Volunteering
The Humane Society of Western Montana's goal is to ensure that every pet in the shelter gets a minimum of 20 minutes of human contact daily. Studies have shown that 20 minutes of human contact daily can make a difference in the life of a homeless pet. It decreases the pets anxiety which can cut down stress related illnesses and make them 'show' better to potential adopters. Your help in the shelter, out in the neighborhoods or in your town home can and does make a world of difference for the animals.
Becoming a volunteer is simple:
- Attend a volunteer orientation meeting. They last approximately 60 minutes. Here are the next scheduled orientations:
Friday, July 12th @ 5pm or
Saturday, July 13th @ 11am or
Friday, August 2nd @ 5pm or
Saturday, August 3rd @ 11am
- Print out the volunteer application here and bring it with you to the orientation.
- Attend training in the cat and/or dog department immediately following volunteer orientations on Saturdays.
- After attending the orientation, set up a meeting with the Volunteer Coordinator, Breanne, to discuss scheduling and additional volunteer opportunities.
- Click here if you need to record your off site hours. You can email, mail or drop off this sheet monthly. Please help us keep accurate records of volunteer hours. Thanks!
Many opportunities available!
- Kennel cleaning assistant
- Cat room cleaning assistant
- Dog walking, training and socializing(for volunteers 18 years and older)
- Cat socializing and training
- Shelter Greeter
- Fundraising/Special Events
- Office Assistant/Data entry
- Critter Camp volunteer
- Humane Education
- Off-site adoption ambassador
- Community Cats Program for stray and feral cats
- Mowing and yard maintenance
- HOPE Foster program
- Spay/Neuter Clinics
Requirements for volunteering:
We welcome children under 18 years old but because of liablity a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. All volunteers need to attend a Volunteer Orientation, and any additional training in your area of interest.
Because training new volunteers requires an investment of time and then animals are depending on you, we do require volunteers to sign up for shifts. We realize that you may not be available for every shift but we request advance notice so we can fill your shift.
If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact the Breanne at 549-4796 or volunteer@myhswm.org.
On behalf of the staff and the animals, THANK YOU, WOOF and MEOW!
More information:
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 Spotlights
June Volunteer of the Month
Jacque D
Jacque L has been volunteering with us for over 13 years! She shows up every Saturday morning to walk the dog that needs it most. Most recently, Jacque has been spending her Saturdays with adorable Dallas, pictured here. In addition to walking and training dogs, Jacque served six years as Treasurer on our Board of Directors and still serves on the Finance committee. Thanks for your many years of dedication and hard work Jacque!
April and May Volunteers of the Month
Emily and Dudley M
Dudley and Emily have been fostering dogs for many years. They have fostered over 50 puppies including pregnant mothers. HOPE foster homes like theirs allow us to adopt out underage pets who are too young to be at the shelter. This helps us increase the total number of animals we can care for annually. Thank you!
March Volunteers of the Month
Mike and Valerie B
Mike and Valerie have done amazing things for the shelter the past 4 years. They are Paws Ahead dog trainers, help train new Paws Ahead volunteers, assist in spay/neuter clinics and other events. Mike has been serving on the board for the last 3 years. Thanks for all you do!
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.