Volunteer at HSWC
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Are you passionate about improving the lives of homeless animals? Your dedication can bring joy and comfort to these animals in need.
Benefits of Volunteering
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Making a Difference: It's an opportunity to directly impact the lives of homeless animals by providing the care, love, and attention they desperately need.
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Building Relationships: Volunteers often form strong bonds with the animals, which can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to both the volunteer and the animals.
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Learning and Skill Development: Volunteers can gain valuable experience in animal care, handling, and behavior, which can be useful for future endeavors or careers involving animals.
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Physical and Mental Health: Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being.
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Community and Social Interaction: Volunteering at an animal shelter can be a great way to meet like-minded people, form friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
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Sense of Purpose: Knowing that you're contributing to a cause you're passionate about can provide a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
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Personal Growth: Volunteering can enhance empathy, patience, and compassion while also providing a sense of accomplishment.
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Flexibility: We offer flexible volunteering schedules, allowing individuals to contribute based on their availability.
Volunteer Opportunities
You can make an impact in various ways:
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Laundry/Dishes: Help maintain a clean and comfortable environment for our animals
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Dog Walking: Provide exercise and socialization for our canine companions.
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Cat Socialization: Spend quality time with cats, providing companionship and care.
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Small Animal Care: Assist in the well-being of smaller animals in our care.
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Food Bank Assistance: Support our efforts to ensure animals in our community have proper nutrition.
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Transport: Transport a shelter animal to partnering rescues, pet stores, and more.
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Special Events: such as Polar Bear Plunge and LuHowl as well as smaller events/ adoption events.
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Lobby Greeters: Be a friendly face at HSWC! Greet clients, assist with adoption paperwork, and matchmake animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
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Volunteers must be at least 10 years old, with adult supervision. Ages16 years and older can fly solo!
What kind of time commitment is required?
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We appreciate any amount of time you can dedicate! Your contribution matters whether it's a few hours a week or a more regular schedule.
Do I need previous experience with animals to volunteer?
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No prior experience is necessary! We provide training and guidance to ensure you're comfortable and capable in your volunteer role.
Are there opportunities for group volunteering or community service projects?
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Absolutely! Email our volunteer coordinator at bmair@hswcmd.org for more details.
Can volunteers bring their own pets while volunteering?
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Due to the risk of exposure to zoonotic disease, you may not bring in your pets while volunteering.
When can I get trained to start?
We can work with your schedule to get you ready to volunteer! Email our volunteer coordinator to set up an orientation!