Caring for all the animals at NEAS is very rewarding, but it is also a lot of work. To help you decide if one of our volunteer programs is right for you, please review our Volunteer Information Packet before contacting our Volunteer Coordinator to receive an application.

If you are under 16 years old, download our Ways You Can Help flyer.

Here are some of the areas where we always need help:

• Walking dogs/socializing cats
• Greeting our guests
• Answering phones
• Assisting our adoption counselors
• Monitoring our animal rooms
• Assisting kennel staff with cleaning cages/handling animals/grooming
• Assisting office staff with filing or stocking shelves
• Overall support with laundry/cleaning
• Special events such as Shelter info tables at adoption promotions
• School/nursing home visitation
• Foster care for special needs animals
• Transporting animals from the airport or veterinarian
• Helping transport animals: are you or someone you know flying from San Juan, PR to Boston? If you'd like to help us find willing passengers to help transport, please contact Marianna Massa at 978-745-9888 ext 307 or email marianna.m@neas.org.

Foster Pets in Need

February 2012 Update: NEAS is in dire need of qualified foster homes for dogs, cats, kitten, and puppies. Some may be pregnant, nursing, or in need of medical care, socializing, or temporary care after surgery. Review our Foster Care Q & A or complete a foster care application today!

Community Outreach

Help spread the word about our shelter throughout your community! This is a great program for folks who don't have much time to spare, but still want to be involved. Every month we receive lots of requests to set up information tables about our shelter at local pet supply stores, community events, service fairs, etc. Community Outreach Volunteers are responsible for representing NEAS as "Shelter Ambassadors" and are only asked to commit to one event per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I become a volunteer?

A: The first step is to complete a Volunteer Application and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator via mail, fax, or by dropping it off at NEAS; you will receive a confirmation email from us within two weeks. If we are accepting new volunteers and your application matches available positions, you will be invited to attend an Orientation meeting to learn what it is like to be part of our team, followed by a brief interview. Accepted applicants will then be invited back to attend a training session after which they can begin their regular volunteering schedule.

Q: What do volunteers do at Northeast Animal Shelter?

A: Most of our volunteers work in the Kennel and/or Reception. Other volunteer positions include Humane Educator, Senior Visitation, Community Outreach, and Foster Care (separate application). We also have Special Project volunteers who help in a variety of creative ways. Please read the Volunteer Job Descriptions in our Volunteer Information Packet.

Q: How much of a commitment will I be required to make?

A: Most Volunteers are asked to commit to 4-6 months of service, depending on their program. Shifts are typically 3-4 hours long and are available every day of the week. Some programs offer more flexibility than others, while some are only available at certain times throughout the week. Please read the Volunteer Job Descriptions in our Volunteer Information Packet for each program's specific requirements.

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer?

A: Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer at our shelter, even with parental supervision. Younger folks are encouraged to get involved in community outreach as Shelter Ambassadors; please have your parent or guardian call the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

Q: I have a community service project due; can I fulfill my requirement at NEAS?

A: Most community service projects are too short-termed to be fulfilled at our shelter (for example, Kennel Volunteers must be able to make a minimum six-month commitment), but outside projects, like organizing donation drives for items on our wish list, are often a perfect fit for projects that only require a few hours. Our Volunteer Coordinator can help you come up with a plan that will work for everyone.

Q: Can I come in just to play with the puppies and kittens?

A: Taking care of all our animals is a LOT of work, and socializing them is one small part of a big job. We need to provide for their physical well-being first, and that means cleaning up after them and making sure all our adult dogs have been walked before we have time to play with any of the animals. We hope that volunteers will be able to spend some of their time socializing during each shift, but due to the large number of animals we are often responsible for, that is not always the case.

Q: My schedule is unpredictable and I can't guarantee availability. Can I still volunteer?

A: A volunteer's options will be limited by their availability. Some positions (such as Kennel and Reception volunteers) require a structured commitment, whereas others (like Special Projects) are much more flexible. Whatever your availability might be, there is a volunteer program to fit your schedule and interests; please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your options.