Maryland Shelter Launches New Volunteer Program for Animals

The St. Mary's County Animal Adoption & Resource Center in California, Maryland, just made it easier for animal lovers to make a real difference in their community.

For the first time in the center's history, volunteers now receive a complete handbook, facility tours, and hands-on training before working with the shelter's animals. Volunteer Coordinator Claire Stevens launched the program with help from veteran volunteers who wanted to ensure everyone could safely support the busy shelter.

The timing couldn't be better. The 13,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2022, houses up to 40 dogs and 90 cats at a time. But the center's mission goes far beyond typical pets.

"What is unique about this center is that it is required to take in all domestic animals," longtime volunteer Connie Kline told new recruits during a recent orientation. "It doesn't matter the breed, the temperament, the illness or the injury." Over the years, staff have cared for horses, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, reptiles, and even tarantulas.

The new program walks volunteers through areas many never see: animal housing rooms, laundry facilities, bathing stations, and the donation pantry where struggling families receive free pet food and supplies. Understanding the full scope of operations helps volunteers spot ways to help beyond the obvious tasks like dog walking.

Volunteers now learn that some of the shelter's biggest needs involve behind-the-scenes work. Washing dishes, organizing donations, checking expiration dates on food, and maintaining animal care areas keep the facility running smoothly. "It's the little things that we think of as mediocre tasks, but it keeps it off of the shelter staff," volunteer Kelley Hernandez explained.

Safety anchors the entire program. Volunteers complete assessments before handling dogs, learn proper animal interaction protocols, and understand their limitations. The structure protects everyone involved while maintaining consistent care standards.

The Ripple Effect

The volunteer program's impact extends beyond the shelter walls. The pet pantry serves families facing financial hardship, helping them keep their animals instead of surrendering them. Volunteers who organize these donations directly prevent pets from entering the shelter system.

The program also builds a stronger community of animal advocates. Veterans like Connie Kline, Doug Isleib, Yoko Tin, and Kelley Hernandez now mentor newcomers, creating a network of trained volunteers ready to support the center's mission.

By making volunteer work more accessible and structured, the center ensures that every person who wants to help animals can find their place, whether they're walking a Great Dane mix or simply dating donated food with a Sharpie.