Volunteer Application
If no one is 13 years old or under, please put N/A.


  • All volunteers MUST attend Orientation Training prior to beginning your volunteer experience.
  • All minors (16 or younger) MUST be accompanied by their legal guardian for Orientation.
  • Please make contact with the shelter to set up a time and date to do the Orientation.


Volunteer Agreement

Terms and Conditions:

  1. My services for Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter are provided strictly in a volunteer capacity as a Volunteer, and without any express or implied promise of salary, compensation or other payment of any kind. My services are furnished without any employment type benefits.
  2. I will familiarize myself and comply with the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter's policies and procedures. I fully understand that the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter expects high standards of moral and ethical treatment of the animals under its care. I will adhere to the standards in my capactiy as a Volunteer.
  3. I understand that Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter will terminate my services as a Volunteer for the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter immediately upon conviction of animal cruelty charges by any court of law. I understand that Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter has the power to suspend my volunteer membership for conduct likely, in the opinion of the staff, to endanger the welfare of the animals or the reputation of the shelter.

      4. General Rules and Expectations:

    1. All Volunteers MUST BE at least 12 years of age to volunteer at this facility. All Volunteers aged 16 and under must have a legal parent or guardian, over at least 18 years of age and disclosed on their application, accompanying them through the facility at all times. Minors will not be allowed to volunteer without their parent or guardian.
    2. Volunteer Hours fall in line with Adoption and Pet Viewing Hours and are subject to change. Staff will do their best to make sure there are signs posted with any hour changes, but it is the volunteer's responsibility to check if those hours have changed for the day intended to volunteer.
    3. All Volunteers must use the appropriate sign-in and sign-out sheets when they are in the facility.
    4. All Volunteers must wear their ID badges, which were given at orientation, in order to Volunteer for the day.
    5. Volunteers are only allowed to interact with animals marked as below or on their matched experience levels (this does not apply to cats). Experience levels of animals are subject to change depending on staff discretion. It is the Volunteer's responsibility to check the animal's marked experience level before attempting to handle said animal. A Volunteer with a higher experience level may be accompanied by a Volunteer of a lower experience level, but must remain with the lower level volunteer and animal at all times.
    6. Volunteers are allowed in kennels/rooms with animals, provided they are on or below their experience level, unless the kennel or room is otherwise noted. Any signage marked "Staff ONLY" does not include Volunteers. The Laundry room/wash area is the only exception to this rule.
    7. Volunteers are expected to clean behind themselves and take proper care of tools when partaking in any bathing, grooming, etc. Bathing and grooming are highly encouraged, but do not force an animal that is scared or showing fearful behavior.
    8. No horesplay of any capacity (running, yelling, wrestling, or playing) will be allowed while in the kennels, cat rooms, office, lobby, or breakroom at any time.
    9. Closed toed shoes are required while volunteering.
    10. Volunteers are allowed to take breaks and/or lunches in the breakroom only. No food or drinks will be allowed in the Office. Volunteers are responsible for cleaning up behind themselves.
    11. No animal is to be left unattended outside of room or kennel. All dogs must be accompanied to and in the parks or out on leash. All cats must stay in rooms.
    12. Animals likely do not know "tricks" or "manners". Volunteers are allowed to teach "tricks" and "manners", but, under no circumstances, should a Volunteer force an animal to perform a trick or command (no yelling, physically forcing an animal, etc).
    13. Volunteers are not considered employees of the shelter and should not disclose information on behalf of the shelter regarding adoptions, facility information, or practices of the facility. If a member of the public asks about any of these topics, Volunteers are expected to refer them to staff.
    14. If anything is noticed to be of concern to the animals, employees, other volunteers, or members of the public, notify shelter staff immediately.
    15. The shelter reserves the right to revoke any applicant if these rules are violated in any capacity. Warnings will be given at staff discretion, but are not guaranteed, dependant on the violation.
    Release:

    1. I understand that the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter handles large numbers of animals on a daily basis. The temperament and medical condition of these animals is often unknown to the staff. I agree to hold the City of Sherwood, the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter harmless for any injury(s) or illness(s), which I might sustain from handling animals during the course of my Volunteer duties.
    2. I understand and agree to assume all risks involved in any and all duties that I perform for the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter in my Volunteer capacity. Such duties might include, but are not limited to: animal handling, custodial work, kennel staff assistance and other Volunteer duties.

If you are under 18, we must have your parent or legal guardian's signature below.

PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN (Of Volunteer 17 and younger)

As a parent or legal guardian of the above-named Volunteer, I hereby give consent for my child to become a Volunteer for the Sherwood Humane Animal Shelter.

I/We have read and received a copy of the "Policies for Volunteers and Animal Handling".

Sherwood Humane Animal Services cannot process incomplete applications.
Rev. 2023