Volunteer with us

Our Volunteer Program helps us greatly, by taking care of the cats in our PetSmart display as well as helping us set up/tear down at adoption events. This is a great way to give back to the community! We hope you consider joining our team of Volunteers!

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOLUNTEER?

We have a broad range of Volunteers within our community. We’re looking for people who…

  • Are 18 years or older

  • Ideally have previous cat care experience

  • Are observant, reliable, and communicative

  • Are able to respond to communication from FHAR quickly

TYPES OF VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES:

Habitat Cleaning and Socializing: The cats that are in our PetSmart display are there for about two weeks at a time. They need daily care, including changing out their water, food, cleaning litter, and making sure their living space is clean and comfortable. Aside from those basic needs, though, our cats benefit from human interaction and love. We ask that our volunteers not only do the cleaning of the cages for the cats, but also provide needed socialization time for our cats. Being in the displays really helps cats gain exposure, but it is a change from their normal foster home environment and can be stressful. Having extra TLC helps! There are five kennels in the display, so cleaning takes anywhere from 20-45 minutes. A small time commitment for a huge reward!

Adoption Event Staff: We host adoption events at the PetSmart in Martinsburg about twice monthly. We sometimes need help setting up tables, getting the cats situated in their kennels, and getting everything ready before visitors come to visit the cats. This job requires coming prior to the start of the event and helping to set up. In addition, we have opportunities to help us tear down the tables and clean up after the event has concluded.

READY TO VOLUNTEER?

Step 1. Complete our application by following this link or completing the application below. This form provides us with basic information about you, your interests, and your experience caring for cats. We try to review volunteer applications within a few business days of receiving them.

Step 2. Connect with our Volunteer Program for a Consultation. Once we receive your application, someone from our team will reach out to you to schedule a time to talk. Our team then reviews your application and information from your consultation call to come to a decision about your application.

Step 3. Receive status of your application. If your application is approved, you will be welcomed and onboarded onto our volunteer team! We will send you all the information you need to get started and train you in person so you feel comfortable with your new role.

Step 4. Sign up for your times to help! Now that you’re officially a Freedom Hearts Animal Rescue (FHAR) Volunteer, we’re onboard you into our volunteer team and give you the opportunity to sign up for dates to help that work with your schedule. We are so thankful for you dedicating your time, home, and talent to save vulnerable cats in our area! We look forward to working with you.

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Team.