Volunteers
We started out and continue to operate as a largely volunteer organization. While we have paid staff for some critical roles, volunteers take care of tasks from cat and dog care to grounds keeping to retail sales to business management and information technology. In other words, if you have a skill you would like to donate, we can find a role for you. Our volunteers find that their activities:
- Brighten the lives of people and animals
- Give them a chance to learn a new skill
- Meet new, like-minded people
- Advance the social climate of Schuyler County
Ways You Can Help
- Morning cat care
- Clinic staff
- Dog exercise and socialization
- Fund raising event staff
- Merchandising and shop keeping at Wags To Riches
- Writing newsletters and thank you notes
- Building and grounds keeping (mowing, gardening, building maintenance)
Get Started Volunteering
If you think you might like to volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by filling out the Contact Us form. Volunteer Coordinator will provide you with the date of the next volunteer orientation session. In this session, you will learn about the Humane Society, tour the facility, and explore roles you might want to take. We will work with you to define a schedule and plan for your training in the role. You might be paired with another volunteer for your training or one of our staff members. As your skill and interest grows, you can take on larger and larger leadership roles. We also ask that you fill out a Volunteer Application Form. Before starting, we will also ask you to complete the Volunteer Hold Harmless Agreement in the Volunteer Application Form. Volunteer Application
Fosters and Adoption Ambassadors
Our foster program allows us to place very young or recovering animals in a caring home where they can receive more attention than we might be able to give them at the shelter. They Humane Society pays for medical care and supplies food during the foster period. Once the animal has recovered and is ready for spay/neuter surgery, they return to the shelter and are then available for adoption. Adoption Ambassadors typically work with dogs to get them out of the shelter for several hours at a time. They may go for walks in town, ride around in a truck, or just hang out at home. The program has several objectives:
- Socialize the dog so it is ready for adoption
- Expose the dog to more potential adopters than would see them at the shelter
- Have the Ambassador provide first-hand experience with the dog’s behavior and what to expect of the dog when they get home
Love Dogs? Love to Walk?
Dog Walking Volunteers Needed!
Do you love dogs? Want to give homeless dogs the love and attention they need? Have a couple hours free? Maybe looking for motivation to get out and walk, or looking for a walking partner? Consider becoming a HSSC volunteer dog walker!
Our dogs are cared for and loved by our staff and volunteers. We work really hard to make their stay at the shelter the best it can be. Each dog that is physically able is walked at least twice a day for about a mile. On walks they get exercise, love, companionship, training, and fun. This helps keep them mentally and physically fit. And you will easily get your 10,000 steps in.
As a volunteer myself, I cannot express how rewarding it is to be at the shelter. You will see a scared dog come out of their shell, or a puppy start to learn basic obedience. Knowing that the time I am there is making their lives better. My favorite part is to see them get their forever homes knowing that I had some small part in it.
Some experience with dogs is good to have. We do two shifts each day, 8 am to about 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to about 6:00 pm. Once trained you can pick the shifts that work best for your schedule. We provide treats, poop bags, leashes, and training. If you are interested please fill out an application.
If you have questions please contact Meghan at 607-368-5355. Leave a message and I will get back to you.
Thank you very much!