Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) Volunteer program is welcoming new team members to its booming volunteer program. The program is best suited to individuals who enjoy interacting with both people and pets. Volunteers are key in uniting homeless shelter pets with loving families, which is both exciting and rewarding. There is a volunteer role for every person as there is always life-saving work to be accomplished.

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) Volunteer program is welcoming new team members to its booming volunteer program. The program is best suited to individuals who enjoy interacting with both people and pets. Volunteers are key in uniting homeless shelter pets with loving families, which is both exciting and rewarding. There is a volunteer role for every person as there is always life-saving work to be accomplished. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to: Showing available dogs and cats to prospective adopters, Photographing shelter pets, Greeting visitors in the front lobby, Bathing shelter pets, Assisting clinic and kennel staff, Attending events to represent the shelter. Due to the need for well-trained and motivated volunteers, Animal Services requires interested people make a commitment to volunteer at least six hours per month for a minimum of six months. Book Buddies Program: Our new Book Buddies reading program provides children and young adults the chance to read their favorite books to our shelter pets. We invite you to practice your reading skills in a positive, non-judgmental environment. Our pets are great listeners! Book Buddies also benefit the pets themselves, as our four-legged shelter guests find the rhythmic sound of reading to be comforting and soothing. Additionally, the more time these pets are able to spend with people and improve their socialization, the quicker they can land a new, loving home. Ages: All ages are invited to participate! Parents must supervise their children at all times. Parents are required to attend with their child. Details: Please bring a cozy blanket, pillow or mat to sit on. You will be reading on the outside of our pet kennels. Although participants won't be able to make direct contact with the pets, they will love hearing the sound of reading voices. We have a variety of books available to choose from. You are welcome to use ours or bring your own books to read. Book Buddies FAQ: Books are encouraged to be brought by participants, but OCAS has a library with dozens of animal-themed books available. All ages can participate but registration is required online to manage capacity. Parent supervision is required at all times. The program focuses on nonphysical interactions; participants cannot make direct contact with pets or bring treats. Research from Tufts University shows the program benefits readers through reduced anxiety, improved focus, and enhanced social interactions, particularly for children on the Autism Spectrum. For shelter pets, the program helps them become more comfortable with visitors, leading to quicker adoptions and better well-being. Court-Ordered Community Service: Available for individuals age 18 and up as a separate program. Walk-ins are not accepted. Contact [email protected] to make an appointment. Documentation with charges, hours needed, P.O. information and picture ID required. No animal handling while completing court ordered hours. Gain Hours for Donations: Animal Services is providing volunteer hours for donations, ideal for students who cannot volunteer in person at the shelter. Email [email protected] for assistance. FAQ: Minimum age to volunteer is 16 (as Junior Volunteer with parental consent); adults 18 and older always welcome. Hours available Sunday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Groups can volunteer for one day events geared toward community involvement rather than animal handling. Individuals under 16 can complete shelter projects including Adoption Awareness or Donation Drives with documentation. Students pursuing community service hours must commit to minimum six hours per month for at least three months. Volun-Cheers: Gillian has been a volunteer with OCAS since 2018, specializing in socializing dogs needing extra care due to abuse or abandonment. Her calm personality helps them decompress. She assists with dog playgroups, adoptions, training new volunteers, and providing medicated or oatmeal baths. She represents the community and shelter coming together to help shelter pets find new homes. Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is an innovative animal-welfare organization that enforces the Orange County Code to protect both citizens and animals. Contact: 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839, (407) 836-3111, [email protected]