The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is in search of long-term, committed volunteers to fill a variety of volunteer positions. Visit nursing homes, schools and local civic groups with shelter pets, participate in off-site adoption events, fundraisers and outreach activities or spend an afternoon walking dogs and snuggling cats. If this seems like something you would like to do, then let’s get started! If you are 16 years of age or older, you can volunteer on your own. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Volunteer Program
Many citizens, children and their families, local students from University of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s Bethel, IUSB, and Purdue colleges join our family of volunteers to make the lives of our animals healthy, happy and adoptable along with raising funds and awareness about shelter programs.
Pet Therapy
Volunteers and staff visit nursing homes and hospitals with animals, providing a chance for animal/human bonding. This is a very rewarding program for many people who are past owners of pets and crave the furry animals who love them unconditionally.
Community Education & Outreach
Our staff, volunteers and pets visit local K-12 grade schools in the area and present information about the prevention of abuse and the humane care of animals. One such program is called HELP (Humane Education Learning Program) which brings animal books to classrooms throughout our community. Another great program is Paws For Pages. This literacy program is open to children between the ages of 6-13 which takes place at the shelter. Children take turns reading to the adoptable pets and then participate in crafts and animal presentations. Programs are also available for area service club visits. The use of public service announcements, television and newspaper exposure, and free literature are other ways that we reach out to the community. During the summer, the Junior Humane Society Day Camp teaches our youth who are interested in the humane treatment of animals.
Garden Crew
We have a lovely garden area in front of our facility that needs maintained! Do you have a green thumb? Do you want to do something to help the shelter, but maybe you don’t necessarily want to interact with animals? This could be for you! Email [email protected] if you are interested!
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, fill out the below form to be added to our email list. You will be updated about upcoming volunteer orientations and next steps in the process of becoming a volunteer.
