Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Dorothy H. O’Connor Pet Adoption Center (DOCPAC)! Being a DOCPAC volunteer is extremely rewarding, educational, exciting, and fun. You can have a huge impact on the lives of the homeless animals that enter our Shelter every day. From cat cuddling to dog walking, volunteers help make a difference, one paw at a time!
Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age.
Prior to volunteering at the shelter, you will need to attend our Volunteer Orientation Class. This class is a basic training session on safe animal handling procedures and protocols at DOCPAC. (Space is limited. Call us at 361-575-8573 or email volunteers@docpac.net to reserve your orientation class spot.)
If you are under the age of 16, you must be accompanied by an adult at all times during your volunteer hours. The adult(s) who will be accompanying the child must also take our Volunteer Orientation Class. A strict ratio of one adult to every two minors will be enforced. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
Visit our events page to view upcoming volunteer orientation dates.
How can I be a DOCPAC Volunteer?
- Submit a completed Volunteer Application
- Attend our Volunteer Orientation Class. Visit our events page to view upcoming volunteer orientation dates.
- Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Ages 10-15 must be always accompanied by an adult while they volunteer. The adult(s) that will be accompanying the child must take the orientation as well. A strict ratio of one adult to every two minors will be enforced.
- Pay the one-time administrative fee of $25.00 which includes a DOCPAC t-shirt and orientation manual. Fees are non-refundable. (Fee is collected on the day you attend orientation)
- Please wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. (No flip flops)
- All volunteers are required to wear a DOCPAC t-shirt while they volunteer.
Follow the steps below to complete an online volunteer application-
Doggy’s Day Out!
Once you become a DOCPAC Volunteer, you have the opportunity to take a shelter dog on a fun-filled field trip! You get to spend time playing with a sweet shelter pup—and they get to enjoy time away from the shelter and can even gain some important socialization skills.
Help us show off their wonderful personalities to potential adopters by taking plenty of photos and videos during their day out.
Some field trip ideas include: visiting a park, taking a hike, and getting a pup cup!
Items can also be donated through our DOCPAC amazon.com wishlist and directly shipped to the shelter. Click below to view our amazon.com wishlist.
Featured Tools & Tips
Foster Care
Thank you for your interest in our foster care program! To become a DOCPAC foster parent, the first step is completing our Dog or Cat Foster Application.
Lost & Found Tips
As soon as you notice that your pet is missing, talk to your family members or housemates and ask when they last saw your pet.
