Volunteer at the ACSPCA

As a 501 ( C ) 3 non-profit organization it is important that we have a core of good volunteers from the community. We always need help at ACSPCA. As with most non-profits, volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Helping animals is one of the most rewarding community service opportunities you can find. Seeing the animals happiness is such a wonderful feeling. All they need is a hug or pat on the head and you have made their day.

There are many ways you can help, even if it’s only for a few hours a week. Most volunteers work with the animals, walking and playing with the dogs, and grooming and socializing the cats. This extra attention helps keep the animals happier and enables them to maintain their ability to interact well with people. As a result, they are better able to present themselves when people come looking for a new pet to adopt.

We have dedicated volunteers, such as Marian Davis, who has come here once a week for four years. She socializes the cats, brushes them, cleans litter pans etc. The cats love to see her come, and so do we.

It takes many people to keep a shelter clean. The grounds, cages, kennels and clinic areas are scrubbed every morning, and then there is the maintenance cleaning during the day. There is always laundry to be done. The washers and dryers are never quiet. Fold a few loads, wash a few loads, and you can always play with a furry friend in between loads. Or help to wash dishes. All of their food bowls, plates and water bowls are washed by hand. It can be hard work, but what a difference you can make in the life of a furry friend.

We currently have a need for volunteers to help on a continuing basis with the following tasks:

Ways to help include:
•	Walking the Dogs
•	Socializing the Cats
•	Helping with some minor Clerical work
•	Helping with Events
•	Become a Board Member
•	Bathing Animals
•	Becoming a Member
•	Special Projects of Interest
•	Having a Yard or Bake Sale for the SPCA
•	Having a Lemonade Stand for the SPCA

Presently, we also need people willing to help with events.

If you are interested in volunteering, please print and complete the Volunteer Application and mail it to the ACSPCA or applications may be obtained at the Animal Shelter, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325, during regular business hours: Monday 12:00-7:00, Tuesday (CLOSED), Wednesday 12:00-5:00, Thursday 12:00-5:00, Friday 12:00-7:00, Saturday 11:00-4:00, Sunday (CLOSED).

Volunteer Orientation is required prior to actual Volunteering can take place.
Basic Orientation is scheduled monthly; always on a Thursday; always from 6-7 pm.
After you submit your completed Volunteer Application, it will be processed and provided approval is issued; you will receive a phone call alerting you to our next scheduled Orientation. We keep approved Application on hand for 2 consecutive Orientations. If you can not make it to the first scheduled Orientation, we will make a second attempt to schedule you. If you do not make it to the second scheduled Orientation, your Application is dismissed and you will need to start the process over with a new Application.

Volunteers work directly under the guidance of Shelter Staff on duty. A Staffer is always available to assist you should a question or concern arise. Any Volunteer(s) acting inappropriately or exhibiting conduct issues will not be tolerated and will be asked politely to leave the premises. Undermining the Staff is not tolerated.

No Volunteering under the age of 14 is permitted due to Insurance Liabilities. Volunteer opportunities for anyone under the age of 16 are limited.

Volunteers between 14-16 years old - Able to volunteer with cats and pocket pets only; Must have a parent or guardian present; Both the Volunteer and Parent/Guardian must have applied and attended Volunteer Orientation beforehand.

Volunteers between 16-18 years old - Able to volunteer with cats and pocket pets only; do not need parent or guardian present. Volunteer must attend Orientation beforehand.

Volunteers 18 and older - Able to volunteer with dogs, cats and pocket pets freely. Volunteer must attend Orientation beforehand.

HORSE/LARGE ANIMAL VOLUNTEER

All large animal volunteers must be experienced in handling large animals; especially horses. We are unable to train unexperienced people due to liability insurance. A seperate orientation at the farm in which the animals are housed will be required by all volunteers that will be assisting with those particular animals. At this orientation you will be told what is expected from the volunteers, what to do when supplies are needed, what to do if you spot trouble with any animal you are overseeing, where to sign in at, and what to do if there is an emergency. All large animal volunteers work under the guidance of the Shelter Manager, or the senior staff member on duty. A member of the shelter staff will always be available to assist you should a question or concern arise.

All volunteers must be 18 years or older and experienced.

If you are interested in volunteering, please print and complete the Horse/Large Animal Volunteer Application and mail it to the ACSPCA or applications may be obtained at the Animal Shelter, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325, during regular business hours.

Foster Care

For animals who may need a break from the shelter environment, foster care provides a comfortable home setting that keeps them happy and healthy. Foster Parents are volunteers who are willing to provide temporary, in-home care for dogs, cats and their offspring. You provide the love, and we'll provide the critters.

Generally speaking, kittens and puppies need to be kept in a foster home until they are 8 weeks old. Kittens need to meet a weight requirement of 1.7 lbs. Once the age and weight requirements are met, the animals are returned to the ACSPCA and put up for adoption to good homes.

Currently the ACSPCA has several foster families, but many more are needed. Foster Care is a most rewarding and fulfilling program that helps save the lives of animals that might not otherwise have a chance.

Who Would Make a Good Foster Parent?
Anyone who loves animals and is willing to donate their time, providing lots of tender love and care. Retirees, homemakers, people who work at home or have flexible work schedules all would be good candidates for this program.

What Are the Requirements?
In order to be a foster parent, you must be over 18 years of age, and have an extra room in your home (so you can keep the foster animals separate from your other pets). Your current pets must be up to date on their shots and be spayed/neutered. In addition, you need approval from all the adult members of your household.

After you have completed the orientation and training process, you will interview with Shelter Staff for approval. At that time, he/she will review the foster care application with you and have you sign the Foster Care Agreement. You will then decide what type of animal(s) you want to foster. You will have your choice of Kittens, Puppies, Cats or Dogs. When the need for a foster home arises, you will be contacted. At this time, you may pass or accept.

What Costs Are Involved?
Your daily responsibilities are to provide a clean safe environment for your fosterlings. Fostering animals does require paying for their food and supplies. If your animal needs medication, the ACSPCA will provide it.

Community Service
The ACSPCA does participate in some Community Service Programs. High School Graduation Community Service is accepted. Other Community Service needs to be authorized by the Shelter Manager prior to participating. There are Rules and Regulations pertaining to our Community Service Programs. Please be sure to fill out not only the Community Service Information Form but the Volunteer Application as well. All accepted Community Service Applicants must attend a Volunteer Orientation prior to beginning volunteering.

Community Service is SERVICE related volunteering; it will not involve playing or interacting with animals. The time is spent cleaning, performing the required daily care for the animals at the Shelter and possibly working on some projects as dictated by the Shelter Manager. Any interaction time must be signed off by a member of Shelter Staff.

Thank you for your interest in the Adams County SPCA and for caring about the animals in your community. You can make a difference !

Our volunteer and foster applications can be filled out on-line or printed out, completed, and mailed to:

Adams County SPCA
11 Goldenville Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325

The following application is to Volunteer at the Adams County SPCA.
Volunteer form

The following application is to volunteer to work with the horses.
Horse Volunteer form

The following application to do Community Service at the SPCA.
Community Service Form