Volunteering at MAC
Volunteers are an essential part of the inner-workings of McKamey Animal Center and play an important role in saving animal lives in Chattanooga!
Volunteers are at the frontlines of helping staff provide quality love and care for animals and helping get them into forever homes!
We are always looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to help us further our mission, and we can put almost any skill and interest to good use! Check out the available volunteer roles below.
If you are looking to complete court-ordered community service, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Already A MAC Volunteer?
If you are already a MAC Volunteer, you can login below to sign up for shifts, check your hours, etc.
MAC hosts several events throughout the year that depend on Volunteer Support! Upcoming opportunities will be posted below. Unless noted otherwise, you do not have to be part of MAC’s regular volunteer program to take advantage of these opportunities. All you have to do is sign up using the button below and our Volunteer Manager will be in touch.
- Volunteers 16 years of age or older may volunteer independently, with guardian consent.
- Volunteers aged 10-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must also become a Volunteer.
- Volunteers under the age of 16 are not permitted to walk our dogs. Their guardian is allowed to handle the dog, and the young Volunteer may shadow their guardian, but the adult must have control over the dog at all times.
- Volunteers must complete onboarding prior to beginning volunteer service. This includes orientation, shelter sanitation basics, safety training, and more. The online training takes, on average, three hours to complete.
- All volunteers must complete four hours of Essential Shelter Help (non-animal handling tasks) before they are able to train to work with animals.
- All volunteers must be willing to commit to a minimum of 6 hours of service each month for at least 6 months, ideally the same 2-hour shift per week.
- To help with costs and not take away from the animals in our care, volunteers are asked to pay a one-time $25 commitment fee, which covers the cost of your volunteer t-shirt, nametag, and training. We encourage you to launch a fundraiser and encourage your friends and family to donate to your cause! We never want finances to be a barrier to volunteering with us; If you can not pay/fundraise the $25, please contact the Volunteer Manager.
- Volunteers must be willing to utilize our online communication and scheduling tools – BAND and MyImpact
Volunteers of all abilities are welcome, but to serve as a Volunteer safely at MAC, individuals must possess the following physical, mental, and emotional capabilities or request reasonable accommodations. Please list any accommodations you may need in your volunteer application. If you would like to discuss accommodations you may need prior to filling out an application, please email volunteermanager@mckameyanimalcenter.org. Failure to report concerns or accommodations needed could jeopardize everyone’s safety and result in dismissal as a volunteer.
- Ability to move on unpaved, uneven, rugged and sometimes muddy and slippery terrain.
- Average vision (with or without correction) to move safely around our facilities, to be able to observe animal body language without difficulty, and to be able to read notes on animals’ paperwork.
- Ability to hear calls of alarm such as audible warnings from others or sirens.
- Must not have strong allergies to animals or chemicals that can’t be managed by medication.
- Ability to deal with strong and unpleasant odors, fleas, and feces.
- Ability to cope with a very loud environment.
- Ability to stand for 2 hours
- Ability to maneuver well in tight spaces
- Ability to speak and effectively communicate with other volunteers, staff and members of the public.
- Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures.
- Possess moderate level reading, writing, spelling and communication skills (Example: Able to understand words such as “quarantine”)
- Possess problem solving capabilities.
- Ability to receive, incorporate and sustain instruction and feedback.
- Ability to effectively communicate with the public including providing customer service and education on topics as it pertains to the volunteer assignment.
- Possess a professional and positive attitude.
- Ability to work as a team member and follow the chain of command
- Ability to cope with a highly emotionally charged environment and work professionally in the presence of animals who are homeless, abandoned, injured and/or abused.
- Ability to be quiet and treat animals in the most sensitive way possible.
- Ability to cope with medical and behavioral changes of animals in shelter and respect staff expertise and decisions.
- Ability to understand McKamey Animal Center’s policies and positions regarding animal welfare and an ability and willingness to appropriately and accurately represent those policies when interacting with the public or otherwise representing McKamey Animal Center.
- Ability to cope with unexpected animal behavior without assistance.
- Ability to be aware of potentially dangerous situations when working with animals.
- Ability to remain calm with animals who are upset
- Average strength to assist with lifting small to medium sized animals (50 lbs)
- Ability to hear if an animal is growling or showing signs of fear or distress.
- High level of manual dexterity to leash and harness animals.
- Quick reflexes and ability to use both hands simultaneously (Example: Able to open a cage door while handling an animal)
- Ability to bend and squat in order to leash/harness, clean kennels or pick up an animal as needed.
- Ability to work in a variety of possible environmental conditions (cold & hot days)
Every volunteer must complete Shelter Stewardship training before moving on to animal handling courses and other opportunities. These tasks are all the things that help us operate efficiently from day-to-day, such as laundry, dishes, cleaning crates/carriers, washing windows, taking out trash, sweeping/mopping etc… This position helps all areas of the Center with essential non-animal handling tasks.
As a Canine Companion, you are giving our shelter dogs more than just a walk or a clean kennel; you’re providing them with the love, care, and enrichment they need to thrive while waiting for their forever home. Each dog you engage with feels less alone, more hopeful, and more prepared to find the family they’ve been longing for. Whether you’re walking a dog, providing enrichment, or taking them out to show them off to potential adopters, you are their biggest advocate. Your time and attention help these animals stay healthy, happy, and ready to make lasting connections with adopters.
As a Feline Friend, you are the comfort and companionship our shelter cats need as they await their new families. The love and care you provide. Whether through cleaning, play, enrichment, or just sitting quietly by their side, you make a profound difference in their emotional well-being. Many of these cats have come from difficult situations, and your kindness helps them feel safe and secure again. By being their friend, you are not only enhancing their quality of life but also increasing their chances of finding the perfect home. Your gentle presence can be the key to transforming a scared, withdrawn cat into a confident and loving companion.
Vaccine Clinic Volunteers assist in various roles to ensure smooth operation and efficient client service during vaccine clinics. Volunteers are responsible for greeting clients, registering them for services, providing information on vaccines and other McKamey Animal Center services, and processing payments after services are completed. Volunteers in this position help facilitate a positive experience for both clients and their pets.
As an Adoption Support Volunteer, you are at the heart of our mission to connect animals with loving forever homes. Your friendly demeanor and exceptional customer service skills create a welcoming atmosphere for potential adopters, making a lasting impression from the moment they enter the shelter. By guiding them through the adoption process, answering questions, and facilitating meet-and-greet sessions, you help ensure that each adoption is a successful and joyful experience. Your role is crucial in not only sharing vital information about the animals but also fostering a sense of community and support for families eager to bring a pet into their lives. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals and the families that love them.
As a Foster Support Volunteer, you play a pivotal role in connecting our foster caregivers with the resources and support they need to provide loving temporary homes for our animals. Your outreach ensures that fosters feel supported and valued, which directly impacts their ability to care for the animals entrusted to them. By following up with fosters, coordinating supply and animal pickups, and welcoming new fosters, you are helping create a sense of community that enhances the overall effectiveness of our foster program. Your dedication to this role helps build strong relationships and ensures that our foster families are equipped and empowered to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Volunteer Coaches are the heart of our volunteer training program, ensuring that new team members feel welcomed, valued, and prepared to make a difference. As a Volunteer Coach, you have the opportunity to inspire and empower others, sharing your knowledge and passion for animal welfare. By providing hands-on guidance and personalized support, you help create a positive and nurturing environment where volunteers can grow into confident contributors to McKamey Animal Center’s mission. Your leadership ensures that every volunteer starts their journey with the tools and encouragement needed to change the lives of animals and their future families.
Help save lives by joining our Animal Transport team! Transport volunteers drive animals to partner shelters and rescue organizations, ensuring they find loving homes when our shelter reaches capacity. You’ll ensure their safety and comfort during the journey with all necessary supplies provided. Every trip you take gives animals a brighter future. These Volunteers do not need to be formal MAC Volunteers, and will be part of a group that our Animal Resources Team reaches out to when we have potential/scheduled transports. These Volunteers will need to provide a copy of their DMV report to they can be added to our insurance. If you would like to become a Transport Volunteer, please email the Volunteer Manager at volunteermanager@mckameyanimalcenter.org
Every lost pet has a story- a family waiting anxiously, a child missing their best friend, a lonely animal searching for the comfort of home. As a Pet Detective, you become the bridge between heartbreak and happiness. By dedicating your time and skills, you’ll help reunite pets with the people who love them most, creating joyous reunions and lifelong memories.
This role is more than just matching photos or scanning lists; it’s about restoring hope, mending hearts, and giving animals the chance to return to the warmth and security of their families. Your efforts will not only ease the burden on our shelter but also transform lives (both human and animal) one match at a time.
This is a remote (virtual) volunteer position, and anyone can help from anywhere! If you want to join this team, please email volunteermanager@mckameyanimalcenter.org to let us know you are ready to answer the call!
To learn more about these positions, please click the button below in the Steps to Getting Started section.
- Sign up and attend a Volunteer Info Session to learn all about our organization, programs, and services.
- After attending the Info Session, you may submit a Volunteer Application. If you are approved, you will gain access to My Impact, our Volunteer Portal. This portal contains e-learning modules that will teach you the basics of animal sheltering.
- After successful completion of the online modules, you will be matched with Volunteer Coaches who will teach you everything you need to know about volunteering with us!
Looking to volunteer with your business or civic group? We would love to have your help! Group activities often include animal interaction time, working on an enrichment project, or whatever else may be needed around MAC, and an educational presentation about animal welfare and MAC’s history! We always love ideas if you have them! Fill out the interest form below to get started.
MAC’s Community Service Volunteer (CSV) Program allows first-time offenders with non-violent charges to complete court-mandated hours. CSVs help us with essential tasks that allow us operate at maximum efficiency. Community Service Volunteers can expect to help with laundry, dishes, trash, window washing, etc… Please read the guidelines below before applying to ensure this program is the right fit for your needs.
Please note: we will not accommodate deadlines within 30 days of application. If you need to complete your hours as soon as possible, we recommend connecting with the Chatt Foundation.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Participants must have no charges or convictions related to sexual crimes, crimes against animals or children, violent crimes, or related offenses.
- Participants must provide official court documentation stating the nature of their offense, the number of hours to be completed, and the date by which those hours must be completed.
- Participants must provide a current driver’s license or other form of photo identification.
- Participants must pay a $25.00 application processing fee.
- Service hours are assigned at MAC’s convenience, based on the organization’s needs and availability. Schedules will be determined by MAC and cannot be altered without express prior approval of the MAC Volunteer Manager.
- Participants are responsible for tracking their own hours, ensuring that MAC’s documentation of their hours completed is accurate, and ensuring that all court-required documents are completed. If there is a dispute as to how many hours have been successfully completed, MAC’s record will be considered official and final. MAC will not be responsible for submitting any paperwork to any agency (except as required by law), nor will it be liable for retaining records of copies of work hours completed.
- Participants must arrive on time for their assigned shift(s) – anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late for an assigned shift will be removed from the program.
- Participants must dress appropriately: closed-toed shoes (no sandals) and long pants are required. Clothing must be in good repair (no holes, rips, or tears) and may not have offensive language or messaging. If clothing is deemed unacceptable, the CSV will be asked to leave the Center.
- No weapons of any kind are permitted on MAC property.
- Cell phones and personal items should be left outside the Center and may not be used on site.
- Harassment, abuse, intimidation, insubordination, or other disrespectful or degrading treatment of staff, other volunteers, or the public will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
- Participants are permitted in assigned areas only – anyone found outside a permitted area may be immediately dismissed from the program.
- Participants must recognize that many of the cases we handle here at MAC are confidential, so disclosure of any information regarding personnel or animals (those not available for adoption) is prohibited.
Have A Question?
If you have a question about the MAC Volunteering program that was not answered on this page, please click below to email our Volunteer Program Manager.
Already A MAC Volunteer?
If you are already a MAC Volunteer, you can login below to sign up for shifts, check your hours, etc…
Contact Us
McKamey Animal Center
4500 N. Access Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37415
(423) 305-6500
McKamey Animal Center was founded in 2008, serving the pets and people of the cities of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Lakesite, Tennessee. MAC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization.
