Thank you for your interest in the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) Volunteer Program! Volunteers are vital in helping us continue our mission to improve the lives of dogs and cats in our community by providing shelter, care, adoption, rescue, spay/neuter programs, and community education. We understand your time is valuable and we appreciate that you’re thinking about spending some of it with us!
Please Note: Completing this application does not guarantee acceptance into the SAHS volunteer program. Acceptance is contingent upon the following:
Essential Volunteer Capabilities Review
All applicants are required to read and sign the SAHS Essential Volunteer Capabilities document included in this application. After reviewing the document, applicants are asked to note any possible accommodation requests. If accommodations are requested the applicant will be contacted by a member of the volunteer department to discuss the requests and determine together if volunteering at the SAHS is the right fit for the applicant.
Orientation (Volunteer 101)
Applicants who have completed the application and essential volunteer capabilities review will be sent a link to register for volunteer orientation (Volunteer 101). Applicants will be required to pay the volunteer fee of $25 when registering for the class.
Background Check Results
All applicants will be sent an invitation to complete a background check after registering for an orientation. Applicants are responsible for paying for the cost of the background check ($18.95). The application fee is paid direclty to the background check processor, so no refunds can be made once paid. If you have questions regarding your ability to pass the background check please contact us at volunteer@sahumane.org. The following reports will be included in the background check:
- Social Security Number Trace
- 7-Year County Criminal
- 7-Year Federal Criminal
- National Criminal Database
- Sex Offender Registry
- Terrorist Watch List
- Wants & Warrants
The Volunteer Supervisor will review all background check reports and determine if any negative information has a direct connection with the applicant’s ability to fulfill the volunteer’s duties with competence and integrity, or that might impact safety. Matters that might raise concern include but are not limited to the following:
- Any recent felony conviction - these serious crimes are usually defined by statutory guidelines, and in general, are punishable by more than 10 years of incarceration.
- Animal cruelty - including neglect and direct abuse.
- Drug-related crimes - including use, sale, possession, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs.
- Sex offenses - including rape and sexual assault.
- Serious motor vehicle offenses - including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Theft - including burglary, embezzlement, forgery, and fraud.
Violent crimes - including murder, robbery, assault, and battery.