X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 9,140 times.
The Humane Society works to improve conditions for animals around the world. If you care about animal welfare, there are many opportunities to volunteer with both local and national chapters of the Humane Society. In order to volunteer, you’ll need to identify your strengths, contact your branch, and undergo any training required by your local or the national Humane Society chapter.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Being a Compassionate and Competent Volunteer
-
Follow all safety rules. Most Humane Society volunteers are required to complete at least a basic training program or orientation in order to learn all of the safe practices in place at the shelter.[1]- Safety is of the utmost importance to shelter workers. Follow all safety rules and suggestions.
- Only approach animals you have been cleared to interact with, as some animals may require special handling.
-
Show up to required training courses. While you are not a contracted employee of the shelter, you should always show up to required training courses and attend your volunteer duties on time. Though you may be donating your time, failing to be prompt and helpful will reflect poorly on you and waste other workers’ time. If you are going to be late, be sure to call ahead.[2]- Most shelters have predetermined orientation dates, so check with your designated chapter to find out which dates work best for you.
-
Ask questions when you are unsure. If, as you are going about your duties, you find that you’ve run into a problem or you are not sure how to handle a situation, make sure you ask! Shelter workers want to make sure both you and the animals you are working with are safe and well taken care of. -
Treat the animals with respect. Animals held in shelters have often been neglected or abandoned, and are usually jittery and afraid. Always treat the animals with respect, refraining from making loud noises or sudden movements. Although animal attacks within the ranks of volunteer staff are rare, you do not want to risk further damaging an already-struggling animal’s sense of safety and trust.- Shelter animals require a lot of love and attention. If you are having a rough day, or you are running low on patience or attention, consider changing your duties for the day, or requesting a rescheduled volunteer slot.
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Signing Up as a Volunteer
-
Decide on a local or national branch. The Human Society has both national offices and local branches that welcome eager volunteers. While you can volunteer at both eventually, you will likely want to get experience at one before tackling the responsibilities of both.[3]- Remember that your tastes will come into play here. To interact with animals more, you would be better off at a local branch. To work more in the administrative or educational aspect of the Humane Society, the national branch is a better option.
-
Reach out to the director of the branch you’ve chosen. For local Humane Society volunteering, you should be able to quickly and easily contact a worker or manager of the local shelter. If you opt for the national branch, you may need to go through a few levels of screening or emails before receiving a response regarding volunteer opportunities.[4]- Some shelters are extremely busy and have a lot of volunteers, so do not become discouraged if you are unable to begin volunteering immediately.
-
Fill out a volunteer application. Before you are able to jump in and start volunteer work, many shelters will require you to fill out a volunteer application. Doing so will give them a better idea of whether or not you are a good fit for their organization.[5] -
Provide your name, contact information, and interest in volunteering. Introduce yourself to the volunteer coordinators, giving them your name, your contact information, and a few details about your interest in volunteering. While they may not have a volunteer opportunity that suits your exact tastes, knowing what you like and prefer will give them a better idea of how you can be of help.[6] -
Be prepared to provide an essay or references. Some branches may require you to submit a written or verbal essay regarding your interest in volunteering, while others may require you to submit some letters of reference or reference phone numbers. If this is the case, don’t despair: working with frightened animals can be a difficult job, so they will likely use references to make sure you are up to the task.[7]- While not all branches require references, they do require background checks. Keep this in mind when you sign up to volunteer.
-
State your availability. It would be extremely frustrating for a volunteer coordinator to receive a call about volunteering, only to find that the volunteer has no idea what his or her schedule might look like. Before calling, identify the times and days you’re most likely to be available.- If you are not sure what your availability will be over the next few months, ask the volunteer coordinators if there are any single-day volunteer opportunities.
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Identifying Your Strengths
-
Ask yourself why you want to volunteer. The “why” of volunteering will lend tremendous insight into how you might be of value to the Humane Society. If you love seeing animals well cared for, you may be best suited to bathing and walking animals as a volunteer worker. If you want to see more organization in your local chapter, office work may be better suited to your needs.[8]- Shelters want you to enjoy volunteering as much as possible. Make sure you choose something that you can truly commit to long-term.
-
Take inventory of your skills. Take some time to evaluate any pertinent skills you might have. Your skills do not have to be honed--you do not need to bring a graphic design degree to the table, for instance--but should be consistent. If you are a very patient person, you would likely do well acting as a bather. If you are great with customer service, you might be an excellent choice to work the front counter.[9]- Some shelters will conduct interviews, of sorts, to determine how you should volunteer. Be prepared for your interview by having all of your relevant strengths and weaknesses compiled.
-
Research local and national chapters. Before deciding what chapter to call or email, do some research to determine what type of volunteering you’d like to do. Volunteering with your local Humane Society branch is going to provide you with the most hands-on volunteer opportunities, while the national branch may be more of an effort to raise awareness. -
Create a “volunteer resume.” Much like you would create a resume before a job interview, you should create a simple, one-page volunteer resume, listing any relevant skills, projects, or volunteer opportunities. While not everyone will require you to present a volunteer resume, it will help the branch know where to place you.[10]
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Tips
-
If you are not sure how you can help the Humane Society, let the director or volunteer coordinator know. They may be able to help you find a good fit for your talents.Thanks
-
Volunteering with the Humane Society can be a wonderful experience for anyone looking to go into veterinary science.Thanks
-
You can sign up to receive news and information about the Humane Society to keep abreast of any new volunteer opportunities or needs.Thanks
Warnings
- Animals are wild creatures, and can be particularly difficult to handle in a new or unfamiliar place. Always treat animals with respect.Thanks
- Always follow Humane Society protocols to the letter. Failing to do so could endanger both the animals you are working with, and the people responsible for those animals.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.oregonhumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/youths-12-17/
- ↑ https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq
- ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/community/volunteers/
- ↑ https://www.kyhumane.org/get-involved
- ↑ https://www.oregonhumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/adults-18/
- ↑ http://www.thehumanesociety.org/get-involved/volunteer/
- ↑ http://www.azhumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/ways-to-volunteer/
- ↑ https://southwesthumane.org/engage/volunteer/adult-volunteer-programs/
- ↑ http://humanebroward.com/volunteer/
About this article
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 9,140 times.
Co-authors: 7
Updated: October 11, 2022
Views: 9,140
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,140 times.
