Volunteer

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Join Our Volunteer Force!

Whether you have all day or just a few hours, we are always in need of volunteers. You can help us make a lasting difference in the lives of the 300+ cats and dogs we care for every day and you will get to work with some very dedicated and passionate people who care about the welfare of animals as much as you do. Whatever your interests might be, we are sure to have something rewarding for you to do. Individuals and groups are welcome to volunteer regularly or on an “as needed” basis helping with special projects and events both at the shelter and at off-site events.

  • Dog Enrichment

    Walking, general socialization, being a “quiet time” companion, 10+ minutes of petting and massage

  • Cat Enrichment

    Brushing, interactive play sessions, being a “quiet time” companion, 10+ minutes of snuggling and petting.

  • PetsMart Luv-A-Pet Adoption Center

    Cat care, cleaning, feeding & socializing at our satellite center in Chesterfield PetsMart

  • Pet Photographer

    Promote pet adoptions with your photos on our website and petfinder.com

  • Friends of Open Door

    Our Friends of Open Door Auxiliary Board provides support services and fundraising. Call Erin Petrie at 314- 591-9449 for more info.

  • Facility Maintenance

    Our shelter is always in need of help with minor repairs to exterior and interior structures, plumbing, fencing, and grounds work.

  • Fundraising Projects

    Hold a pet food drive, a car wash, or a bake sale to raise money for ODAS. There are so many possibilities!

  • Adoption Ambassador Program

    Become a part of our team by fostering a dog or cat to an animal in need.

  • Event Volunteer

    Help at our off-site adoption and awareness events and fundraising events

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

All it takes to get started are a completed application and participation in a brief orientation.  Volunteers must be at least 13 years old.  Volunteers between the ages of 13-15 will need to be accompanied by a parent or adult (age 21 or older.) Click here for our Volunteer Application and agreement and email (volunteer@odas.org) or bring in your completed application to Open Door.  

Once your volunteer application and agreement have been reviewed by our staff, you will be contacted by phone or email with upcoming volunteer orientation dates. There is a nominal one-time $20 fee to help cover training costs. With this, you will receive a volunteer t-shirt that is to be worn while volunteering at Open Door.

PLEASE NOTE: Open Door also accepts Community Service volunteers (i.e. those court ordered to work for a non-profit as part of their sentence) or those who need limited volunteer hours for other reasons.  Please call our office for more information on this program at 636-671-3643.

If you’re under 13 years old, there are still many ways you can help our cats and dogs:

  1. Organize a collection drive for pet food and supplies – get creative by hosting a movie night or ice cream party for your friends, with a shelter “wish list” item as admission.
  2. Start a fundraiser, like “Pennies for Puppies” or “Coins for Kitties,” at your school. Make it a competition among classes, grades or clubs.
  3. Start a dog-walking or pet-sitting service in your neighborhood and donate the money you raise or use the money to buy supplies for the shelter.