Volunteer

A volunteer must be at least 14 years of age. Volunteers ages 14 and 15 must accompany a parent/guardian while volunteering. The adult accompanying them must also be registered in the HSMC Volunteer Program. Ages 16 and up may volunteer on their own with a signed waiver.

No, there are many other volunteer opportunities available at HSMC. Detailed Position Descriptions are included on this website.

Below you can find some of our most common volunteer positions (these positions are not available to court-ordered volunteers). Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see something below that is for you. Schedule an appointment with the Volunteer Coordinator at 352-873-7387 ext 204 to learn more!

• CANINE & FELINE ENRICHMENT – Dogs and cats need 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 know 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.
  • WALKERS – Our dogs enjoy the luxury of playing in assigned play yards (weather permitting). However, we are always in need of volunteers to exercise our dogs. Dogs who walk nicely on a leash are more adoptable.
• 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.
• DOGGIE BANKS – Our Doggie Bank fundraising program requires individuals who will pick up proceeds from the banks once each month and deliver them to the Finance Director. Also, we need people to assist in recruiting locations to place new banks. Special training is required before taking on this position.
• FOSTER PARENTS: Bottle feeders, nursing moms/babies, special needs, & animals recovering from surgery, skin conditions, or other health concerns often heal more quickly outside of the shelter. A separate Foster Parent Training class is necessary.
• 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, and the list goes on and on! If you’re not available consistently and 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’re what we need if you don’t mind getting a little wet and can handle a wiggly dog or cat at bath time!
• HUMANE EDUCATION – Children are the key to reducing animal abuse and abandonment incidences. By teaching them at an early age to respect animals, we will see a decline in incidents in the future. We have instituted a humane education program in public schools, summer camps, and children’s organizations. We need experienced people in teaching children and who love animals to assist in 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 for our special events.
• THRIFT STORE – The HSMC Thrift Store is a significant source of HSMC funding. Its hours of operation are 8:30 am – 4:300 pm Monday through Saturday.

We have volunteer opportunities that are unscheduled and scheduled, depending upon your volunteering interest and preferences. Not all volunteers are scheduled.

It would be best to allow one hour and fifteen minutes for the total orientation.

Yes, once you have some volunteer experience and have learned the procedures, Volunteers are welcome to come on our closed days.

Yes, once you are enrolled, and orientation is complete, you are given a login to our volunteer system, which tracks your hours. We will verify and sign any documentation needed for school, scholarships, etc.

Volunteer levels are designed for the safety of the volunteer and the animals. Each level has specific tasks and areas that they can work in.

Our levels are as follows:

• Level 1: 0-10 hours
• Level 2: 11-300 hours
• Level 3: 301-1000 hours
• Level 4: 1001+ hours

Yes! Volunteers can earn hours for school or work through this program (check with your school to verify they accept foster hours).