Thank you for your interest in the volunteer program at the Animal Humane Society. Volunteers are vital to the support and accomplishment of the mission of the Animal Humane Society.

Requirements

• Desire to support animal care, strong customer service skills and assessment of animal care needs and adoption options.
• Commitment of a minimum of one year of volunteering at least twice per month. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 - 4 hours, depending on the assignment.
• Minimum of 16 years of age.
• 14 and 15 year olds have the opportunity to volunteer if they are accompanied by a parent for all orientation, training and volunteer service. Evaluation of youth, parent experiences after the first two months.

How to Become a Volunteer

Step 1: Register to attend a Volunteer Information Session at one of our locations to learn more about the Animal Humane Society and available volunteer opportunities. Applications and reference forms are available at the meeting.

Step 2: Upon receipt of the application and reference forms, an interview will be scheduled with the Volunteer Department member. It allows us to learn about your interests, skills, abilities, time availability and determine if there is a good match for you with an open volunteer position.

Step 3: If a good match is found, we will schedule an orientation into the volunteer program and training for your volunteer assignment.

Information Meeting Locations

Registration is required

• Buffalo location (4375 Highway 55 SE)
• Coon Rapids (1411 Main St. NW)
• Golden Valley (845 Meadow Lane N)
• St. Paul (1115 Beulah Lane)
• Woodbury location (9785 Hudson Road)

Please register by e-mail to volunteer@animalhumanesociety.org or (763) 432-4833

Volunteer Opportunities

Adoptions

Work closely with customers in support of helping to find a good match of people and animals. Help keep the animals comfortable and happy while they wait for a new home. You can work with dogs, cats or small mammals on the adoption floor.

Foster Care

Provide in home care for shelter animals with special needs until they are ready for adoption or foster healthy adult cats during our busy months through our Mission Meow program.

Veterinary Services

Volunteers can assist the Veterinary Services staff with medications, vaccinations and in the surgery areas.

Fundraising and Special Events

Help raise funds to support Humane Society programs and services and bring greater awareness to the community about the issues facing our companion animals. Assist at special events such as The Walk for Animals and the Whisker Whirl, or help with administrative projects.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Take your people-loving pet to nursing homes or health care facilities to visit with residents. Animal assisted therapy teams bring the joy of animals to people whose living situation or disabilities don’t allow them to have ongoing contact with an animal companion.

Education

Assist the Education Department with tours and education programs.

Training School Assistant (Coon Rapids, Golden Valley & Woodbury locations)

Assist instructors during various levels of puppy and adult dog training classes.

Adoption Preparation (Golden Valley)

Help shy and fearful dogs and cats get ready for adoption through the use of behavior modification techniques.

Behavior Helpline Assistant (Golden Valley location)

Answer calls and assist pet owners with animal behavior issues.

Memorial Garden (Buffalo location)

Plant, groom and maintain the grounds of the Memorial Garden. Assist in fundraising, promotion and support of the project.

For more Volunteer Information, please contact us by e-mail at volunteer@animalhumanesociety.org or call (763) 432-4833