Model Volunteering Program
The PetSmart Charities® Model Volunteering Program (MVP) is an exciting opportunity that rewards agencies for innovative volunteer programs that best utilize the time, skills and passion of their volunteers for outstanding results.
The goal: We’re looking for creative solutions to maximize volunteer contributions in animal-welfare agencies. We want to share these model volunteering programs with other agencies across North America. Your volunteers are your greatest resource, and your success in utilizing that resource can inspire others.
How has your shelter maximized volunteer time and talents? Could other shelters implement your idea for their benefit as well? If so, you could be our next Model Volunteering Program (MVP) winner!
Complete and Submit the MVP Application Form
We select a winning agency every quarter. The winning MVP receives a $1,000 reward check and is featured in the Quarterly, the newsletter for and about our animal-welfare partners
MVP Winners
- Model Volunteering Program: Boise Bully Breed Rescue Volunteers for Transport Program
April 1, 2012Format: Case Study
Boise Bully Breed Rescue's Volunteers for Transport program enlists people in the community willing to drive pit-bull mix dogs from an animal shelter to boarding facilities or foster homes in a five-state area.
- Model Volunteering Program: Virginia Beach SPCA Foster-Lite for Community Service
January 3, 2012Format: Case Study
Virginia Beach SPCA's Foster-Lite for Community Service program addressed several challenges for the agency, from expanding their foster care program and saving the lives of more kittens to addressing community hours for young people.
- Model Volunteering Program: Chicago Pet Rescue
September 22, 2011Format: Case Study
Less than a year old, this young agency created a solution to training more volunteers for expanded roles while at the same time rewarding experienced volunteers for their service.
- Model Volunteering Program: Ventura County Animal Services in Camarillo, Calif., and the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter in Divide, Colo.
November 1, 2010Format: Case Study
Both agencies utilize volunteer teams to care for – and advocate for – specific breeds or types of pets.
- Model Volunteering Program: Pet Photography Volunteer Team at SPCA of Monterey County in Monterey, Calif.
July 1, 2010Format: Case Study
Taking photos of shelter pets is a challenge, indeed. And so is finding capable photographers with top-notch equipment who not only care about pets, but also know how to handle them safely and humanely – and, who have the time and patience to capture the best and most inviting photos of pets who need homes.
- Model Volunteering Program: “Animals for Over-Achievement” Program at Butler County Humane Society in Renfrew, Penn.
February 1, 2010Format: Case Study
We’re proud to announce our first MVP winner – The Butler County Humane Society in Renfrew, Penn. We selected the Butler County Humane Society’s
“Animals for Over-Achievement” program.











