Opportunities From: SPCA of Southwest Michigan

Volunteer: New Volunteer Hands - On Training (Step 3 of 3)

Ready for Hands-On Volunteer Training?

You’ve watched the video, passed the quiz, and now it’s time for the fun part. Hands-On Training is the final step before you begin volunteering with our animals!

Hands-On Training Details
Length: 40 minutes to 1 hour
With: SPCA Staff

What You’ll Do:

Learn how to log into the volunteer computer

Review and refresh what you learned in the training video

Meet our cats and walk an advanced dog as a group

Walk your very first dog on your own

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early. Training begins promptly at the scheduled time.

Dress for the Weather
About 20 minutes of training takes place outdoors with the dogs. We train in light rain, snow, and cold, so please dress accordingly. Boots are recommended (we may be standing in snow), along with a warm coat, gloves, and layers in winter. Snow pants are welcome if needed.
Training will be canceled in cases of moderate to heavy rain, flooded grounds, snowstorms, or severe weather. If canceled, you’ll be asked to reschedule for another day.

Volunteers with Minors

Minors must be 8 years or older

Minors must attend training with a guardian until age 16

Minors should watch the orientation video (quiz not required)

Minors may attend training without being signed up separately

Sign up here:
New Volunteer Hands-On Training (Step 3 of 3) | SPCA of Southwest Michigan

If you don’t yet have a volunteer profile, please create one and mark “Yes” under qualifications for watching the video and passing the quiz. Training times are updated monthly, so if the current dates don’t work, be sure to check back.

Optional: Help Kick Off Your Volunteer Journey with a Gift
Many new volunteers choose to bring a small donation to their training session to support the animals they’ll soon be helping. While never required, every gift makes a difference. One can of food equals one meal for an animal in our care. 

Our Current Top Needs:

BIGGEST NEED: Pet-safe sidewalk salt/ice melt

Dry cat food (any size or brand)

Cat litter

Dog treats (all kinds welcome, soft chews most needed)

Hard, long-lasting chew bones (especially large sizes)

Dish soap (any brand)

Gift cards (Meijer, Menards, Walmart, PetSmart)

The SPCA does not receive government funding. Every donation and volunteer hour comes from our amazing community. Thank you for helping us make tails wag and purrs happen! 

Program: SPCA Orientations

Ready for Hands-On Volunteer Training?

You’ve watched the video, passed the quiz, and now it’s time for the fun part. Hands-On Training is the final step before you begin volunteering with our animals!

Hands-On Training Details
Length: 40 minutes to 1 hour
With: SPCA Staff

What You’ll Do:

Learn how to log into the volunteer computer

Review and refresh what you learned in the training video

Meet our cats and walk an advanced dog as a group

Walk your very first dog on your own

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early. Training begins promptly at the scheduled time.

Dress for the Weather
About 20 minutes of training takes place outdoors with the dogs. We train in light rain, snow, and cold, so please dress accordingly. Boots are recommended (we may be standing in snow), along with a warm coat, gloves, and layers in winter. Snow pants are welcome if needed.
Training will be canceled in cases of moderate to heavy rain, flooded grounds, snowstorms, or severe weather. If canceled, you’ll be asked to reschedule for another day.

Volunteers with Minors

Minors must be 8 years or older

Minors must attend training with a guardian until age 16

Minors should watch the orientation video (quiz not required)

Minors may attend training without being signed up separately

Sign up here:
New Volunteer Hands-On Training (Step 3 of 3) | SPCA of Southwest Michigan

If you don’t yet have a volunteer profile, please create one and mark “Yes” under qualifications for watching the video and passing the quiz. Training times are updated monthly, so if the current dates don’t work, be sure to check back.

Optional: Help Kick Off Your Volunteer Journey with a Gift
Many new volunteers choose to bring a small donation to their training session to support the animals they’ll soon be helping. While never required, every gift makes a difference. One can of food equals one meal for an animal in our care. 

Our Current Top Needs:

BIGGEST NEED: Pet-safe sidewalk salt/ice melt

Dry cat food (any size or brand)

Cat litter

Dog treats (all kinds welcome, soft chews most needed)

Hard, long-lasting chew bones (especially large sizes)

Dish soap (any brand)

Gift cards (Meijer, Menards, Walmart, PetSmart)

The SPCA does not receive government funding. Every donation and volunteer hour comes from our amazing community. Thank you for helping us make tails wag and purrs happen! 

Program: SPCA Orientations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Phone Support (Weekday)

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire shift. You’re welcome to come in at any time during the scheduled hours and help for as little or as long as you’re able. Every call you take makes a difference!

Program: Office

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire shift. You’re welcome to come in at any time during the scheduled hours and help for as little or as long as you’re able. Every call you take makes a difference!

Program: Office

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteer: Evening Adoption Counseling (2026)

 

 

Program: Office

 

 

Program: Office

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Midday Adoption Counseling 3pm - 5pm


Program: Office


Program: Office

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Afternoon Adoption Counseling

 

Program: Office

 

Program: Office

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Morning Adoption Counseling

 

Program: Office

 

Program: Office

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Foster Needed: 2 Tiny Kittens: Chip & Dale

Chip and Dale are two sweet 5-week-old brothers looking for a foster home together.

While they are 5 weeks old, they are still small for their age. They are starting to eat some dry food but are mostly eating wet food mixed with formula. The SPCA can provide their food.

These kittens will need a foster home until they reach 2 pounds and are ready for adoption. The foster period will likely be about 4 weeks. They will also need to return to the SPCA for their first vaccines and wellness check in a few weeks.


Respond now to foster Chip and Dale.

Program: Fostering

Chip and Dale are two sweet 5-week-old brothers looking for a foster home together.

While they are 5 weeks old, they are still small for their age. They are starting to eat some dry food but are mostly eating wet food mixed with formula. The SPCA can provide their food.

These kittens will need a foster home until they reach 2 pounds and are ready for adoption. The foster period will likely be about 4 weeks. They will also need to return to the SPCA for their first vaccines and wellness check in a few weeks.


Respond now to foster Chip and Dale.

Program: Fostering

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jul 12, 2026

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Pregnant Cat needs a foster ASAP!

Momma Spice needs a foster home now more than most. 


This sweet pregnant mama seems very sad and shut down. What she really needs is a loving foster home where she can feel safe, get hugs and kisses, and be reminded every day that she’s a good cat.

Spice is incredibly sweet and loves being pet and loved on. She is still early in her pregnancy, with about 3 weeks before giving birth, giving her plenty of time to settle into a foster home and build confidence before her kittens arrive. An ultrasound showed approximately 4–5 kittens.

She will need fostering until the kittens are about 8 weeks old or 2 lbs and will require 1–2 SPCA visits for vaccines and checkups.

Please help this deserving mama feel safe and loved before her babies come.

Respond now to foster.

Program: Fostering

Momma Spice needs a foster home now more than most. 


This sweet pregnant mama seems very sad and shut down. What she really needs is a loving foster home where she can feel safe, get hugs and kisses, and be reminded every day that she’s a good cat.

Spice is incredibly sweet and loves being pet and loved on. She is still early in her pregnancy, with about 3 weeks before giving birth, giving her plenty of time to settle into a foster home and build confidence before her kittens arrive. An ultrasound showed approximately 4–5 kittens.

She will need fostering until the kittens are about 8 weeks old or 2 lbs and will require 1–2 SPCA visits for vaccines and checkups.

Please help this deserving mama feel safe and loved before her babies come.

Respond now to foster.

Program: Fostering

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Aug 2, 2026

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Foster Needed: Orange- Small Pregnant Dog

Foster Needed: Orange

Orange is a small, sweet, and friendly girl with a happy personality. She is currently pregnant and expected to give birth in the next 1–2 weeks. An ultrasound showed she is carrying 5 puppies.

Orange is looking for a foster home where she can safely deliver and care for her puppies. She will need to stay in foster until the puppies are about 8 weeks old. Around 6 weeks, the puppies will need to come into the shelter for their first vaccines.

We can provide puppy pads, food, and any needed supplies. 

If you can provide a calm, caring space for Orange and her pups during this important time, please respond now to foster her.

**First Time Fosters are welcomed. Theres a first for everything! 

Program: Fostering

Foster Needed: Orange

Orange is a small, sweet, and friendly girl with a happy personality. She is currently pregnant and expected to give birth in the next 1–2 weeks. An ultrasound showed she is carrying 5 puppies.

Orange is looking for a foster home where she can safely deliver and care for her puppies. She will need to stay in foster until the puppies are about 8 weeks old. Around 6 weeks, the puppies will need to come into the shelter for their first vaccines.

We can provide puppy pads, food, and any needed supplies. 

If you can provide a calm, caring space for Orange and her pups during this important time, please respond now to foster her.

**First Time Fosters are welcomed. Theres a first for everything! 

Program: Fostering

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Jul 5, 2026

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: SPCA Cleaning and Tidying (Monday - Friday)

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Log in and out of the computer to let us know you're here and record your hours. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Program: Shelter Tidying

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Log in and out of the computer to let us know you're here and record your hours. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Program: Shelter Tidying

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Cat City Socialization

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire shift. Feel free to stop by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’re able. Every bit of time you give makes a difference for the cats! 

Program: Cat City

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire shift. Feel free to stop by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’re able. Every bit of time you give makes a difference for the cats! 

Program: Cat City

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Community Service (CO)

Please sign in to begin your court-ordered community service.
Only hours logged in this system will be reported to the court. Remember to sign out when you leave. Thank you for helping support the SPCA of Southwest Michigan!

Program: Court-Ordered Community Service

Please sign in to begin your court-ordered community service.
Only hours logged in this system will be reported to the court. Remember to sign out when you leave. Thank you for helping support the SPCA of Southwest Michigan!

Program: Court-Ordered Community Service

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteer: Cat City Morning Cleaning

 

Cat City Morning Cleaning is one of the SPCA's volunteer activities that we need filled the most.

The best part about this activity is when you're the first person to walk into the cat room in the morning all the cats come to greet you with purrs and cuddles. 

It takes about 2 hours to clean Cat City.

We allot three hours for this activity to give the volunteer the time and space to spend with the cats. Volunteers do not need to be at the SPCA the full 3 hours. 

 

Duties Include: 

Sweeping and Mopping

Feeding the cats and changing out the water. 

Putting out clean blankets. 

Scooping the litter boxes and putting fresh litter in.

Making sure Cat City is clean and tidy. 

 

Thank you! 

 

Program: Cat City

 

Cat City Morning Cleaning is one of the SPCA's volunteer activities that we need filled the most.

The best part about this activity is when you're the first person to walk into the cat room in the morning all the cats come to greet you with purrs and cuddles. 

It takes about 2 hours to clean Cat City.

We allot three hours for this activity to give the volunteer the time and space to spend with the cats. Volunteers do not need to be at the SPCA the full 3 hours. 

 

Duties Include: 

Sweeping and Mopping

Feeding the cats and changing out the water. 

Putting out clean blankets. 

Scooping the litter boxes and putting fresh litter in.

Making sure Cat City is clean and tidy. 

 

Thank you! 

 

Program: Cat City

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Dog Walking and Socialization

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire shift. Feel free to stop by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’re able. Every bit of time you give makes a difference for the dogs! 

Program: Dogs

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire shift. Feel free to stop by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’re able. Every bit of time you give makes a difference for the dogs! 

Program: Dogs

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: SPCA Cleaning and Tidying (Saturday)

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Log in and out of the computer to let us know you're here and record your hours. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Program: Shelter Tidying

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Friendly reminder: Volunteers are not required to stay for the full shift. You’re welcome to come by anytime during the scheduled hours and help out for as little or as long as you’d like. Log in and out of the computer to let us know you're here and record your hours. Every bit of help makes a difference!

Program: Shelter Tidying

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer General Orientation Video (Step 1 of 3)


https://youtu.be/ywhL8CtR0fk?si=vFdxwdrAEC-QfvuF   Please Make sure to create a volunteer profile on this site. Click "Sign Up" at the top right corner of the page to do so. 

 

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***After Taking the Quiz, please wait for your qualifications to be updated. You will receive an email to sign-up for Hands-On Training within 7 business days. If you do not receive an email within 7 business days, please email, Tricia@spcaswmich.org***

Program: SPCA Orientations


https://youtu.be/ywhL8CtR0fk?si=vFdxwdrAEC-QfvuF   Please Make sure to create a volunteer profile on this site. Click "Sign Up" at the top right corner of the page to do so. 

 

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***After Taking the Quiz, please wait for your qualifications to be updated. You will receive an email to sign-up for Hands-On Training within 7 business days. If you do not receive an email within 7 business days, please email, Tricia@spcaswmich.org***

Program: SPCA Orientations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Decompression Walks- How To




Program: Volunteer Toolbox




Program: Volunteer Toolbox

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Calling All Creative Volunteers!

Calling All Creative Volunteers!

We’re looking for talented volunteers with experience in mixed media—including photography, videography, and social media—to help us bring our projects to life!

If you have skills in one or more of these areas:

Creating or editing photos or videos

Designing multimedia content

Managing or creating content for social media platforms

Working with collage, graphics, or visual storytelling

…we’d love to hear from you!

Please respond to this post to let us know you’re interested
In the notes section, briefly share your experience (e.g., platforms you’ve used, tools you’re skilled in, or past projects).

Your creativity can make a real impact—thank you for sharing your time and talent with us!

Program: Special Projects

Calling All Creative Volunteers!

We’re looking for talented volunteers with experience in mixed media—including photography, videography, and social media—to help us bring our projects to life!

If you have skills in one or more of these areas:

Creating or editing photos or videos

Designing multimedia content

Managing or creating content for social media platforms

Working with collage, graphics, or visual storytelling

…we’d love to hear from you!

Please respond to this post to let us know you’re interested
In the notes section, briefly share your experience (e.g., platforms you’ve used, tools you’re skilled in, or past projects).

Your creativity can make a real impact—thank you for sharing your time and talent with us!

Program: Special Projects

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Adoption Counseling Training

 

 

Step 2: Email Tricia@spcaswmich.org to schedule your first shift in the office. This will be a training shift that will help you get familiar with the office. Please let Tricia know what days of the week you're available in the email. Thank you. 

Program: SPCA Orientations

 

 

Step 2: Email Tricia@spcaswmich.org to schedule your first shift in the office. This will be a training shift that will help you get familiar with the office. Please let Tricia know what days of the week you're available in the email. Thank you. 

Program: SPCA Orientations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: New Volunteer General Orientation Quiz (Step 2 of 3)

After Watching the SPCA General Orientation Video, Please take the Quiz Below: 

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Program: SPCA Orientations

After Watching the SPCA General Orientation Video, Please take the Quiz Below: 

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Program: SPCA Orientations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Foster Orientation Video & Quiz (Steps 1 & 2)

 

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Program: SPCA Orientations

 

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Program: SPCA Orientations

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49009

Allow Groups: No