Volunteer Orientation

Please sign up via the link below.

https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?ap=545811164

Ages 13 and under may participate in our reading program & fundraising endeavors
https://thehsmc.org/doggone-good-reading-program/
Ages 14-15 Must have adult present at all times.
Ages 16-18 May volunteer on their own in certain positions.
Ages 19+ May volunteer in any appropriate position.

Orientation is mandatory for anyone who wants to be a volunteer for HSMC for ages 14 and up. When you fill out your application, you will choose a date for orientation before submitting.

Volunteer Positions Summary

CANINE & FELINE ENRICHMENT – Dogs and cats both have need of human interaction and socialization. Some animals come to us as strays or puppy mill dogs and must learn human touch. Animals that were abused need to learn trust. Playing ball with a dog or stroking a cat is essential for the animals and does wonders for human dispositions! Animals (particularly cats) need encouragement to exercise. (Orientation and Dogs 101 or Cats 101 required.)

CLERICAL – Clerical help is often needed for filing, stuffing envelopes, etc. on an as-needed basis. Assisting at the front desk of the shelter is desperately needed on a scheduled basis. Training will be provided.

DOGGIE BANKS – Our Doggie Bank fundraising program requires individuals who will pick up proceeds from the banks once each month and deliver to the Finance Director. Also, we need people to assist in recruiting locations for placing of new banks. A special training is required prior to taking on this position.

FOSTER PARENTS – Bottle feeders: Baby animals under 4 weeks. These animals are too young and need too much care to be at the shelter. Nursing Moms & Babies: The shelter is no place for a nursing mother. Nursing mothers need peace and quiet as well as lots of TLC and extra food. Special needs: Animals recovering from surgery, skin conditions, or other types of health concerns often heal more quickly outside of the shelter (Orientation and Dogs 101 or Cats 101 required…Plus a separate Foster Parent Training class.)

FUNDRAISING/SPECIAL EVENTS – The HSMC holds several fundraising events each year. These events take dozens of people to put together and volunteers are vital to their success. You may be asked to help post flyers, solicit prizes from local businesses, sell tickets in advance, help with organization at the event, the list goes on and on! If you’re not available on a consistent basis, but want to be involved a couple of times each year, we’ll be more than happy to put you to work on special events!

GROOMERS – You only get one chance at a first impression. We want our animals to look their best when potential families come to call. You don’t have to Volunteer Orientation prior to volunteering be a professional groomer to participate. As long as you don’t mind getting a little wet and can handle a wiggly dog or cat at bath time, you’re what we need! (Orientation and Dogs 101 required.) Professional groomers can jump right in.

HUMANE EDUCATION – Children are the key to reducing the incidences of animal abuse and abandonment. By teaching them at an early age to respect animals, we will see a decline in incidents in the future. To that end, we have instituted a humane education program in the public schools, at summer camps, and at children’s organizations. We need people that are experienced in teaching children and who love animals to lead these classes

PHOTOGRAPHERS – A picture is worth a thousand words! People with photography skills can help take pictures of available dogs and cats for us to include in promotional materials and on our website. We also need photographers at our special events. This is on an as-needed basis for special events and needs to be scheduled for general pictures of the HSMC cats & dogs.

THRIFT STORE – The HSMC Thrift Store has annual sales of over $250,000 and is a major source of HSMC funding. Its hours of operation are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Volunteers are needed and encouraged to work any day on a scheduled basis.

TRAVELING TAILS (NURSING HOME VISITORS) – Volunteers take select HSMC adoptable dogs to nursing homes to visit the residents. Special training and scheduling is required. This is a very rewarding experience for all involved.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS – People with good organization skills are needed to assist with coordinating and providing clerical assistance to the HSMC Volunteer Program.

WALKERS – Our dogs enjoy the luxury of playing all day in assigned play yards (weather permitting). However, we are always in need of volunteers to exercise our dogs. Dogs who walk well on a leash are more adoptable. (Orientation and Dogs 101 required.)