Skills-based volunteering is a great way for you to donate your time, energy and talent in a meaningful way, while you develop your skills, and enhance your resume.

How to Become a Skills-Based Volunteer

  • Review the volunteer opportunities below and apply for a position.
  • The Events & Interim Volunteer Coordinator will review your information and contact you if there is a position that fits your skills and interest.
  • Qualified applicants selected for a program will be trained on Humane Pennsylvania policies and procedures by our professional staff!

Lawn Care and Landscaping Opportunities

We have need for lawn care professionals at our Berks County and Lancaster County campuses, as well as the Danielle Ruiz-Murphy Dog Park in Birdsboro.

Professional Groomers and Bathers

Professional Groomers assist with grooming adoptable animals at the shelter. Volunteer groomers must be have professional grooming experience with bathing, cleaning ears, trimming nails and cutting/working with a variety of coats. Volunteers use own grooming equipment. Professional Bathers assist with bathing dogs at the shelter. Volunteer bathers must be have professional experience with bathing and cleaning ears.

Do you have skills in pet grooming and bathing? We are always looking for volunteers to pamper our pets and help them look their best before finding their forever family! If you are interested in applying, please contact Events & Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Koch, at nkoch@humanepa.org.

Professional Photographers and/or Videographers

Shelter Animal/Event Photographers and Videographers conduct weekly photo and/or video shoots for adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals to be used as promotional photos on the animals’ online profiles. Volunteers will also be asked to serve as event photographers/videographers to cover various fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteers must submit a professional portfolio, including samples of companion animal photography/videography, to be reviewed for quality and brand fit. Professional animal photography/videography experience is preferred, but not required.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Events & Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Koch, at nkoch@humanepa.org.

Administrative Professionals

Professional Administrative Assistants help various departments with database management, donor relations and various clerical tasks. Volunteers must have office experience and be computer and database savvy. Opportunities are available Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM, on an as-needed basis.

Please note, most administrative opportunities will occur at our Business Offices, located at 1801 N. 11th St., Reading, PA 19604.

Special Accommodation Volunteers and Groups

Humane Pennsylvania takes pride in working to meet the needs of volunteers who require special accommodations.  Volunteers/caregivers will work with a department manager to assess their skill-level and needs.

Berks County Application Process

  • If you are over the age of 18, apply HERE!
  • If you are between the ages of 14 and 17, opportunities are coming soon.
  • If you are interested in volunteering for the all-ages Rescue Readers program, apply HERE!

Lancaster County Application Process

  • If you are over the age of 18, apply HERE!
  • If you are between the ages of 14 and 17, opportunities are coming soon.
  • If you are interested in volunteering for the all-ages Rescue Readers program, apply HERE!

If you are interested in applying, please contact Nicole Koch, Events & Volunteer Coordinator, at nkoch@humanepa.org to be placed on a waitlist for special accommodation volunteer groups.. Please note, parents will need to sign waivers for all children under the age of 17.