Join Our Volunteer Force!
-
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:
- 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.
- Start a fundraiser, like “Pennies for Puppies” or “Coins for Kitties,” at your school. Make it a competition among classes, grades or clubs.
- 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.
