Volunteer

Even a little time can make a big difference.

The work we do is vitally important, and we couldn't do it without the help of our dedicated volunteers.

Like many non-profit organizations, volunteers do much of the work needed to make HSCC run. From dog walkers to board members, from those who plan events to those who clean cages-each and every one of our volunteers is a valuable part of our shelter community and we share in common that we've all come together to change animals' lives.

We appreciate your time and value your participation. We hope that the time you spend volunteering for HSCC enriches your life too - we know it enriches the animals'. Below we've done our best to outline our general guidelines and the types of volunteer opportunities available. We're constantly evaluating our Volunteer Program to ensure that it offers rewarding and enjoyable opportunities that are safe and age appropriate for both volunteers and our animals. Likewise, our Program is crafted such that your investment of time is put to good use in meeting the needs of our organization.

General Volunteer Guidelines

Please note: All prospective volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application and attend a Volunteer Orientation.

Special Guidelines for Youth Volunteers (under age 18)

All volunteers must be at least 12 years of age.
Youth ages 12-15 must attend Volunteer Orientation together with a parent or adult guardian. Those under age 16 may only volunteer together with that adult.
The minimum age to socialize cats or small animals, without adult supervision, is 16.
Cleaning volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer independently.
A volunteer must be 18 years old in order to work with the dogs. If a young person would like to work with dogs, s/he may accompany the trained adult on dog walks, but the adult must always hold the leash. The young person, with the trained adult partner holding the leash, may take a dog into the large play yard in the front of the shelter to throw balls and socialize with the dog. Please keep in mind that the dog must be approved for children of a certain age, and that our population of dogs changes almost daily. A young person who wishes to walk dogs together with his/her adult partner is advised to call the shelter before visiting, in order to make sure there are age-appropriate dogs available.

Guidelines for Volunteers Completing Required or Mandated Community Service

Community service hours must be completed by helping with cleaning and/or morning animal care.
Morning cleaning and animal care volunteers clean cat and small animal cages, feed these animals, and help with sweeping and mopping lobby.
Afternoon cleaning volunteers clean dishes, do laundry, sweep/mop floors, and help with other tasks as needed.
Volunteers are responsible for their own hours and must document their hours on the volunteer time sheet. A minimum commitment of 20 hours is required.
Volunteer hours must be signed off on by a staff person at the end of each shift.
Please see “HSCC Policies and Requirements for Community Service Applicants,” available at the Volunteer Office (or as a PDF file below), for more information.

Guidelines for Volunteers Who Volunteer Together with a Support Staff

Both the volunteer and the support staff person must attend a volunteer orientation. If the volunteer’s support staff changes, the new support staff must also attend an orientation and the appropriate training(s).
The volunteer must be accompanied by the support staff person at all times when volunteering.

Volunteer Opportunities

Here are some of the ways you can help the animals at HSCC. ALL jobs require an orientation and training. As interest in volunteering at the shelter is significant, we ask that everyone complete and submit a volunteer application to be considered for our program.

Morning Animal Care

Assist our staff in the basic care of the animals housed here at HSCC. The main duties of the members of our Morning Animal Care Crew are to maintain and clean all of our animal areas and to make sure that the animals are well cared for and comfortable. Volunteers may also be asked to help out as needed in the Adoption Center.

This position may be used to fulfill a community service requirement, as all community service hours must be completed through cleaning.

Volunteer Times: Monday-Friday: 8-11am, Saturday and Sunday: 8-10 am

Cat and Small Animal Socialization

If you're interested in providing a little TLC, this is the job for you! Animal companions provide exercise and socialization that our cats, kittens, and small animals so truly deserve. Help us live up to our commitment to deliver the highest standard of care possible to all of our furry residents.

This position may not be used to fulfill a community service requirement.

Volunteer Times: The hours when the shelter is open to the public - see below. (There are no cat socializing opportunities in the morning as we clean and feed the cats during those hours.)

Dog Companions/Walkers

Perhaps self-explanatory, this job lets you get a little exercise yourself while providing companionship and exercise to our dogs available for adoption.

This position may not be used to fulfill a community service requirement.

Volunteer Times: Monday, 8:30am-4:45pm, Tuesday-Friday, 8:30am-5:45pm, Saturday, 10:00am-3:45pm

Afternoon Cleaning

Assist our staff in keeping the shelter environment clean, safe, and healthy for the animals. Tasks may include laundry, dishes, sweeping and mopping, and other cleaning projects as needed.