help us reach new potential volunteers and fosters.

Share on Social Media: Follow us online and share our posts about adoptable animals, events, and volunteer opportunities. A simple share can connect a pet with their forever home!

Attend and Promote Events: Join us at community events or help promote them by inviting friends, sharing event info, or posting flyers in local hot spots. 

Be a Voice in the Community: Talk to friends, coworkers, or local groups about our Volunteer and Foster programs. Word of mouth is powerful!

No Orientation required, counts for volunteer hours!

Help Tell Their Story – Volunteer Dog Bio Writer Needed! **Be sure to have done Orientation**
At Mobile County Animal Shelter, every dog has a story — and we need caring, creative volunteers to help tell it!

What’s a Dog Bio Writer?
As a Bio Writer, you’ll visit the shelter, meet our adoptable dogs, and get to know their personalities. From silly quirks to heartwarming habits, you’ll turn your observations into engaging bios that showcase each dog’s unique charm and help potential adopters fall in love and get to know them.

What You’ll Do:

Visit the shelter regularly to meet and interact with dogs in adoption

Learn about each dog’s personality, likes, and needs

Take or gather photos that match your bio

Write clear, engaging, and accurate bios for our website, Facebook, and Adoptables 

Update bios when needed (e.g., new skills learned, behavior changes, or milestones)

Qualifications:

Comfortable interacting with dogs of all sizes and energy levels **Will do Dog walker training**

Good writing and storytelling skills

Reliable and detail-oriented

Willing to commit to complete bios promptly

Able to work independently and follow guidelines for accuracy and tone

Why It Matters:
A well-written bio can be the difference between a dog being overlooked and a dog finding a forever family. Your words can open hearts and change lives.

Join Us Today!
Mobile County Animal Shelter

Because the right words can lead to the right home.