Mesa County Shelter Seeks Volunteers for Animal Care

Behind every wagging tail and gentle purr at Mesa County Animal Services is a team of volunteers making sure shelter animals get the care and love they deserve while waiting for their forever families.

The shelter is actively recruiting community members to join their volunteer program. Whether you have five years of animal experience or five minutes of enthusiasm, there's a role that fits.

Volunteers spend time walking dogs through the facility's enrichment activities, helping anxious pups burn energy and practice social skills. Others focus on the cat areas, providing grooming sessions and gentle companionship that keeps felines calm in an unfamiliar environment.

The work isn't all cuddles and play, though those moments certainly happen. Volunteers also fold mountains of laundry, sanitize food bowls, clean kennel information cards, and maintain organized spaces throughout the facility.

These seemingly small tasks create ripple effects throughout the shelter. When volunteers handle daily maintenance, staff veterinarians and adoption coordinators can focus their expertise where it matters most: medical care, intake assessments, and matching animals with families.

Consistent human interaction does something powerful for shelter animals. It reduces stress, maintains socialization skills, and keeps them emotionally healthy during their stay. Clean, well-organized spaces prevent illness and create a welcoming environment for potential adopters.

The Ripple Effect

Every volunteer hour strengthens the entire shelter ecosystem. A volunteer who commits to weekly dog walks might help dozens of animals throughout the year become more adoptable. Someone folding laundry on Tuesday afternoons ensures every kennel has clean bedding, preventing infections and keeping animals comfortable.

Foster volunteers play an especially crucial role during kitten season and other high-demand periods. By providing temporary home environments, they free up shelter space and give young or stressed animals the quiet care they need to thrive.

The shelter welcomes anyone comfortable working with animals or eager to learn. Training and guidance come standard with every role, and schedules flex around availability—from regular weekly commitments to short-term seasonal help.

Getting started takes one simple step: reach out to Natalie Orton at natalie.orton@mesacounty.us or call 970-255-5019 to learn about current opportunities and find the perfect fit for your schedule and interests.