Volunteer Spotlights
December Volunteer of the Month!
John Nielsen
John volunteers Saturday mornings helping the staff with the morning cleaning routine. After over 3 years of volunteering with us, he's a master at scooping poop, rinsing and squeegeeing kennels. Not a glamourous job but someone's got to do it! Thanks John for making Saturday mornings so much brighter for the dogs and morning kennel cleaning staff!
The Importance of Volunteers
Volunteers play an essential part in the work of the Humane Society of Western Montana. Without the support of many dedicated volunteers, our shelter simply would not be able to provide the state of the art animal care and community outreach programs that it currently provides. Your help in the shelter, out in the neighborhoods or in your own home can and does make a world of difference for the animals.
Why should I volunteer my time?
- Explore the field of animal sheltering
- Meet people who share your love of animals
- Gain valuable work experience
- Learn from experienced professionals within the field
- Experience that warm fuzzy feeling that only kittens and puppies can provide
But perhaps most importantly, volunteers have the rewarding opportunity to learn about and contribute to the welfare of companion animals within our community.
Be aware that the Humane Society is a busy working environment, where pet allergens, cleaning agents and high noise levels exist. Critters may jump on you, leave muddy paw prints, and could scratch or bite. Although not all jobs require hands-on involvement with shelter animals, you will almost certainly be working near dogs, cats and other small animals.
Volunteer opportunities:
- Kennel cleaning assistant
- Cat room cleaning assistant
- Dog walking and training (for volunteers 18 years and older)
- Cat socializing and grooming
- Greeter
- Fundraising
- Data entry
- Humane education
- Off-site adoption ambassador
- Behavior help line
- Receptionist
- Community Cats Program for stray and feral cats
- Mowing and yard maintenance
Requirements for volunteering
Children under 18 years old are welcome to volunteer with a parent or legal guardian in the cat department. All volunteers are required to attend a Volunteer Orientation held once a month, and any additional training in your area of interest. See the orientation schedule below.
Because training new volunteers requires an investment of time, we do require a commitment of at least four months and at least four hours a month from each volunteer.
Becoming a volunteer is simple:
- Sign up and attend the monthly volunteer meeting held on either a Thursday or Saturday each month. Upcoming orientations are listed below.
- Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11 am
- Saturday, February 4 at 11 am
- Saturday, March 17 at 11 am
- Saturday, April 21 at 11 am
- Print out the volunteer application here and bring it with you to the orientation. We'll also have applications available during the meeting.
- Attend training in the cat and/or dog department (immediately following volunteer orientations on Saturdays).
- Further training may be required depending on your interests
- Meet with the Program Manager to discuss scheduling and additional volunteer opportunities
All volunteer meetings are held at the Humane Society of Western Montana, located at 5930 Highway 93 South, just one mile South of Blue Mountain Road on Highway 93. The Education Room is located on the east side of the building; enter through the sliding glass doors.
To sign up for the monthly volunteer meeting, or if you have any questions regarding the program, please contact the Program Manager at 406-549-HSWM or outreach@myhswm.org.
Community Service
Thank you for looking to the Humane Society of Western Montana to complete your community service hours. We receive many inquiries and know several schools require students to complete a specific number of community service hours. We are grateful that you want your community service hours to benefit the animals here. Click here for more information.
Paws Ahead dog training program
Classes are held for experienced adult volunteers at the Humane Society in the Education room once a month or by appointment. Please call 549. 3934 or email Mariah at outreach@myhswm.org.
Disaster Response Volunteers
We rely on a lot of volunteers (over 100!) to be on call in case of a natural disaster occuring at the shelter. Click here to print out the application form and send it to: Humane Society of Western Montana, Attn: Nicole, 5930 Highway 93 South, Missoula MT 59804.