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Volunteer Opportunities - Whether you have a few hours daily, weekly, monthly or just occasionally, we and the pets at HSAC can use your help! Like the opportunities listed below, the times to volunteer vary and we are flexible to meet your busy schedule.
T.L.C. PROVIDER - All the dogs and cats love to be loved. Just spending some time with them, petting them, holding them, talking to them means a lot to an animal that has been alone and scared for some time. They will repay your efforts with a thousand licks and purrs.
DOG WALKER - Help increase the adoptability of our dogs by working with specific, positive reinforcement techniques to encourage them to display desired behaviors. Volunteers are trained to encourage the dogs to focus, sit and walk on a leash. Dogs also receive some exercise and socialization time.
ANIMAL CARETAKER - Animal care volunteers keep the animals and the shelter appealing to the public by providing a clean environment and exercising, socializing, bathing and grooming shelter animals. Volunteers in this area increase the animals' chances for adoption by keeping them cared for and presentable.
BINGO WORKER - Our animal friends receive food, water, heat, shelter, and aid from our caring staff because of the public's support of our Bingo games. In order to keep this major source of revenue operating smoothly, your help is urgently needed serving food, selling instants and games, counting money, etc. for 2 to 4 hours on Monday or Friday evenings.
A large percentage of the Society's operating budget comes from Bingo proceeds. Help support this necessary income! Nine to twelve volunteers are needed each night.
HUMANE EDUCATION PRESENTER - Help spread the Humane Society mission to build lifelong relationships between people and their pets! Knowledgeable volunteers may assist with presentations on the humane treatment of animals, proper pet care and the importance of spaying/neutering pets to school groups, scout units, and public at the shelter and in the community.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Volunteers may assist at fund-raising and public relations events by helping plan events, selling retail items and tickets, registering participants, distributing flyers and brochures, staffing informational booths, and educating the public regarding animal welfare issues. If willing and able, event volunteers may pick-up, transport and set up displays and literature.
PET THERAPY AIDE - This is your chance to bring a bit of joy and happiness into the lives of those living in retirement facilities. You pick up a specially selected dog or cat from the shelter or take your own "approved" pet to a retirement facility for regularly scheduled visitations. This program provides convalescing individuals of all ages an opportunity to spend time with animals and cultivate the natural bond between animals and humans to the benefit of both.
GREETER/CUSTOMER CARE- The front lobby is the first place our customers encounter and it is where each potential adopter will form a first impression of the shelter. This location is sometimes very busy, with people working through the adoption process, needing directions to get to different areas of the shelter, and asking questions about various animals. You will be able to use your customer service skills to make each customer feel comfortable, welcome, and valued.
ADOPTION SUPPORT AIDE - Use your people/animal handling skills to assist our adoption counselors in placing adoptable animals into new homes. Assist the public in the Adoption Center, cat rooms, kennels, and "get acquainted" areas. Volunteers may direct the public, explain adoption procedures, and showcase the animals.
HANDY PERSON - There is always something that needs to be done - gardening, minor building repairs, painting, cleaning up, etc. This is your chance to help our animals by making the shelter a pleasant environment and giving the public a good impression of our shelter. Your "handy" skills are always needed somewhere at the Humane Society shelter.
SPECIAL SKILLS - If you have some special skill or talent, that would be beneficial to the Humane Society and to the animals, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
You Can Make A Difference! Protecting Life, Providing Love.
Why are Volunteers so important?
The Humane Society of Allen County relies upon the time, talent, and efforts volunteers commit to helping our animals during their stay in the shelter. Through the volunteers' generosity, the animals receive the love and attention necessary for starting a new life in a loving home. Some of the opportunities involve direct contact with the animals; many do not.
What do we ask of our volunteers?
- A serious concern for animal welfare.
- A genuine enjoyment of working with animals and people.
- A personal commitment of time, and to work during those agreed upon hours.
- An understanding and support of our philosophies and policies.
- An interview with the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Attend an orientation program.
- Must be at least 14 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What do you get in return?
- Develop new skills.
- Enhance your resume.
- Meet new people with similar interests.
- Expand your knowledge about animals.
- Receive many licks, wags, and purrs in return!
Making a difference...One pet at a time.
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