What are the current weekly cleaning shifts for volunteers?
If you are interested in volunteering to help clean the shelter during the week, there are seven shifts you can choose from:
Monday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

How do I sign up for a particular shift or activity?
After your volunteer application has been approved, you will receive a “Welcome” email and can log in to MyImpact our online sign-up program. All of our volunteer shifts are listed on MyImpact.

What should I do if something comes up and I cannot work the time I signed up for?
If you need to change or cancel a shift you should log in to MyImpact, the online volunteer sign-up system and remove yourself from the shift. This can be done by clicking the “Schedule” tab and choosing “Remove”. You can also email the Volunteer Coordinator here.

Do I need to commit to a certain amount of time each week?
No. We will be happy for any time you can give us. You can sign up for whatever times are convenient for you, but we ask that you volunteer at least four hours per month.

How do I find out about different events and other activities happening at SAFE Haven?
Volunteers receive a weekly email with all the different special events, activities and news going on at SAFE Haven. We appreciate having an email address so you do not miss out on any news.

Where do these cats come from?
They come to us from apartment complexes, shopping centers, from under decks, on roadsides, dumpster areas at fast-food restaurants, or businesses. There are cats everywhere there are people and a food source. They also come to us from our local county shelters.

Do you take personal pets?
No. We would like to be able to help every cat in need regardless of circumstance, but because we are a small shelter with limited space we have to focus solely on stray cats who have no one else to turn to. If someone has to give up a personal pet, we try to provide them with information to help them keep the cat in their home or provide them with information to allow them to rehome the cat themselves.

How long do cats stay at SAFE Haven?
A cat will stay in our shelter an average of 4 weeks (including time required to provide medical care). If a cat has been here for longer or seems to be stressed out by the shelter, we find a foster home to give the cat some time away from the shelter.

I have pets. Do I have to be worried about taking any diseases home?
No! Not if you take certain common-sense precautions:

• Wash or sanitize your hands carefully after handling any cat.
• Don’t handle cats marked “Staff only” or enter the isolation or bullpen areas without being requested to do so.
• Don’t leave the clothes you wear to clean the shelter where your pets can come into contact with them.

I hear that some of the cats are FIV positive. What does this mean?
It means they have tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. In practical terms, it means very little to the cat if they are spayed or neutered, maintained as an indoor pet, and given appropriate health care. It also means very little to any cat with whom they might come into contact as it is generally only transmitted through serious bite wounds. It is not contagious through casual contact, nor is it in any way contagious to humans or any other type of pet.

Can I bring a friend or family member for a tour?
We are always happy to show off our wonderful adoption center. You are welcome to bring friends and family for a tour any time we are open to the public.

Are there other ways I can help in addition to volunteering?
Absolutely! Do you have a contact that might be able to provide us with supplies or services? Do you have friends who haven’t heard about the services we provide? One of the best ways you can help is to just talk about us!

Community Service Volunteers

We may be able to accommodate your community service needs. When completing the online volunteer application, please be sure to complete the section regarding community service hours and indicate the number of hours required and the date they have to be completed. It is up to the volunteer to make sure the any community service hours are completed by the date required. If you need a letter documenting your community service hours, you should email the Volunteer Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance and the necessary documentation will be emailed to you.

Apply to Volunteer >>