Volunteer Positions
Primarily, we need additional Adoption Ambassadors, Shelter Support, and TNR volunteers
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Adoption Ambassadors help visitors meet animals both at the shelter and at events.
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Shelter Support – This crew is dedicated to help with the tasks that need tending to every single day to keep the shelter running smoothly. It can be messy work but it helps ensure that all animals in our care have everything they need to stay happy and healthy. All new adult volunteers will be asked to complete their first 12 hours in a shelter support role before being working hands on with the animals at the shelter.
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Additional positions are available as they become open. Examples of other volunteer positions: canine playgroup team, canine assessment team, enrichment team, humane education, helping at fundraisers, etc.
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Animal Socialization – In addition to helping with one or more of the positions above, all volunteers are welcome and encouraged to help with basic socialization of cats and dogs (i.e.: Dog Walking, Feline Enrichment Team, etc.)
Age Requirements
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Minimum age is 16 years old for any independent volunteering. However, the volunteer manager reserves the right to require that a volunteer have an assistant with them at all times if they are unable to meet the criteria for independent volunteering. Click for special needs volunteer info
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Volunteers between ages 12 and 15 must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian. Both parent/guardian and volunteer must submit an application to become a volunteer, complete necessary training together, and volunteer together.
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Volunteers ages 7 to 11: Click for Family Volunteer Info
*Please Note: For safety of volunteers, staff, and animals, no exceptions can be made to age limitation policies.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Humane Educational Society! HES volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we rely on them for a number of essential responsibilities. We have different roles designed for all types of people of all ages, abilities, and experiences. If you are considering becoming an HES volunteer and helping the animals in our care as well as the community we serve, we invite you to attend one of our brief information sessions to learn about the shelter and the requirements for our volunteers such as time commitments, training requirements, and the different volunteer opportunities. This free information session has no strings attached, after which you can decide if volunteering at HES is right for you! If you like what you hear and are excited to continue, we can get you signed up to start your volunteering journey!!
Please Note: Because we ask for a six month commitment for adults who are interested in volunteering at the shelter, middle school, high school or college students looking for short term volunteer opportunities to complete community service hours for middle, high school, or college credit have the option to complete their hours in one of two ways and do not need to attend an adult orientation class:
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HES Boutique and Thrift - Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer by themselves. Volunteers between the ages of 12 – 16 are eligible to attend with a parent volunteering alongside of them. Volunteers wishing to complete their community service hours at the thrift store will need to fill out the application.
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Tuesday Enrichment Night – Join a crew of volunteers to help make enrichment treats in bulk for both dogs and cats. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer by themselves. Volunteers between the ages of 12 – 16 are eligible to attend with a parent volunteering alongside of them. All volunteers who wish to complete their community service hours at the shelter must sign up in advance.
