Save Lives As a Volunteer

Every volunteer hour you give helps improve the lives of Bastrop County animals. Whether you have 4 hours a month or 40, whether you prefer working from home or at events, we have meaningful ways for you to help homeless pets in our community.
Register To Volunteer

What Makes SPSN Volunteering Unique

Unlike direct animal care volunteering, SPSN volunteers work on the programs and funding that make rescue possible. We’re the safety net that catches animals when the shelter’s resources aren’t enough.

Two Ways to Volunteer With Animals in Bastrop County

Support Animals with Shelter Pet Safety Net

There is no need to visit the animal shelter when you volunteer with us!

We need volunteers for marketing, fundraising, event planning, grant writing, and administrative support. Most of our work can be done from home on your own schedule. You may also foster for us through our rescue program.
Learn About SPSN Volunteer Opportunities Below

Want to Work Hands-On with Animals?

Consider volunteering with Bastrop County Animal Services

If you’re looking for hands-on animal care – dog walking, kitten cuddling, cleaning kennels, helping with adoptions – you’ll want to apply with the Bastrop County Animal Shelter.

Please note: You can also be a volunteer with Shelter Pet Safety Net, but working with the shelter animals requires approval through the Bastrop County Animal Shelter.

Bastrop County Animal Services Volunteering
Need clarity on the difference?
  • Download our Volunteer Information sheet: SPSN vs County Shelter Volunteering

SPSN Volunteer Opportunities

Most roles offer flexible time commitments – tell us what you can give!

Creative Designer / Photographer

4+ hours/month

Help us tell the stories that save lives! Take photos at events and the shelter, design marketing materials for social media and email campaigns.

What you'll need:

  • Your own camera and computer
  • Access to design software (Adobe, Publisher, etc.)
  • Creativity and eye for compelling visuals

Skills:

Photography

graphic design

creativity

Social Media & Marketing

8+ hours/month

Manage our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter presence with compelling posts that connect our community to the animals we help.

What you'll need:

  • Create consistent, engaging social media content
  • Monitor and respond to messages
  • Help grow our online community

Skills:

Social media expertise

writing

communications

Data Entry Specialist

4+ hours/month

Work from home entering donation records and event data. Perfect for detail-oriented people who want to help but prefer behind-the-scenes work.

What you'll need:

  • Your own computer
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Skills:

Basic computer skills

attention to detail

Grant Researcher

8-40 hours/month

Help us tell the stories that save lives! Take photos at events and the shelter, design marketing materials for social media and email campaigns.

What you'll need:

  • Research grant opportunities online
  • Investigate requirements and application processes
  • Present findings to our Board of Directors

Skills:

Online research

writing

detailed investigation

Newsletter Writer

8+ hours/month

Share the impact of our work through compelling storytelling in our regular supporter newsletter.

What you'll need:

  • Write success stories and program updates
  • Compile photos and create professional layouts
  • Work with the Board on content review

Skills:

Writing

familiarity with publishing software

journalism experience a plus

Education & Outreach

4-40 hours/month

Become our community educator on spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership, and available resources. Spanish speakers especially needed!

What you'll need:

  • Develop educational materials
  • Speak to community groups
  • Share information at public events

Skills:

Public speaking

writing

knowledge of pet care topics

Fundraising Outreach Assistant

4+ hours/month

Connect with local businesses, foundations, and individuals to share our mission and secure support for our life-saving work.

What you'll need:

  • Contact potential donors via phone, email, or in person
  • Follow up with donors to share impact stories
  • Build relationships in the community

Skills:

Communication

persuasion

friendly attitude

Sales Star

Flexible hours

Turn donated items into funds for animals! Price and sell donated goods through online platforms and sales events.

What you'll need:

  • Your own computer and postal scale
  • Transportation for pick-ups and deliveries

Skills:

eBay/Facebook Marketplace experience

pricing research

organization

Event Organizer

Flexible hours

Plan and execute fundraising events and community outreach activities that raise both funds and awareness for our mission.

What you'll need:

  • Plan events from concept to completion
  • Manage budgets and vendor relationships
  • Coordinate volunteers and logistics

Skills:

Planning

organization

budget management

people skills

Event Helper

0-12 hours/month

Support our events with enthusiastic, hands-on help. Perfect for people who want to help but can’t commit to regular hours.

What you'll need:

  • Staff event booths and activities
  • Help with adoptions and information sharing
  • Assist with setup, breakdown, and crowd management

Skills:

Positive attitude

communication skills

knowledge of our mission

Emergency Medical Care Coordinator

Flexible hours

Help coordinate funding and logistics for shelter animals needing urgent, costly medical treatment.

What you'll need:

  • Coordinate emergency treatment plans with veterinarians and shelter staff
  • Assist with funding approval and tracking for medical care
  • Help arrange transport or short-term recovery support

Skills:

Calm under pressure

clear communication

decision-making

Board Director

20+ hours/month

Ready to take on strategic leadership? Join our Board of Directors to guide the organization’s future and hands-on work.

What you'll need:

  • Strategic planning and decision-making
  • Hands-on involvement in programs
  • Fundraising and community representation

Skills:

Strategic thinking

communication

planning

budget management

Ready to Get Started?

Step 1

Choose Your Role

Review the opportunities above and think about your interests, skills, and available time.

Step 2

Get the Full Details

Download Our Complete Volunteer Handbook

Everything you need to know about volunteering with SPSN, including policies, procedures, and expectations.

Step 3

Apply

Submit your volunteer application

Step 4

Get Started

We’ll contact you to discuss your interests and get you started making a difference!

The Impact of Your Volunteer Hours

Every hour you volunteer means:

  • More animals receive life-saving medical care
  • More families can afford spay/neuter surgery
  • More pets find forever homes
  • More resources reach the county shelter
  • More community members learn about responsible pet ownership
Your time truly saves lives. Thank you for considering joining our volunteer family!

Connect with Both Organizations

Bastrop County Animal Shelter

For direct animal care volunteering

Shelter Pet Safety Net

For volunteer support programs and behind-the-scenes opportunities

  • www.shelterpetsafetynet.org
  • ShelterPetSafetyNet
  • hello@shelterpetsafetynet.org
Together, we’re creating a community where every animal is valued, cared for, and has the chance to find a loving home.

volunteer form