For safety and insurance reasons, you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer in the shelter without a parent or guardian, however, you can still help cats! There are many ways in which you can make a difference in the lives of animals in our shelter and in our community. See the opportunities below.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities please have a parent or guardian complete the Youth Volunteer Application.

Shelter Cleaning Team
Scoop litter boxes, change bedding and toys, fill water bowls and sweep the floor. Shifts are from 9:00 am – 11:00 am every day of the week. Volunteers can be 13-15 years old with parental supervision.

Litter Box Team
Remove litter boxes from the cats’ cages, replace them with clean, new ones. Shifts are Tuesday​ evenings from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and kneel/crouch. Volunteers can be 10-15 years old with parental supervision.

Special Events
Volunteer at special events in the community. Minimum age varies according to the event.

Pet Food Pantry
Assist with monthly food distribution from our Pet Food Pantry, engage with the public and answer questions about SAFE Haven and SAFE Care. Meets the first Saturday of the month from 8:30 am -10:30 am. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and be comfortable being outdoors. Volunteers can be 10-15 years old with parental supervision.

Mouse Makers
Make homemade catnip mice. This can be done at home. Volunteers can be 10-15 years old with parental supervision.

Read to the Cats! (ages 6-10 years old)
Whiskers & Words offers children a chance to read aloud to our cats. The child can read to the cats for an hour and a parent must be present the entire time. Currently we offer this program on Mondays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Requirements:

• Children should not be rowdy or loud.
• Children cannot be alone with a cat at any time.
• Children must be under a parent’s supervision at all times and must follow instructions given by the parent and/or staff.

DIY Pet Projects
Do you like making arts and crafts? Click on the following links for instructions on how to make toys or beds for SAFE Haven cats! Once these projects are complete please contact the Volunteer Coordinator and we will set up at date for you and your child to drop of the items at the shelter and spend some time with the cats in a playroom.

Cat bed:
https://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-Pet-Bed/

Knotty Spider from Friskies:
https://www.purina.com/sites/g/files/auxxlc196/files/2019-04/1003-diy_female_knotty-spider.pdf

Feather wine cork toy:
https://sweettmakesthree.com/make-your-own-cat-toys/

Felt Cat Toys (Fish and Dinosaur):
http://www.instructables.com/id/2-Felt-Cat-Toys-Fish-and-Dinosaur/

Ping Pong Balls
Decorate ping pong balls or empty plastic eggs with permanent markers.

Water Bottle Kick Toy
Supplies needed are: Water bottle, old sock, twine or yarn and scissors.

Directions: Place water bottle inside of sock leave about one to two inches each side of the sock. Close ends with twice and you’re all done, you can place bell inside the water bottle for a little extra nose.

View complete directions here.

Sock Feather Toy
Supplies needed are: child sock, feathers, twine or yarn and Polly fill.

Directions: Cut one inch strips on to the top of the sock, fill with Polly fill, place the feather just inside the top of the sock then wrap around the neck with twine. Your all done, you can place a little cat nip inside with the Polly fill.

View complete directions here.

Shelter for outside cats

Supplies:

• Rubbermaid tote
• Styrofoam cooler
• Straw
• Duck tape
• Exacto Knife

Instructions:

• Cut a six-inch diameter hole in the tote to act as an entrance / exit for the cat.
• Place the Styrofoam cooler inside the tote and cut a six-inch diameter hole in the cooler to match the tote entrance.
• Put hay or straw in and around the Styrofoam cooler. Use as much hay or straw as possible, this will provide added insulation.
• Place the Styrofoam lid on the cooler and secure the lid with a few pieces of duct tape.
• Complete the project by securing the lid onto the tote. You may want to place duct tape on this lid as well.

Donation Drives!
Organize a donation drive!
Donation drives are a lot of fun. Collect food, bed and toys for SAFE Haven for Cats. Create colorful posters, flyers, and banners to advertise your drive.

Set up drives at:

• Your school
• Church
• Scouting Groups
• Neighborhood

Drop your donations off at our shelter and see how your donations make a difference. You can find our wish list at Amazon Wish List.

Have Fun Raising Funds!
Fundraising Events
Raise money for the cats by hosting a:

• Car Wash
• Bake Sale
• Lemonade Stand
• Birthday Party
• Athletic Tournament (volleyball, tennis, baseball etc.)

Advertise your event in advance throughout your community. Donate the proceeds to support SAFE Haven for Cats. Know you’re making a difference in the lives of cats.

We can supply you with:

• SAFE Haven logo for you to print and use
• Informational Brochures

Due to the number of requests we receive, SAFE Haven for Cats is unable to:

• Send a representative to participate in the event
• Distribute posters or literature for your event at our shelter
• Supply adoptable animals for your event
• Send emails to the SAFE Haven audience promoting your event
• Promote your event on social media channels

While we may be able to provide guidance for your event, we do not have the personnel to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with third-party events.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities please have a parent or guardian complete the Youth Volunteer Application.

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