HARP - Volunteer with Cats (North Side)

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Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's (HARP) Wildlife Rehabilitaion Center opened its doors in 1997 and has been growing ever since! We operate a fully licensed wildlife rehabilitation clinic, specializing in the care and treatment of injured, orphaned, and ill native Pennsylvania wildlife. The goal for all our patients is to release them back into the wild as healthy individuals.

Our staff has over 35 years of combined rehabilitation experience with wildlife, holding over 20 different licenses through the Pennsylvania Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, USDA, and US Fish and Wildlife Services. We are invested in continuing education and staying up to date on the best practices possible at our facility. Our clinic admits over 4,200 patients spanning over 140 different species every year, helping over 40,000 animals since opening!

Volunteering at our domestic shelter is an enriching experience that goes beyond lending a helping hand-it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and hope for those in need. As a volunteer, you become a vital part of our mission to create a safe and nurturing haven for individuals and families facing adversity. Join us in making a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time, as we work together to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Your dedication transforms lives, and we invite you to be a beacon of change with us at the forefront of compassion.

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Opportunities:

This is exactly what it sounds like! Volunteers spend time socializing with our cats, engaging with them in essential play time, enrichment time, and sometimes even working training protocols! All volunteers are trained in recognizing cat body language, basic handling, and HARP-specific procedures.

Cat Care volunteers assist our Animal Care department with routine cleaning of kennels and monitoring our cats for any basic needs that may arise. Duties include replacing blankets and towels, cleaning out litter boxes, swapping old toys for new ones, and recording basic health information. All volunteers are trained in recognizing cat body language and in HARP-specific cleaning protocols.

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Requirements:

• Submit Application
• Act 34 clearance (free to volunteers)
• Fear Free certification (free to volunteers)
• In-person orientation - this is where you’ll receive a t-shirt, name badge, and a brief tour of your respective space; also usually where we’ll officially get you on the schedule
• Age restriction: volunteers 18 and older may volunteer independently. 16 and 17, must have an adult on site with them. Children younger than 16 are not permitted to volunteer for safety reasons, but we have plenty of other programs for you!
• Time requirement: 2 hours per week for at least 6 months - if unable to commit to the same time weekly, ask us about other options!
  • Summer-only/short-term/drop-in volunteers - we have lots of options for you! Contact us to learn more.
• Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh reserves the right to decline any volunteer application for any reason.

Additional Requirements May Include:

• Online training (animal-handling; species-specific video and quiz)
• In-person mentoring - training period varies by role
• Education volunteers will be required to obtain Act 33 and Act 114 clearances for working/volunteering with children

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Interested? Email volunteer@humaneanimalrescue.org!