Pasadena Humane

1. Is this Program Currently Accepting Volunteers? Yes! The Shelter Greeter & Visitor Engagement program is accepting volunteers. 2. Program Description and Goals The Shelter Greeter & Visitor Engagement program plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors to our shelter. As the first point of contact, Shelter Greeter & Visitor Engagement volunteers help guests navigate our campus, answer frequently asked questions, and provide general assistance to ensure a smooth and positive visit. Whether directing potential adopters to the right area, helping a lost guest find their way, or offering friendly guidance, Greeters contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances our mission of animal welfare. Our goal is to ensure that every visitor—whether they’re looking to adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply learn more—feels informed and supported from the moment they arrive. To empower our volunteers, we provide thorough training on frequently asked questions, a walkie-talkie for real-time staff communication, and continuous support throughout each shift. If you enjoy engaging with people, offering helpful information, and being a welcoming presence, we invite you to join our Shelter Greeter team! Your kindness and guidance make a lasting impact on our guests and help strengthen our shelter community. 3. How Does this Program Help the Shelter? As a Shelter Greeter & Visitor Engagement Volunteer, you are an essential part of creating a welcoming and positive experience for every visitor who steps onto our campus. Many guests arrive excited but unsure of where to go or how to begin their journey—whether they’re looking to adopt, volunteer, or support our mission in other ways. Your warm welcome, helpful guidance, and ability to provide clear information ensure that each visitor feels supported and informed. By assisting with directions, answering frequently asked questions, and connecting guests with the right resources, you help staff focus on critical shelter operations, including animal care, adoptions, and community programs. Your involvement reduces confusion, improves efficiency, and enhances the overall visitor experience—making it easier for adopters to find their new pet, donors to support our work, and volunteers to feel inspired to get involved. Simply put, your presence makes a difference. Every smile, every helpful interaction, and every moment you dedicate to welcoming visitors contributes to our mission of saving and caring for animals in need. Thank you for being a part of our team! 4. Position Outline When arriving for their shift, volunteers will check in at the Volunteer Services office. If this is a first time shift, volunteers will meet with a member of the Volunteer Services staff member to answer FAQ questions to get you started. Volunteers will be assigned to certain forward-facing areas of the shelter. Shifts are provided 7 days per week, with multiple locations during the weekend to deal with the increase in foot traffic. To be better prepared for your shift, please review our Shelter Map and Parking Information here: https://pasadenahumanesociety-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/personal/volunteer_pasadenahumane_org/Documents/GETTING%20TO%20AND%20AROUND%20CAMPUS.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=OGo4D0 5. Skills & Requirements For the Shelter Greeter & Visitor Engagement program, volunteers will thrive if they have a combination of strong communication skills, approachability, and adaptability. Here are the key skills and requirements that would set volunteers up for success: Valuable Skills: ✅ Friendly & Approachable Demeanor – Volunteers should enjoy engaging with the public and making visitors feel welcome. ✅ Clear & Confident Communication – The ability to provide directions and information in a clear, professional, and friendly manner. ✅ Active Listening & Empathy – Understanding visitors' needs and concerns, whether they’re adopters, donors, or community members. ✅ Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Comfort in answering a variety of questions and troubleshooting visitor concerns. ✅ Teamwork & Collaboration – Willingness to work with staff and other volunteers to ensure seamless visitor support. ✅ Basic Knowledge of Shelter Operations (or willingness to learn) – Familiarity with adoption processes, shelter policies, and common visitor inquiries. Requirements: ✔ Minimum Age Requirement - 6-14 year old volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers ages 15 and older may volunteer on their own. ✔ Comfort Standing & Moving Around – Volunteers may be stationed in different areas and need to assist visitors across campus. ✔ Ability to Use a Walkie-Talkie – Basic communication with staff when needed. ✔ Commitment to a Regular Shift – Consistency helps provide reliable visitor support. ✔ Completion of Orientation & Training – After completing the in-person Meet & Greet session, volunteers may begin to look at the shift schedule and sign up for future shifts. 6. How to Get Involved After completing the in-person Meet & Greet session, volunteers may begin to look at the shift schedule and sign up for future shifts. 7. Benefits to Volunteers Those who volunteer within this program are on the forefront of community engagement. The success of the shelter depends on how involved our community is with our mission. Shelter Greeter & Visitor Engagement volunteers are given the great responsibility to ensure that each person who comes to the shelter is helped and can leave with a positive impression of the shelter. They will then be more willing to donate, adopt, volunteer, or mention the shelter family or friends. Each positive interaction helps ensure the shelter can be successful in its mission.