Getting Involved
Join Our Volunteer Team
Whether you have a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time makes a difference. From walking dogs and socializing cats to helping at events and supporting our mission behind the scenes, there’s a volunteer role that fits your skills and schedule. Join our compassionate community of animal advocates today.
We’re so glad you’re interested in volunteering with us! Our volunteers are truly the heart of RCHS; you make a real difference in the lives of the animals who come through our doors.
Here’s what you need to know
Age Requirements
- Ages 14-15: You’re welcome to volunteer alongside a parent or guardian (they’ll need to complete the application and attend orientation too)
- Age 16+: You can volunteer independently, including walking dogs on your own
- Need community service hours? We’re happy to help! Just know it typically takes 2-4 weeks to complete the application, orientation, and training before you can start earning hours
Getting Started
Everyone starts the same way. Fill out an application, then come to an orientation. We’ll give you a tour and talk about what interests you most, then complete training specific to what you’d like to do.
Ready to get started? Click the button below to fill out your application. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to schedule your orientation.
We can’t wait to meet you!
VOLUNTER OPPORTUNITIES
- Dog Walking & Enrichment
- Cat Socialization
- Cleaning Kennels & Cat Rooms
- Washing Dishes/Laundry
- Transports
- Administrative Support
- Event Support
- Deep Cleaning
- Property & Building Maintenance
Meet Tales of Hope’s Volunteer Coordinator
Mary St. Peter
Volunteer Coordinator
(802) 483-6700 Ext. 206
volunteer@rchsvt.org
Mary serves as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS), where she combines her strong business background with a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs, to support the shelter’s mission. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, bringing strategic insight, organizational skill, and a technical mindset to the shelter’s volunteer program.
Mary joined RCHS as a volunteer in early 2025, assisting with dog walking and various shelter tasks after her retirement. Inspired to help further, she offered her business and administrative experience to support the shelter behind the scenes as Volunteer Coordinator. In her current role, she streamlines volunteer scheduling, improves communication, and ensures the volunteer procedures are consistently followed so that the program runs efficiently with every volunteer feeling supported and valued.
A passionate dog lover, Mary shares her life with Brooklyn Mae, her 10-year-old English Cream Retriever. Brooklyn has trained since she was a puppy and continues working as an “unofficial service dog”, calmly holding a down-stay in busy public spaces, greeting visitors with patience, and practicing her skills during outings. One of Brooklyn’s favorite training spots is the Rutland Walmart, where she impressively stays in position as shoppers come and go.
Outside of her work at RCHS, Mary enjoys an active lifestyle. She rides her bicycle year-round, plays tennis, hikes with Brooklyn and her fiancé, Peter, teaches fitness, and loves skiing whenever she can. Whether coordinating volunteers at the shelter or exploring the outdoors with her family, her dedication to animal welfare and her love for dogs shine through in everything she does.