You Change Lives
Time is the most precious of commodities in our post modern world. TEARS relies on the generosity of volunteers to invest their time together with their big hearts to help TEARS fulfill its mission in improving the lives of neglected, abused and unwanted companion animals. We can put your spare time to good use as a TEARS volunteer.
Perhaps you can help by cuddling kitties or walking dogs in your spare time? Maybe you are a book lover who can contribute sorting books at our charity shops? Do you have marketing or fundraising skills that can help us reach more people? Perhaps you’re an educator and have some spare time to help us extend our education outreach programme? Only have time on the weekends? No problem! If you have a skill, we have a need that you can fill.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.” ~ Elizabeth Andrew
Pleae note that due to resources, we no longer offer School Learner Community Service at our premises. However, there are ways for schools and school children to get involved at TEARS to complete School Learner Community Service, please contact volunteer@tears.org.za.
Volunteering at the Kennels
Help make rescued tails wag! Volunteers are an integral part of the TEARS Kennels and assist with exercising, training, interacting with and helping make the dogs and puppies more adoptable. The greater our volunteer force, the more quality work can be done with the dogs and puppies in our care. If you love dogs and have some spare time on your hands, we’d love to have you join as a volunteer!
Kennel Volunteer days and times:
Dog Walking- Kennel Enrichment & Training:
WHERE: TEARS Kennels - 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, Cape Town
WHEN: Wednesday – Sunday : 09h00 – 14h30
WHO: For volunteers 16 years and older who have successfully completed a volunteer orientation (Click to Sign up Here).
Puppy Hour- Cuddles, Enrichment and Handling:
WHERE: TEARS Kennels - 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, Cape Town
WHEN: Sundays 10h00 – 11h00
WHO: For volunteers 12 years and older (volunteers between 12 & 16 years need a parent or guardian join them for the session). Booking is essential as spaces are limited, please email volunteer@tears.org.za to book a space.
Volunteering at the Cattery
TEARS kitties love someone to play and give them some love.
Age restrictions: Volunteers need to be 14 years and older (accompanied by a guardian if under 16 years of age).
Cattery volunteer days and times:
Monday to Sunday from 10h00 – 15h00.
First time volunteering at the Cattery? Please book an orientation by contacting cattery@tears.org.za
Remember to bring some kitty treats and toys with you!
Donate your time
Being a volunteer at TEARS means being the best part of a homeless animal’s day. Volunteers make a world of difference to the animals in care, to our fundraising and at our charity shops.
Dog Walking
Dogs love going for walks! And signing up as a dog walker means you get to take our shelter dogs out for walks to mingle, have fun and maintain their fitness. Spending time outside with new sights, sounds and smells is the highlight of our dogs' day.
Walking at TEARS happens Wed - Sun from 08h30 - 13h30. Please contact volunteer@tears.org.za to book your volunteer orientation.
Cat Cuddling
Our kitties love to be cuddled! Help us get them ready for easy adoption by spending time socialising and loving them. You are welcome to attend any day (Mon - Sun) between 10h00 - 15h00.
Booking is essential, so please email cattery@tears.org.za to book your spot.
Puppy Training
Come sit, stay and play with rescued pups! We're is on the lookout for volunteers to dedicate an hour or two of their time to help train and love our rescued pups at the TEARS Puppy School.
The TEARS Puppy School happens every Wednesday - Sunday from 13h30.
Booking is essential, so please email volunteer@tears.org.za to book.
Support Our Charity Shops
Your donated books, clothes and household items go on sale in our Charity Shops - helping to support animals in need. If you are a book-lover and have some spare time please help us sort, clean and shelve books at our Charity Shops in Retreat and Valeyland.
To volunteer contact books@tears.org.za
Events
Join us in raising funds to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need. It’s all hands on deck when it comes to events, and we are grateful for all the extra help we can get.
To join our events team - please email marketing@tears.org.za
Pimp My Shelter
If DIY, painting and gardening is up your alley, then you'll love helping out at TEARS's Pimp My Shelter! Held on the third Saturday of every month and, with your help, the monthly event aims to transform the TEARS shelter and make it a more homely, interactive space for the rescues while they wait to be adopted.
For more information or to join, please click here.
Professional Skills
Your can make a huge difference to companion animals in distress. No matter how much time you have to give – we will make it count. We are always in need of graphic designers, photographers, videographers, copywriters, builders, dog behaviourists, veterinary services and so on.
If you have the heart and the skills to share please contact volunteer@tears.org.za