Volunteer News and Upcoming Opportunities

VOLUNTEER AT

Flyer for 'Bark in the Park' event featuring orange silhouette of a dog jumping over a park bench, palm trees, and text indicating event details on November 7th, 2026, from 11AM to 4PM at Sand Point Park in Titusville, benefiting the SPCA of Brevard. Free attendance.

BARK IN THE PARK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 

Friday Afternoon/Evening Set Up – 3 p.m.
Start time may change depending on when we are permitted to begin park setup.

Help us get the park ready! Duties may include marking and setting up vendor spaces, setting up tables and tents, arranging the raffle and SPCA areas, placing signage, unloading supplies and other general setup tasks.

 Saturday Morning Set Up – 9 a.m.

Assist with final event setup, including tents, tables, signage and the SPCA area. Volunteers may also help vendors locate their assigned spaces, assist with unloading or tent setup when needed, and tackle other last-minute tasks before the gates open.

 Raffle Area Set Up – 9 a.m.

Help arrange and display raffle items, organize raffle tickets and supplies, prepare signage and get everything ready for attendees.

 Beer Garden – 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. / 1:30–4 p.m.
Volunteers will serve as bartenders and pour beer for attendees (after verifying age) and will help keep the area clean.

Note: This opportunity is only available for volunteers 21 and up.

 VIP Tent – 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. / 1:30–4 p.m.

Check VIP access, welcome VIP guests, distribute VIP items as needed, assist with beverages, keep the area tidy and stocked, and help create a welcoming VIP experience.

Note: This opportunity is only available for volunteers 21 and up.

 Raffle Area – 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. / 1:30–4 p.m.

Sell raffle tickets, explain how the raffles work, answer questions, keep the area organized and attractive, assist with drawing winning tickets and make sure prizes make their way to their winners.

 Lure Course – 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. / 1:30–4 p.m.

Assist with registration and payments, organize the waiting line, help owners and dogs get into position, call participants when it's their turn and help keep things moving smoothly.

Several experienced Bark Buddies will also be needed to assist staff with dogs inside the lure course area.

 SPCA Tent – 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. / 1:30–4 p.m.

Represent the SPCA at our main information area! Help answer questions, accept donations, sell merchandise and available VIP passes, provide information about the SPCA and direct attendees to the appropriate people or areas when needed.

 Grounds Crew – 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. / 1:30–4 p.m.
Help keep Bark in the Park clean, safe and comfortable for our two- and four-legged guests! Volunteers will circulate throughout the event, refill dog water stations, monitor trash cans, pick up litter, keep walkways clear, help with doggy clean-up when needed, and alert an Event Team Lead to any safety or facility concerns.

 Event Clean-Up & Tear Down – 4 p.m. until finished

Help break down SPCA tents and tables, pack raffle and event supplies, remove signage, collect trash, load vehicles and make sure we leave Sand Point Park looking better than we found it. The more people we have for this shift, the faster everyone gets to go home!

SIGN UP ON THE VIC

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

  • Puppy/Kitty Yoga at Bliss Fitness Studio

    Saturday, September 19 at Bliss Fitness Studio in Melbourne.

    Volunteers needed to assist with wrangling puppies or kittens during yoga class. The class is from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. but we’ll need volunteers to arrive by 1:30 p.m. to take control of the animals.

    SIGN UP ON THE VIC
  • Check Back Soon

    Pop Up Cat Cafe

    Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Satellite Beach Library.

    We need volunteers and Kitty Kuddlers to help at this event. Two hour sessions have been set up.

    We will also need help with set up beginning at 8:30 a.m.

    SIGN UP ON THE VIC

  • Wag-o-Ween Pet Parade

    Saturday, October 10 from 9:30 a.m. until Noon at Wickham Park in Melbourne

    Two volunteers needed to assist with the info table.

    SIGN UP ON THE VIC

  • Queens for Canines

    Friday, November 13 from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Melbourne Rialto (volunteers should arrive by 7:30).

    Some of the volunteer positions will be manning the silent auction table, helping with admission bands, as well as making sure VIP seating is secured. 

    SIGN UP ON THE VIC
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Group of people dressed in Christmas-themed clothing, standing in front of a decorated float with Christmas decorations and plush toys, at an outdoor holiday event.
Young woman with brown hair and a gray t-shirt that says 'Volunteering is my superpower' smiling, kneeling, with a gray dog in front of her, outdoors with pumpkins, hay, trees, and fall decorations.
A woman smiling and kneeling next to a happy brindle and black dog at an outdoor event with tents and people in the background.
Two women smiling, one holding a black cat, in a room with pet supplies and a cat tree.
A man in a red SPCA volunteer t-shirt and red cap standing outdoors with a happy brown and white dog on a leash, at an outdoor event with tents, people, and a colorful van in the background.
Four women, including one in a wheelchair, standing in a classroom with a whiteboard in the background. All are smiling and wearing name tags and red lanyards.
Three smiling people and a black dog with a purple bandana outdoors on a sunny day. The man in front is wearing a blue T-shirt, sunglasses, and a white cap, holding the dog's leash. The woman on the left is wearing a red Volunteer shirt and glasses,
Man wearing sunglasses kneeling on grassy field with a leash, petting a white dog with black spots and a red collar lying on the grass. In the background, another person stands on a dirt path in a rural outdoor setting with trees and grass.
Group of five people walking their dogs in a park or grassy area with trees.
A man in a blue shirt, beige cap, and sunglasses holding a leash on a happy, smiling dog in a grassy area with trees and blue sky in the background.
A woman with glasses and a gray t-shirt standing in front of a laundry area with a pile of blankets and clothes.
A woman in a red SPCA T-shirt packing a cardboard box with small gifts and glassware in an indoor storage or warehouse room.
A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a Shenandoah hoodie kneeling beside a black and white dog in a room with medals hanging on the wall.
A woman wearing a red shirt, gray long-sleeve underneath, jeans, and red gloves is assembling a frame on a wooden table in a conference room.
A man is measuring a large metal frame on a wooden table in a room with kitchen cabinets, a microwave, and a door. Various tools and materials are on the table, including scissors, a spray bottle, towels, and a roll of mesh material.
Two people working together on a large clear acrylic frame at a wooden conference table. The woman on the left has long curly hair and is wearing glasses, a teal shirt, and a face mask. The man on the right has short dark hair, a beard, and is wearin
A woman standing outdoors holding a rake in front of the SPCA of Brevard building. She is wearing a blue T-shirt with the SPCA logo and jeans, with fallen leaves on the ground.
A girl lying on the floor surrounded by multiple cats of different colors and patterns, some on her and some near her, with toys nearby.
An elderly woman smiling at a clothing resale store, standing in front of racks of clothes including shirts and pants.
Three people standing behind a table at an outdoor SPCA event. The table has pamphlets, signs, and a black mesh container. The person on the left wears a red shirt and glasses, the woman in the middle wears a red shirt and sunglasses, and the woman o
A smiling woman and a man crouching on the grass with a black dog in front of them. The woman is wearing a gray t-shirt with pink lettering, sunglasses on her head, and a brown bag. The man is wearing a gray t-shirt with a graphic and black shorts. T
Two people with two dogs sitting on the floor inside a pet store near the entrance, with shelves of pet supplies in the background.
Three women in red SPCA volunteer shirts smiling and standing behind a table at an outdoor event. The table has donation forms, flyers, and a decorative dog cutout.
Group of children and caregivers holding kittens in a nursing home or care facility, with balloons and a sign for Royal Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation in the background.
A woman kneeling on the grass smiling with a brown dog, outdoors under hanging moss trees with buildings and parked cars in the background.
An older man wearing glasses, a blue cap with a cat graphic, and a red SPCA volunteer shirt, smiling while holding a kitten.
A woman and a man standing together, both wearing volunteer badges, smiling in front of a door with a decorative glass window.
A golden retriever and a tabby cat lying under a white striped blanket together.

FURTHER YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

SPCA Volunteers can help in many different areas including upkeep of the adoption center, assisting at the thrift stores or community events, and working with our animals. Those wishing to work with the animals must go through additional training to do so. Read below to learn how you can become a Kitty Kuddler, a Bark Buddy (or both!).

Kitty Kuddler Training

Before spending time with our cats, we ask that you take a few minutes to read through the Kitty Kuddler Guide. It will help you become familiar with the role and the different ways you can make a difference.

While Kitty Kuddlers spend plenty of time socializing and loving on our cats, volunteers also play an important role in helping potential adopters. You may be asked questions about our cats or have opportunities to help connect visitors with staff during the adoption process. The guide explains these responsibilities in more detail. Once you read through the guide linked above, please send an email to volunteer@spcabrevard.com and let us know. We will update your status in the database and you can begin signing up for Kitty Kuddler shifts.

A Few Important Things to Know

Cats in kennels or cages
If a cat is housed in a kennel or cage, there is always a reason. They may prefer not to be around other cats, be a little shy or spicy with people, require a special diet, be recovering from an illness, or have another specific need. In many cases, the reason will be listed on their kennel card.

You're welcome to open the kennel door and spend time giving the cat attention while they remain inside their kennel. Please be careful not to let them leave their assigned space and always make sure the kennel door is securely latched before walking away. We recommend giving the door a gentle tug to confirm it is closed.

If a cat gets out
If a cat accidentally slips out of their kennel or cat room, please help return them to the correct area as calmly and quickly as possible. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask a staff member. We're always happy to help.

Restricted cat areas
To help protect the health of all our cats, we ask that volunteers do not handle cats in the Cat Infirmary, Kitten Nursery, or Cat Intake unless a staff member has specifically asked you to do so. Cats in these areas may be receiving medical treatment or be especially vulnerable, and limiting contact helps prevent the spread of illness.

Animals on Bite Hold
If you see a sign that says "Bite Hold" on any cat or dog kennel, please do not approach or interact with that animal. This includes opening the kennel, offering treats, or attempting to handle them. These restrictions are in place to protect both our volunteers and the animal while staff work through the appropriate procedures.

Because this is an important safety policy, volunteers who disregard a Bite Hold notice may be asked to leave for the day or, in the case of repeated violations, may lose their volunteer privileges. We truly appreciate your understanding and your help in keeping everyone safe.

Bark Buddy Training

Bark Buddy Requirements

For the safety of our volunteers, staff, and animals, all Bark Buddies must meet the following requirements before independently handling shelter dogs.

Eligibility & Training

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.

  • Must read through the Bark Buddy Manual, which will give you important information you need before you decide to work with our dogs. You will be asked to sign a form confirming you have read through the manual before you are eligible for Bark Buddy status.

  • Must successfully complete a one-on-one Bark Buddy walk with an SPCA staff member or designated Volunteer Lead before independently handling dogs.

  • Must understand basic canine body language, including common signs of fear, stress, anxiety, overstimulation, relaxation, and potential escalation.

  • Must understand how your own body language affects a dog. Your posture, movements, eye contact, tone of voice, and physical positioning can influence how safe or threatened a dog feels.

  • Should have a basic understanding of positive-reinforcement handling and training techniques. Bark Buddies should reward behaviors we want to encourage rather than using physical punishment, intimidation, or aversive corrections.

  • Must be able to remain calm and attentive in a fast-paced, loud, high-energy shelter environment. Bark Buddies must maintain situational awareness and be able to respond quickly and appropriately when circumstances change in order to protect the dog they are handling, other animals, and the people around them.

  • If you would like an opportunity to become familiar with the sights, sounds, smells, and activity of the dog kennel area before scheduling your one-one-one walk, you may sign up for a kennel cleaning session through the Volunteer Information Center (VIC). Kennel Cleaning gives you the opportunity to work alongside and assist staff while becoming more comfortable in the kennel environment and observing the dogs and their behavior. This is not required before completing your Bark Buddy training, but it can be especially helpful for volunteers who have little or no previous experience in a shelter environment.

To schedule your Bark Buddy walk, please send an email to volunteer@spcabrevard.com.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

A poster from the SPCA of Brevard with enrichment reminders for keeping areas clean for pups, featuring a photo of a smiling, tan and white dog with ears up and tongue out.
Laundry room with a sign of laundry reminders from the SPCA of Brevard, listing instructions on laundry cart disposal, lint trap cleaning, detergent use, and toy disposal.
Sign at a dog training area with rules for Bark Buddies, explaining interactions with dogs based on color codes and restrictions on staff without approval, with the SPCA of Brevard logo at the bottom.
Cat side reminders sign over a partially visible black and white cat laying on the floor.
Bulldog wearing a red hoodie sitting next to cleaning supplies including a spray bottle, a sponge, rubber gloves, and a bucket.

Tasks for Volunteers Serving as Helping Hands

There is so much to do around the Adoption Center to keep it neat and tidy for our visitors and animals. Below is a list of tasks you can do to help out:

·         Brush Cat Towers

·         Clean TVs in Cat Rooms

·         Clean up Front Patio (sweep, water plants, clean benches)

·         Clean Windows/Doors

·         Clean/Organize Education Room

·         Clean/Organize Storage and Enrichment Room

·         Do Laundry (wash, dry, fold, put away)

·         Dust all Around the Adoption Center

·         Dust/Sweep Lobby Rooms & Buildings

·         Empty Poop Bag Stations Around the Property/Refill Poop Bags as Needed

·         Empty Trash Cans

·         Make Dog Enrichment

·         Organize the Little Library Outside

·         Organize the Re-tail Store (fold shirts, organize other items)

·         Pick Up Poop Around the Building and Play Yards

·         Pick Up Toys and Litter Around the Property

·         Refill Kitty Litter Bins

·         Replace Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Rolls Around the Adoption Center

·         Scoop Litter Boxes in Cat Rooms

·         Wash Cat/Dog Dishes

·         Wipe Down Litter Boxes

·         Wipe Down Walls in Cat Rooms