Making a Difference at Stratford Animal Control
STARS works in collaboration with the Stratford Police Department and Animal Control Division. This joint force has established a program vital to the operation of the Animal Control Facility.
Today, volunteers assist in the care of animals housed in the facility and provide support for various fundraising and humane education programs. Without them, we could not do all that we do!
Volunteer Orientation is held on an as-needed basis as openings become available. Due to limited capacity, please review all opportunities carefully before applying.
General Guidelines
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 4 hours per year at our Annual Plant Sale in the spring.
- Volunteers must possess a smartphone and download the Connectteam app — our main form of communication.
- Complete a minimum of 12 hours of supervised training while being punctual and attending all training classes.
- People seeking to serve court-mandated community service cannot be accommodated.
- People seeking community service hours for other organizations cannot be accommodated.
- People seeking to fulfill ABC Dog Training Certification requirements cannot be accommodated.
- People with a criminal history record cannot be accommodated.
- STARS may obtain the criminal history record of prospective volunteers.
Find Your Role
🐕 Dog Handling
Provide socialization, exercise, enrichment and basic training for shelter dogs. Walk dogs outdoors, clean kennels, and teach basic obedience in accordance with shelter training methods. Must be comfortable handling large, strong dogs and cleaning animal waste.
Apply Now🐈 Cat & Small Animal Care
Provide socialization, enrichment and exercise for shelter cats. Engage cats in play, cuddling, and time outside their cages. Assist in cattery cleaning and attend continuing education classes.
Apply Now🍼 Kitten Bottle Feeding
Take home a litter of neonatal kittens and provide round-the-clock feedings, warmth, monitoring and basic daily care. This includes overnight feedings, tracking weight, and communicating concerns to shelter staff. Supplies, guidance and vet support provided. Prior experience required.
Apply Now📚 Paws to Read & More
Adults and children spend quiet time reading, knitting, coloring or enjoying a calm activity beside shelter animals. Helps reduce adult stress, builds children's reading confidence, and comforts shelter animals. Last Saturday of every month, 12:30–1:30pm. Every 3rd Wednesday, 6–7pm. Ages 5+.
Apply Now Youth Group Registration🌿 Garden Club
Weeding, planting and maintenance of the Animal Control Facility flower beds. A peaceful way to contribute to the shelter environment.
Apply Now🚗 Animal Transportation
Help transport injured wildlife, sick strays and animals needing veterinary care. Some trips are urgent, others are scheduled. A reliable vehicle and big heart are all you need. All animals transported in crates. Instructions and supplies provided.
Apply Now🎉 Events & Organizational
Set up tables at shelter and local events, answer questions, sell merchandise, host adoption events, make and post flyers, organize fundraising activities, attend Town Council meetings and facilitate humane education programs. Stellar communication skills a must!
Apply Now🎨 Creative Consultants
Grant writing, web design, newsletters, flyers, logo and shirt designs, web postings and other marketing projects. Help promote adoptable animals and create materials that make a difference. No minimum commitment — project-based.
Email Us