The Volunteer Program

If you have a desire to help the homeless animals of Hamilton County find permanent, loving homes, please consider becoming a volunteer at our shelter.

We need help in every aspect of taking care of the animals.

	Animal Health Keeping our dogs and cats healthy is the most important job and the one that requires the most dedication. Cleaning and disinfecting the catteries and kennels is our first line of defense against illness. This must be done everyday from 8:30 until 12 noon when we open to the public. Once you have attended our orientation and training session, you are welcome to help as often as your schedule allows!
	Housekeeping There are always plenty of food & water dishes to wash and a never ending supply of dirty laundry that must be washed, folded and put on shelves. The windows of the Urgent Need cats and the cat visitation room must be washed.
	Maintenance & Up-Keep We are responsible for our own yard maintenance and general repairs around the shelter. If you are handy with tools or have a green thumb we can always use your help.
	Special Events Volunteers As a not for profit organization, we rely upon donations from the public. We hold many special events to help with this fundraising. From the major events such as “Tinsel & Tails” and “Woofstock” to smaller microchipping & adoption days, we always need volunteers to help handle the animals, help with event preparation and organization. If you have a “green thumb” with money, we need you!
	Animal Socialization The dogs and cats come to us as strays, neglect cases or owner surrenders. They are stressed, depressed and frightened. An ordinarily very friendly pet may refuse to let himself be petted; or she might growl when someone approaches her kennel. In order to help our animals find their forever homes, they need to be socialized. They need to walk on a leash or let someone take them out of their cage. Experienced “dog people” or “cat whisperers” are instrumental in building trust and confidence in our residents. Once you have attended our orientation and training session our Animal Care Team Leaders will be able to assess your skill levels and may invite you to become a “dog walker” or “cat companion”.
	Fostering We are also in need of Foster Families, which requires a significant commitment to volunteering. Animals under 8 weeks of age, mothers who are nursing or an animal recovering from illness or injury are eligible to be placed into a foster home until they are well enough to be placed up for adoption. To become a Foster, you will need to submit a different application. Talk to our Animal Advocacy Programs Coordinator to find out more at 317-774-1263.

Requirements to Volunteer

• All of our volunteers must be aged 16 or older in order to directly deal with the animals.
   
• All those interested in becoming a volunteer must submit an application, either a hard copy picked up from the shelter or online at this website.
   
• All applicants must pay a $15 orientation fee, which will cover the costs of a volunteer T-shirt, A clip-on plastic name tag and our handbook, payable the night of orientation. Cash or credit card only.
   
• All potential volunteers must attend an orientation and training session, before they can begin to work.

Volunteers younger than 16 are encouraged to hold fundraising drives in their neighborhoods as a meaningful way to help our homeless animals, perhaps a dog wash might be a fun way to raise money. Or you can go to our website and click on our Wish List. Students can get together and hold a donation drive for the items we need everyday. Service projects for scouting, class activities or church are always appreciated! We prefer that they be in the form of donation drives or fundraisers as our facility is not large enough to accommodate groups of students.

Volunteers under 16 may also help with tasks such as laundry, dishes, cleaning the windows to the cattery. They are restricted from any direct contact with the animals. All under-16 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Both parent and child must submit an application, pay an orientation fee and attend one orientation & training sessions.

Students over the age of 16 needing community service hours for school or church may also apply to become a foster family for sick and recovering animals. Keep in mind the dog or cat must be kept until it is healthy enough to be placed up for adoption and not just for the number of hours the student needs to complete.

BECOMING A VOLUNTEER

Step 1: Complete the application either online, mailed or brought to the shelter.

Click here to fill out our on-line volunteer application form.

Click here to login to the Volunteer information Center.
To login, use the e-mail address and password you provided on your application.

Step 2: Attend a Volunteer Orientation. At this meeting you will receive a Volunteer Handbook, learn more about the history and philosophy of the HSHC and find out ways to put your skills to use. You will take a tour of the facility and have a chance to see the dogs and cats in their temporary home (we hope!).

For a current listing of Volunteer Orientation Sessions, please email hshcvolunteers@hamiltonhumane.com.

Questions? Email us at hshc@hamiltonhumane.com.