Volunteer Application

I'm Looking To

Please make sure that as a potential volunteer you are ABLE AND WILLING to do the following tasks: scoop litterboxes, feed/water cats, sweep/mop, clean windows, wash dirty dishes, wash dirty litter pans, laundry (including folding), take trash out, work with scared/nervous animals, and did we say CLEAN?!

These are just a few of the tasks our awesome volunteers do on a daily basis to help us and our animal residents. Please make sure you are NOT volunteering just to pet kitties or “socialize”. As fun as petting cute animals is, they need to be take care of as well, even if it is less glamorous. Of course, when the work is done you are more than welcome to give and receive LOTS of love.

Volunteer Application

Basic Information

Name
Name
First
Last
When using the calendar to select date, please select the month and the year before selecting the day.
Address
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal

Emergency Contact Information

Name
Name
First
Last

Areas of Volunteer Interest/Need

Please check all that apply
Willing to work with:
Shelter Maintenance:
Community Fundraising
Some of our cats reside at the LanCATster Cat Cafe in downtown Lancaster, PA. Where are you interested in volunteering?
Secretarial & Office Support

Availability

Please check days and times you would be available for volunteering: weekdays, weekends, and specific time blocks. We ask that you commit to one shift per week at minimum.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Are you willing to work on a holiday if necessary and with sufficient notice?
We occasionally experience an unexpected need for help (e.g., a weather emergency or a regularly scheduled volunteer’s unplanned absence). Would you be able and willing to be placed on our emergency phone contact list to perhaps fill such a need?
Do you agree to a local criminal background check (done by the columbia police department at no cost to you)?

Youth Volunteer Program

Our Youth Volunteer Program allows a younger animal advocate (age 14 and up) to work in the Shelter in the company of his/her parent or guardian (who must also complete a volunteer application). Please note that for legal reasons, you must be at least 16 years old to work with our cats, and at least 18 years old to work with our dogs, without an accompanying parent or guardian.
Are you volunteering as part of a school/community program?
I agree to hold Columbia Animal Shelter harmless and to release Columbia Animal Shelter from any liability related to my volunteering at Columbia Animal Shelter. I acknowledge that my services are provided strictly on a volunteer basis, without any pay or compensation of any kind. I agree to comply with all of the policies, rules and regulations which may be established by Columbia Animal Shelter and understand that failure to comply may result in my immediate termination as a volunteer.
Please note that it can take two to four weeks to process this application and filling out an application does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the volunteer program.

Upcoming Events

March 21, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Chopped for Charity Event

Country Barn

 View Event Details
April 18, 2026 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

BluesFest Featuring The Nobles, Jimmy Blue, Lowry, Deb Callahan, and Mikey Jr.

129 S 9th St Columbia, PA 17512

 View Event Details
See All of Our Events

Recent Resources

CCAT Website Link

CCAT meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month National Watch and Clock Museum 514 Poplar St – Columbia, PA 17512 5:30 – 6:30 717-693-0291 CCAT is a 100% volunteer team […]

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Adoptor Resources

A collection of resources for new pet parents.

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Rehoming

We know that sometimes circumstances lead to a pet parent needing to rehome their pet. We want to help you safely find a new and loving home for your fur-baby. […]

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Foster Family Application

Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a foster family for CAS!  Please take a moment to fill out this form, which will provide information to help us place […]

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265 South 10th Street
Columbia, Pa 17512

  info@columbiaanimalshelter.com

  717-681-6858

  717-449-5899

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Shelter Hours

Saturday & Sunday
11am - 3pm

Monday
Closed

Tuesday
11am - 5pm

Wednesday & Thursday
11am - 7pm

Friday
11am - 5pm