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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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