Gulf Coast Humane Society

The mission of the Gulf Coast Humane Society is being a safe haven for pets in need by providing medical care, promoting adoptions, and nurturing the bond between pets and people in Southwest Florida. The talents of our compassionate and generous volunteers help keep our doors open. Volunteers are actively involved in the general care of the animals including walking/exercising, socializing, grooming, and cleaning kennels. Volunteers are also involved in special projects, events, humane education, offsite outreach programs and in-home foster care. Start your volunteer journey with us by submitting your application!

Minors: 

• If you are completing an application for a minor, the account must be made under a different email than the parent/guardian. An application is needed for both the parent/guardian & the minor. Only one account per email.
• Please do not enter your name as the user and the minor's name as the legal name. The user & legal name must be for the same person. We need an application for both the minor and the parent/guardian.
• 13-15 year old volunteers are required to have a parent/legal guardian on property with them. The parent/legal guardian must also become a volunteer.
• 16-17 year old volunteers can volunteer without a parent/legal guardian present. However, a parent/guardian signature is required on the Volunteer Waiver (provided at Orientation) before the minor can begin volunteering.

You will create a GivePulse Account (Become a Member), then complete a Volunteer Application for GCHS. 

Once approved you will receive an email to sign up for Volunteer Orientation.

Please note there are two types of orientations:

One orientation is for those who would like to volunteer with cats AND walk dogs.

The other orientation is for those who would like to volunteer with cats only at either the shelter and/or Cattyshack Cat Cafe.

• You must attend orientation before you start volunteering.
• You cannot attend orientation until a background check is completed & you are approved.
• Emails will come from GCHS Volunteers (GivePulse).
• If you are unsure if you have been approved, try logging into your account. If is says you are a member of Gulf Coast Humane Society, you have been approved.

This is not for court ordered community service, civil citations, or diversion programs. Visit our website for more information.