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Thank you for your interest in volunteering at our Berks County campus. We are now accepting volunteer applications for the following opportunities:

  • Cat Care
  • Dog Care (Feeding & Cleaning)
  • Dog Enrichment (Playing & Walking)
  • Front Desk Volunteer
  • Transporting Animals
  • Greeter
  • Rescue Readers
  • Administrative Support
  • Data Entry/Computer Work

Shifts are typically seven days a week from 9 AM – 12 PM, 12 PM – 3 PM, and 3 PM – 5 PM.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • You must commit to serve at least three shifts, or nine hours, per month.
  • Must be over the age of 18 to volunteer unaccompanied (Teens between the ages of 14 and 17, must volunteer under the supervision of a parent/guardian at all times. Looking for opportunities for kids 13 and under? Visit our Kid Volunteers page!)
  • Access to email since all volunteer communication is done via email.
  • Ability to complete online training courses.
  • Reliable transportation to and from the Berks adoption center.

Volunteers 18 and Older:

Volunteer applications are typically reviewed within one week of applying.

  1. Online application – We recruit new volunteers throughout the year, on an as needed basis.
      • If you are over the age of 18, apply HERE!*
      • Be sure to remember your login information – you will use this continuously while volunteering to sign up for shifts and log hours.
  2. Sign the digital Volunteer Handbook on MyImpact
  3. Online Learning – Complete your online learning modules from home via MyImpact and then schedule your initial training session.
  4. In-person training – new volunteers complete an initial in-person training, provided by one of our HPA Staff or Veteran Volunteers.

*This application is not to be used for court-ordered community service. Please apply using the application on our Community Service page.

Volunteers Ages 14-17:

Minor volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 may volunteer only with the presence of a parent or legal guardian (other family or friends will not be permitted as a chaperone).

The parent or legal guardian will also need to complete an application and be approved before the minor volunteer can begin. Please see above for the 18 and older application.

State of PA High School Community Service Hours:

If you are looking to complete your mandated PA high school service requirements for graduation, you will need to commit to volunteering for at least 20 hours regardless of what your school requirement is. We are not able to do quick turnaround community service at this time. Hours will be signed off by the volunteer coordinator after the completion of all 20 hours.

Minor volunteers will be given the same responsibilities as adult volunteers and will be expected to adhere to the same standards and guidelines. Humane Pennsylvania reserves the right to dismiss a volunteer if they feel they are not meeting the expectations outlined within the volunteer handbook.

All-Ages Rescue Readers:

Our Rescue Readers program welcomes volunteers of all ages. This program is the only opportunity offered within the shelter for volunteers who are 13 years old or younger. Visit our Rescue Readers page for more information and to apply!