Volunteer
Join our community of compassionate hearts and use Civic Champs to apply, sign up for shifts, and stay connected to your volunteer schedule.
Every hour you give builds confidence, trust, and joy for a pet on their way home.
Volunteer impact starts today.
We’ll help you find the right way to serve, whether you volunteer regularly or when your schedule allows.
Use the Civic Champs app on-site to check in and out without paperwork.
Review the volunteer calendar and sign up for shifts that fit your availability.
Keep an accurate record of your service hours in one place.
We encourage every volunteer to download the Civic Champs app for check in, scheduling, and time tracking. If you need help getting started or want to talk through the best fit, email volunteer@janssenanimalshelter.org.
Schedule
Browse upcoming opportunities and apply directly through Civic Champs. If the embedded view has trouble loading, use the direct Civic Champs calendar.
Every volunteer plays a crucial role in our mission to provide care and support to Fayette County's homeless dogs and cats as they journey toward finding their forever homes.
Your time and compassion directly impact the welfare of animals in need, helping them find loving forever homes.
Connect with fellow animal lovers and become part of Fayette County's compassionate community dedicated to animal welfare.
Whether you can commit regularly or just occasionally, every contribution makes a meaningful impact on our animals' lives.
Socializing our animals through play and companionship is crucial for their emotional well-being and adoption success.
Building confidence and trust through companionship
Our dogs, whether puppies full of energy or senior companions seeking comfort, all benefit from regular socialization. Through play sessions and one-on-one companionship, volunteers help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and prepare our canine friends for successful adoptions.
Encouraging exploration and affection
From curious kittens to adult cats adjusting to shelter life, socialization helps our feline friends feel safe and confident. Volunteers provide gentle interaction, play opportunities, and the affection that helps cats thrive and find their perfect forever families.
Regular walks provide essential exercise, mental stimulation, and the chance to explore the world beyond the shelter.
As a dog walking volunteer, you'll help maintain healthy habits, build social skills, and provide the joy of outdoor exploration. Whether it's a playful puppy or a dignified senior, every walk contributes to our dogs' physical and emotional well-being.
Ready to walk and make tails wag?
Ways To Help
Beyond animal socialization, we need volunteers who can keep the shelter running smoothly, welcome visitors, and give our dogs and cats more daily care and attention.
Flexible support
Best for volunteers who want variety. From laundry and cleaning to administrative support, these behind-the-scenes tasks make the shelter safer, calmer, and more welcoming every day.
Hands-on with dogs
Ideal for volunteers who want direct time with dogs. Walk, encourage, and build trust so our pups get exercise, confidence, and more success in adoption.
Hands-on with cats
A strong fit for cat lovers who enjoy gentle interaction. Help our cats feel safe, playful, and noticed through affection, observation, and daily care.
We provide safe and meaningful volunteer opportunities for youth to learn compassion, responsibility, and the importance of animal welfare.
Our youth volunteer program offers age-appropriate activities that teach young people about animal care while making a real difference in the lives of our animals. Under supervision, youth volunteers can participate in various activities that build empathy and understanding.
Youth Volunteer ApplicationBuilding tomorrow's animal advocates
GJAS is always looking for professional services volunteered in many areas. Your expertise can make a significant impact on our operations and the animals we serve.
Website development, IT support, software solutions, and digital tools to streamline our operations.
Legal counsel, contract review, compliance assistance, and advice on animal welfare regulations.
Teaching workshops, creating educational materials, and community outreach programs.
Social media management, content creation, photography, and promotional materials.
Building and repair work, custom enclosures, and facility improvements.
Veterinary services, medical advice, health consultations, and wellness programs.
Don't see your skill listed? We're open to all professional services that can benefit our animals and operations. Your unique expertise could be exactly what we need!
Contact Us About VolunteeringGJAS proudly serves the Fayette County community, and we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we receive from neighbors like you.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to helping homeless dogs and cats find the love and security they deserve. Whether you can volunteer regularly or just once, your contribution of time has a direct, measurable impact on the welfare of our pets.
Every hour spent socializing a shy cat, every walk with an energetic dog, every administrative task completed – these actions translate into better outcomes, faster adoptions, and healthier, happier animals.
Together, we're not just rescuing pets – we're strengthening our community, teaching compassion, and creating countless stories of second chances and unconditional love.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
Every interaction with our animals builds trust, confidence, and prepares them for loving forever homes
Your efforts help animals become more adoptable, leading to quicker placements in loving homes
Building a more compassionate Fayette County through shared commitment to animal welfare
Inspiring empathy and kindness in our community, creating lasting positive change
"Your volunteer work doesn't just help animals, it transforms our entire community."
Join our community of volunteers and help Fayette County's homeless animals find their forever homes. Every paw print matters!