Volunteer • KC Pet Project (KCPP™)

Volunteer Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Volunteer Program at the Kansas City Pet Project is to provide a fulfilling experience to the volunteer and provide necessary assistance where needed at KCPP. Volunteers are one of our most valuable resources. With your commitment and assistance we will work together to make the organization successful in promoting animal welfare, providing public education on the proper care and treatment of animals, and giving shelter animals some much needed love and attention.

If you are interested in volunteering at the shelter you must fit the below requirements:

At least 16 years old or older, or supervised by supervisor/guardian
Have a working email account.
Must be able to purchase a volunteer t-shirt and wear it every time that you volunteer.
Must have interest in improving animals time at the shelter and helping them become successful pets.
Mature and respectful attitude is required while at shelter at all times.
Support the Kansas City Pet Project mission.

*We cannot accommodate volunteers with criminal records that include felonies, any charges involved with theft, abuse, or cruelty to animals.

Current KCPP Volunteer Needs

Walking and Socializing Dogs – We are always looking for volunteers to give their time and energy to our dogs that are waiting for some one on one love and attention. We are especially in need of volunteers who can serve time during the week, rain or shine!
Transport Volunteers – Help us transport animals from our main shelter to our offsite adoption locations. We will load your car up with a kennel and the pet, and send you off with directions. This can be one of the easiest ways to volunteer but also one of the most needed here at the shelter.
Special Event Volunteers – You can volunteer your time helping out at KCPP events all over Kansas City! We need volunteers for major fundraisers, third party events, volunteer fairs, and much more.
Petco Cat Habitats – Volunteer your time helping care for the cats at our Petco Cat Habitat locations. You get to help with the daily care and cleaning of cats at our 6 Petco locations all over the metro area.

Thank you for your interest in changing a KCPP pet’s life, we are excited for you to join us!

To Volunteer at Kansas City Pet Project

Step 1

Attend an orientation at the shelter. The orientation is approximately one hour long and we ask that you volunteer at the location that you wish to volunteer at. See dates for our next volunteer orientations.

Step 2

Dog Track – Attend VOICE 101 training to learn basic enrichment skills. After 6 hours of practicing VOICE, you will be eligible for Basic Dog Handling
Feline Care Watch our Cat Behavior Training video to learn the basics about cat behavior, then attend a Cat 101 class, after which you can start socializing with cats one on one! Email Jennifer Dreisewerd to join the feline care volunteer team. Jennifer.Dreisewerd@kcmo.org
General – Immediately begin helping at KC Pet Project with needs like data entry, cleaning, laundry, dishes, lawn care, organization, and special events.

Volunteer and make a difference in a pets life!

Individual Volunteers

Dog and Cat Socializer – Socialize with pets to reduce their stress, keep them company, and show them love that they need while in the shelter. Socialize, train, and exercise furry residents of the shelter.
Special Events – Adoption, fundraising, and PR events
Donation Drives – Collecting funds and goods for the shelter and animals
Donation Pickups – Collect and pick up donations at various places
Office Assistance – Help with paperwork and misc. office work
Operational Tasks – Help with daily tasks at the shelter like laundry, dishes, filling water bowls, sweeping and mopping, sanitizing transport kennels, replacing trash bags in waste buckets, and much more.
Miscellaneous – What are your talents? What can you offer KCPP? Please tell us, we are always looking for individuals with special talents who can help with various projects. Let us know!

Group Projects

If your group is interested in volunteering at our shelter, we’d love to hear from you! We host corporate groups, youth groups, service clubs, and more at our Main Shelter. Whether your group would like to spend a couple of hours at the shelter, or schedule recurring visits we would love to have you visit us.

Learn more about how your organization and KONG Cares can help provide our shelter dogs with their favorite enrichment toys.

We would love to plan a donation drive, or share DIY projects with your group.

Wishlist

Dry Cat food
Poop bags
Peanut Butter (without Xylitol)
KMR kitten formula
Unscented, clumping cat litter
Hand sanitizer
Large zip lock bags
Tall kitchen garbage bags
Clorox bleach
Paper towels
Dawn dish soap
Disinfecting wipes
Disposable surgical gowns/masks/booties
Latex and non-latex gloves (all sizes)
Gift Cards: Wal-Mart, Petco, Office supply stores, Home improvement stores

DIY Projects

SPARC

SPARC (Shelter Pet Advocate Resource Committee) is a volunteer marketing committee consisting of volunteer team members who advocate for dogs in our shelter through social media and other outlets. The goal of SPARC is to reduce length of stay for dogs in KCPP custody, therefore keeping more cages open for incoming dogs and saving more lives.

What can you do from home?

Foster Parent/Family –Join our group of loving foster families. Fostering is an amazing opportunity to open your home to an animal in need. It is so beneficial for pets to experience home life while they wait for their furever home.

At-home Projects – Check out the links listed below for some fun at home projects that can really make a difference for our animals.