Volunteer

Want to be around animals, but someone in your family is allergic? Are you allergic to animals, but want be involved fighting our cause? Or maybe you love animals so much, you want to help no matter what? Great! Because S.T.A.R.T. II is always looking for hard-working and reliable volunteers. Working with rescued animals can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, knowing you made a world of difference to a cat or dog in need - well, there's no words to describe the feeling.

Please read below to see which areas you would be interested donating your time and/or services. When you are ready, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form. You may drop your completed application off at any of our adoption centers during adoption hours, email it to startkayne@gmail.com, or send it to our mailing address: S.T.A.R.T. II, PO Box 177, Elmwood Park, NJ 07470. All applications are subject to approval by S.T.A.R.T. II's president or shelter manager. Volunteers must be 18 and older to work directly with the animals.

Feline Caretakers

Feline Caretakers are responsible for providing fresh food and water to our cats, as well as cleaning/sanitizing cat cages, changing litter boxes, and socializing with our cats. Light lifting (up to 40lbs.) may be required. You will have direct contact with cats. Many of our felines come to the shelter scared and rescued from bad situations. For our cats' sake it is important you feel confident handling cats. Women who are pregnant should speak to their doctor before applying for this position.

We need Feline Caretakers in the following locations:

  • S.T.A.R.T. II's shelter in Englewood

  • Paramus Petsmart

  • Wayne Petsmart

Canine Care

We have several shifts throughout the day regarding our canines. Early in the morning, we need volunteers to clean and sanitize dog runs, provide fresh food and water, and walk the dogs. Dog walkers are needed for mid-afternoon and evening hours. Volunteers must feel comfortable walking all types and sizes of dogs and be strong enough control the dog on a leash. All Canine Care is performed at our shelter in Englewood.

Foster Care

You can foster an animal for a few weeks or even come by to take a dog out for a 1-2 hour field trip to go out for coffee or play in your yard or a walk in a different area than our rescue. If you are considering adopting an animal and you are not sure, this is a great way to find out. It is such a welcome break for the animal. Fosters are a great source of information about the animals outside of the rescue's environment.

Animal Transport

During the week are animals need transportation to vet visits. While this may not be an every day occurance we need volunteers we can readily call should a vet appointment be scheduled. Under normal circumstances, you will be given at least 24-hours notice of a scheduled vet appointment. On weekends we need animal transportation for adoption days to and from Paramus Petsmart.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a vital part of our operation - it keeps us going! We have one to two major fundraising events per calander year (i.e. our annual tricky tray) and lots of fun events on weekends. These events include, but are not limited to, town sales, garage sales, Woof Fest, Christmas Sale, Pictures with Santa, and special dinners to raise money for critical care animals. We seek creative people with a "go-getter" attitude for our fundraising committee. No previous experience is necessary, although helpful.