Volunteer at Sevier County Animal Shelter: Make a Difference, One Paw at a Time
Volunteers are the heart of Sevier County Animal Shelter. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the time, compassion, and dedication of volunteers to care for animals, support daily operations, and connect with our community.
When you volunteer at Sevier County Animal Shelter, you’re doing more than lending a helping hand. You’re helping animals feel safe, seen, and loved while they wait for their forever homes.
Why Volunteers Matter
Volunteers play a vital role in nearly every aspect of shelter life. Spending time with animals provides critical socialization, comfort, and enrichment, which can increase their chances of adoption. Volunteers also help share our mission with the community by promoting responsible pet ownership and supporting outreach efforts.
Whether you have a few hours a week or are looking for a short-term opportunity, your time truly makes an impact.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Sevier County Animal Shelter needs volunteer help every day. All potential volunteers are asked to complete a volunteer questionnaire so we can match you with tasks that fit your interests, skills, and availability.
We’ll help you find meaningful ways to contribute while making the experience rewarding and enjoyable.
Volunteer Requirements
Must be at least 16 years old, or accompanied by a parent or guardian
Ability to volunteer on your own schedule
A positive attitude and open mind
Professionalism when interacting with the public
Special rules apply to volunteers under the age of 18.
Ways You Can Help
Volunteer opportunities are diverse and flexible. Example duties include:
Walking and socializing dogs
Visiting with cats and kittens
Watching dogs in outdoor play runs
Kitten monitoring
Assisting with feeding and cleaning
Helping reunite lost pets with their owners
Greeting visitors
Answering phones
Laundry and facility support
Assisting with pet photos
Supporting events and fundraising
Social media and administrative help
Fostering animals
And so much more. There’s a role for every interest and comfort level.
Short-Term & Community Service Volunteering
We proudly offer short-term volunteer opportunities for community service hours, TN Promise, school requirements, and other service-based programs. These opportunities allow individuals and groups to give back while supporting the animals in our care.
Field Trip Program: Borrow a Dog for the Day
Looking for a fun, low-commitment way to volunteer? Our Field Trip Program allows approved volunteers to “check out” a shelter dog for a few hours, just like a library book, and return them the same day.
This program is perfect for people who can’t adopt but still want to spend quality time with a dog.
Field trips may include:
Walks in parks or dog-friendly trails
Visits to restaurant patios
Starbucks pup cup runs
Relaxing adventures that provide enrichment and socialization
Each dog goes home with a fully stocked “go bag,” including water, waste bags, and shelter business cards. Bonus points if you snap some great photos during your adventure. Those photos help us show potential adopters just how amazing these dogs are.
Field Trip Program Guidelines
Participants must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian
Dogs must remain on leash and held by an adult at all times
Dog parks should be avoided
Dogs should be kept separate from personal pets
Valid ID required
Volunteer application and waiver must be completed on site
Dogs are available for pick-up and drop-off:
8:00–11:30 AM
1:00–4:30 PM
Leashes and supplies are provided.
Be Part of Unleashing Hope
When you volunteer at Sevier County Animal Shelter, you become part of a community committed to Unleashing Hope for animals and the people who love them. Whether you’re walking dogs, helping behind the scenes, or taking a shelter pup on a field trip, your time and care matter.
If you’re curious, have questions, or aren’t sure where you fit, we encourage you to reach out. We’re happy to help you find the right way to get involved.
Call us at: 865-280-2280 or visit our Volunteer page to learn more about how you can become involved!