Opportunities From: Saginaw County Animal Care & Control Resource Center

Volunteer: Afternoon Dog Walking

Give our dogs a chance to stretch their legs, burn off energy, and enjoy time outside during the afternoon. Afternoon Dog Walking volunteers provide potty breaks, exercise, and enrichment while helping dogs stay happy, healthy, and ready to meet potential adopters.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Give our dogs a chance to stretch their legs, burn off energy, and enjoy time outside during the afternoon. Afternoon Dog Walking volunteers provide potty breaks, exercise, and enrichment while helping dogs stay happy, healthy, and ready to meet potential adopters.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Bark in the Park

Join Saginaw County Animal Care & Control for a fun evening at Bark in the Park as we connect with our community and support the animals in our care!

We're looking for friendly volunteers to help represent SCACC at our event booth. Volunteers will greet visitors, answer general questions about the shelter and our volunteer program, distribute informational materials, and help create a welcoming experience for everyone who stops by.

If available, we may also bring a few adoptable dogs to the event. Volunteers may have the opportunity to assist staff with handling the dogs, introducing them to visitors, and helping showcase their wonderful personalities.

Volunteer Responsibilities Welcome and engage with event attendees Share information about SCACC and our programs Answer general questions about volunteering, fostering, and adoption Distribute brochures and promotional materials Assist with booth setup and cleanup If applicable, assist staff with adoptable dogs attending the event

No previous event experience is required. Staff will be available throughout the event to provide guidance and answer questions.

Important Information Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own game ticket. Tickets purchased through SCACC's fundraising link help support the shelter while allowing you to enjoy a great evening at the ballpark. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. SCACC volunteer apparel is encouraged but not required.

Whether you're volunteering at our booth or simply attending the game by purchasing your ticket through our link, your support helps make a difference for the animals at SCACC. Thank you for being part of our team!

Program: Special Events

Join Saginaw County Animal Care & Control for a fun evening at Bark in the Park as we connect with our community and support the animals in our care!

We're looking for friendly volunteers to help represent SCACC at our event booth. Volunteers will greet visitors, answer general questions about the shelter and our volunteer program, distribute informational materials, and help create a welcoming experience for everyone who stops by.

If available, we may also bring a few adoptable dogs to the event. Volunteers may have the opportunity to assist staff with handling the dogs, introducing them to visitors, and helping showcase their wonderful personalities.

Volunteer Responsibilities Welcome and engage with event attendees Share information about SCACC and our programs Answer general questions about volunteering, fostering, and adoption Distribute brochures and promotional materials Assist with booth setup and cleanup If applicable, assist staff with adoptable dogs attending the event

No previous event experience is required. Staff will be available throughout the event to provide guidance and answer questions.

Important Information Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own game ticket. Tickets purchased through SCACC's fundraising link help support the shelter while allowing you to enjoy a great evening at the ballpark. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. SCACC volunteer apparel is encouraged but not required.

Whether you're volunteering at our booth or simply attending the game by purchasing your ticket through our link, your support helps make a difference for the animals at SCACC. Thank you for being part of our team!

Program: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Aug 27, 2026

Zip Code: 48640

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Canine Companion

Sometimes a dog just needs a friend. Canine Companion volunteers focus on building positive relationships with individual dogs through play, enrichment, brushing, basic training, reading, or simply spending quiet time together. This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy creating meaningful one-on-one connections and helping reduce the stress of shelter life.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Sometimes a dog just needs a friend. Canine Companion volunteers focus on building positive relationships with individual dogs through play, enrichment, brushing, basic training, reading, or simply spending quiet time together. This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy creating meaningful one-on-one connections and helping reduce the stress of shelter life.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Cat Cuddlers

Sometimes the best thing you can give a shelter cat is your time. Cat Cuddlers provide one-on-one attention through gentle petting, brushing, playtime, reading, or simply sitting quietly with our cats. Whether a cat is playful, shy, or just looking for companionship, your visit helps reduce stress, build confidence, and improve their overall well-being while they wait for a forever home.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Sometimes the best thing you can give a shelter cat is your time. Cat Cuddlers provide one-on-one attention through gentle petting, brushing, playtime, reading, or simply sitting quietly with our cats. Whether a cat is playful, shy, or just looking for companionship, your visit helps reduce stress, build confidence, and improve their overall well-being while they wait for a forever home.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Cat Handling Training

Join us for a Cat Handling Course with Melissa Miller, former Director of St. Clair County Animal Control! Melissa has years of experience working with shelter animals and will be sharing her knowledge and hands-on experience with our cat volunteers.

This course will focus on safe cat handling, body language, positive interactions, and recognizing signs of stress or discomfort. We’ll also talk about ways we can help make interactions as positive and low-stress as possible for the cats in our care.

Whether you’re a longtime cat volunteer or still building your confidence, this is a great opportunity to refresh your skills, learn something new, and ask questions.

We strongly encourage our cat volunteers to take advantage of this training opportunity!

Program: Special Events

Join us for a Cat Handling Course with Melissa Miller, former Director of St. Clair County Animal Control! Melissa has years of experience working with shelter animals and will be sharing her knowledge and hands-on experience with our cat volunteers.

This course will focus on safe cat handling, body language, positive interactions, and recognizing signs of stress or discomfort. We’ll also talk about ways we can help make interactions as positive and low-stress as possible for the cats in our care.

Whether you’re a longtime cat volunteer or still building your confidence, this is a great opportunity to refresh your skills, learn something new, and ask questions.

We strongly encourage our cat volunteers to take advantage of this training opportunity!

Program: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Dog Handling Training

Join us for a Dog Handling Course with Melissa Miller, former Director of St. Clair County Animal Control! Melissa has years of experience working with shelter animals and will be sharing her knowledge and hands-on experience with our volunteer team.

This course will focus on safe, consistent dog handling practices, understanding dog behavior and body language, and building confidence while working with shelter dogs. It’s a great opportunity to refresh your skills, ask questions, and make sure we’re all using the same safe handling techniques.

As part of our updated dog volunteer training, all volunteers who handle dogs will be required to complete one Dog Handling Course. You only need to attend one session, and additional dates will be offered to give everyone an opportunity to complete the training.

We encourage everyone to come ready to learn, participate, and ask questions!

Program: Special Events

Join us for a Dog Handling Course with Melissa Miller, former Director of St. Clair County Animal Control! Melissa has years of experience working with shelter animals and will be sharing her knowledge and hands-on experience with our volunteer team.

This course will focus on safe, consistent dog handling practices, understanding dog behavior and body language, and building confidence while working with shelter dogs. It’s a great opportunity to refresh your skills, ask questions, and make sure we’re all using the same safe handling techniques.

As part of our updated dog volunteer training, all volunteers who handle dogs will be required to complete one Dog Handling Course. You only need to attend one session, and additional dates will be offered to give everyone an opportunity to complete the training.

We encourage everyone to come ready to learn, participate, and ask questions!

Program: Special Events

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Enrichment Prep

Help create fun and engaging enrichment for the animals at SCACC!

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Enrichment Preparation volunteers assist by creating, organizing, and preparing enrichment items that help keep our dogs and cats mentally and physically stimulated. Enrichment is an important part of animal welfare and can help reduce stress, encourage natural behaviors, and improve an animal's overall well-being while they wait for their new home.

Tasks may include:

Preparing frozen enrichment treats Stuffing and freezing KONG® toys or similar enrichment items Creating enrichment activities for dogs and cats Organizing enrichment supplies Cutting or assembling enrichment materials Preparing puzzle feeders and other enrichment items Assisting with special enrichment projects

Program: Shelter Operations

Help create fun and engaging enrichment for the animals at SCACC!

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Enrichment Preparation volunteers assist by creating, organizing, and preparing enrichment items that help keep our dogs and cats mentally and physically stimulated. Enrichment is an important part of animal welfare and can help reduce stress, encourage natural behaviors, and improve an animal's overall well-being while they wait for their new home.

Tasks may include:

Preparing frozen enrichment treats Stuffing and freezing KONG® toys or similar enrichment items Creating enrichment activities for dogs and cats Organizing enrichment supplies Cutting or assembling enrichment materials Preparing puzzle feeders and other enrichment items Assisting with special enrichment projects

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Morning Cat Care

Help us start the day by caring for our shelter cats! Morning Cat Care volunteers assist with the daily routines that keep our cats healthy, comfortable, and ready to meet potential adopters. Tasks may include feeding, refreshing water, spot cleaning kennels, monitoring litter boxes, providing enrichment, and helping create a calm, welcoming environment for each cat.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Help us start the day by caring for our shelter cats! Morning Cat Care volunteers assist with the daily routines that keep our cats healthy, comfortable, and ready to meet potential adopters. Tasks may include feeding, refreshing water, spot cleaning kennels, monitoring litter boxes, providing enrichment, and helping create a calm, welcoming environment for each cat.

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Morning Dog Walking

Help start the day on the right paw! Morning Dog Walking volunteers provide our dogs with potty breaks, exercise, fresh air, and positive interactions before the shelter opens to the public. This opportunity is essential to each dog's daily routine and helps set them up for a successful day.


Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Help start the day on the right paw! Morning Dog Walking volunteers provide our dogs with potty breaks, exercise, fresh air, and positive interactions before the shelter opens to the public. This opportunity is essential to each dog's daily routine and helps set them up for a successful day.


Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer - Cat Shift #1

Please do not sign up until you have attended orientation and have taken the level 1 training!

Welcome to your first cat volunteer training shift! During this shadow shift, you'll observe and assist an experienced volunteer or staff member while learning daily cat care routines, feline body language, safe handling techniques, and shelter procedures. This is your opportunity to ask questions, become familiar with the Cat Adoption Room, and build confidence before taking a more active role.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist. 

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 training

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Please do not sign up until you have attended orientation and have taken the level 1 training!

Welcome to your first cat volunteer training shift! During this shadow shift, you'll observe and assist an experienced volunteer or staff member while learning daily cat care routines, feline body language, safe handling techniques, and shelter procedures. This is your opportunity to ask questions, become familiar with the Cat Adoption Room, and build confidence before taking a more active role.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist. 

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 training

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer - Cat Shift #2

Ready to take the next step? During your second cat volunteer training shift, you'll begin taking a more active role in caring for our shelter cats while working alongside an experienced volunteer or staff member. You'll practice daily care routines, safe cat handling, enrichment, and cleaning tasks with guidance and feedback throughout your shift. By the end of this experience, you'll be prepared to volunteer independently in our cat program.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist.

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 trainingAttended your first training shift

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Ready to take the next step? During your second cat volunteer training shift, you'll begin taking a more active role in caring for our shelter cats while working alongside an experienced volunteer or staff member. You'll practice daily care routines, safe cat handling, enrichment, and cleaning tasks with guidance and feedback throughout your shift. By the end of this experience, you'll be prepared to volunteer independently in our cat program.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist.

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 trainingAttended your first training shift

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer - Dog Shift #1

Please do not sign up until you have attended orientation and taken the level 1 training!

New to dog volunteering? This guided shadow shift pairs you with an experienced volunteer or staff member to help you build confidence while learning safe handling techniques, shelter procedures, and daily routines. This hands-on experience is required before volunteering independently with dogs.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist.

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 training

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Please do not sign up until you have attended orientation and taken the level 1 training!

New to dog volunteering? This guided shadow shift pairs you with an experienced volunteer or staff member to help you build confidence while learning safe handling techniques, shelter procedures, and daily routines. This hands-on experience is required before volunteering independently with dogs.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist.

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 training

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer - Dog Shift #2

Build on what you learned during your shadow shift! During this guided training shift, you'll take a more hands-on role in caring for our shelter dogs while receiving support from an experienced volunteer or staff member. You'll practice dog handling, walking, enrichment, and daily care routines to help prepare you for independent volunteer shifts.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist.

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 trainingAttended your first training shift

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Build on what you learned during your shadow shift! During this guided training shift, you'll take a more hands-on role in caring for our shelter dogs while receiving support from an experienced volunteer or staff member. You'll practice dog handling, walking, enrichment, and daily care routines to help prepare you for independent volunteer shifts.

Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the front doors and check in with our front desk receptionist.

Requirements:

Approved as a volunteerAttended in-person orientationCompleted Level 1 trainingAttended your first training shift

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer - Tidy Tails Shift #1

Please do not sign up until you have attended orientation and taken the level 1 training!

Welcome to your first Tidy Tails training shift!

During this shadow shift, you'll observe a staff member or experienced volunteer while learning how Tidy Tails supports the daily operations of SCACC. You'll become familiar with cleaning routines, organization projects, and the important behind-the-scenes work that helps keep our shelter running smoothly.

During this shift, you'll observe tasks such as:

Laundry Washing food and water dishes Cleaning public areas Organizing supplies Restocking volunteer stations Preparing enrichment items Other daily shelter support tasks

This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn our procedures, and become comfortable with the Tidy Tails role. You are not expected to know everything during your first shift!

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Please do not sign up until you have attended orientation and taken the level 1 training!

Welcome to your first Tidy Tails training shift!

During this shadow shift, you'll observe a staff member or experienced volunteer while learning how Tidy Tails supports the daily operations of SCACC. You'll become familiar with cleaning routines, organization projects, and the important behind-the-scenes work that helps keep our shelter running smoothly.

During this shift, you'll observe tasks such as:

Laundry Washing food and water dishes Cleaning public areas Organizing supplies Restocking volunteer stations Preparing enrichment items Other daily shelter support tasks

This is your opportunity to ask questions, learn our procedures, and become comfortable with the Tidy Tails role. You are not expected to know everything during your first shift!

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer - Tidy Tails Shift #2

Welcome to your second Tidy Tails training shift!

Now that you've completed your shadow shift, it's time to get hands-on! During this guided training shift, you'll begin completing Tidy Tails tasks while working alongside a staff member or experienced volunteer.

This shift is designed to help you build confidence while practicing the procedures you've already observed.

Tasks may include:

Laundry Washing food and water dishes Cleaning public areas Organizing supplies Restocking volunteer stations Preparing enrichment items Other shelter support tasks as needed

Don't worry if you have questions—that's exactly what this training shift is for! We're here to help you feel confident before volunteering independently.

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Welcome to your second Tidy Tails training shift!

Now that you've completed your shadow shift, it's time to get hands-on! During this guided training shift, you'll begin completing Tidy Tails tasks while working alongside a staff member or experienced volunteer.

This shift is designed to help you build confidence while practicing the procedures you've already observed.

Tasks may include:

Laundry Washing food and water dishes Cleaning public areas Organizing supplies Restocking volunteer stations Preparing enrichment items Other shelter support tasks as needed

Don't worry if you have questions—that's exactly what this training shift is for! We're here to help you feel confident before volunteering independently.

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer Orientation

You won't be able to register for an orientation until your volunteer application has been approved. Once approved, you'll be able to respond to one of the available orientation dates listed below. Click the 'Sign Up' button at the top of the page to get started with your application. Please check your Spam folder for emails.

If you're brand new to SCACC, Orientation is the first step in your volunteer journey and the only opportunity you'll register for at this time. During orientation, we'll show you how to use Get Connected, explain the volunteer training process, and walk you through what comes next, including how to register for your required training shifts.

During orientation, we'll cover:

Saginaw County Animal Care & Control and our mission Volunteer expectations and safety procedures Our volunteer level system How to use Get Connected The training and onboarding process A guided tour of the shelter Time for questions and answers

After completing orientation, you'll be ready to register for your required training shifts and continue your volunteer journey.

Arrival Instructions

Please enter through the main entrance and check in with the receptionist upon arrival.

Closed-toe shoes are required, as we'll conclude orientation with a tour of the shelter.

Orientation Schedule Second Tuesday of each month – 5:00 PM Third Saturday of each month – 10:00 AM Requirements Approved as a SCACC volunteer

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

You won't be able to register for an orientation until your volunteer application has been approved. Once approved, you'll be able to respond to one of the available orientation dates listed below. Click the 'Sign Up' button at the top of the page to get started with your application. Please check your Spam folder for emails.

If you're brand new to SCACC, Orientation is the first step in your volunteer journey and the only opportunity you'll register for at this time. During orientation, we'll show you how to use Get Connected, explain the volunteer training process, and walk you through what comes next, including how to register for your required training shifts.

During orientation, we'll cover:

Saginaw County Animal Care & Control and our mission Volunteer expectations and safety procedures Our volunteer level system How to use Get Connected The training and onboarding process A guided tour of the shelter Time for questions and answers

After completing orientation, you'll be ready to register for your required training shifts and continue your volunteer journey.

Arrival Instructions

Please enter through the main entrance and check in with the receptionist upon arrival.

Closed-toe shoes are required, as we'll conclude orientation with a tour of the shelter.

Orientation Schedule Second Tuesday of each month – 5:00 PM Third Saturday of each month – 10:00 AM Requirements Approved as a SCACC volunteer

Program: Orientation & Onboarding

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Tidy Tails

Help keep SCACC clean, organized, and welcoming!

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Tidy Tails volunteers play an important role in supporting the daily operations of the shelter by assisting with general cleaning and organization tasks. While this opportunity does not include direct animal handling, it allows volunteers to make a meaningful impact by helping create a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for both the animals and the people who care for them.

Tasks may include:

Washing food and water dishes Laundry Cleaning windows Sweeping and mopping public areas Organizing supplies Cleaning the lobby and common areas Other shelter support tasks as needed

Program: Shelter Operations

Help keep SCACC clean, organized, and welcoming!

Requirements:

Must be an approved volunteerAttended the in-person orientationCompleted level 1 trainingCompleted your two training shifts

Tidy Tails volunteers play an important role in supporting the daily operations of the shelter by assisting with general cleaning and organization tasks. While this opportunity does not include direct animal handling, it allows volunteers to make a meaningful impact by helping create a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for both the animals and the people who care for them.

Tasks may include:

Washing food and water dishes Laundry Cleaning windows Sweeping and mopping public areas Organizing supplies Cleaning the lobby and common areas Other shelter support tasks as needed

Program: Shelter Operations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 48604

Allow Groups: No