1. What would I do as a volunteer?

Volunteers assist staff in almost every area of the shelter. They clean, feed, and help socialize animals. They answer phones, greet customers, do data entry, and help run special events and fundraisers. Volunteers also lead programs here at KHS including the Foster Program, training the dogs, and Animal Assisted Therapy.

2. How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteer Orientations are held twice a month in our Humane Education Classroom. You must attend this class and fill out a volunteer application before doing any volunteer work at KHS. At orientation, you will have a chance to sign up for classes required to do specific volunteer tasks.  To sign up for a volunteer orientation click here.

3. How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to come unaccompanied by an adult. Students 10-15 must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. (This means the adult/supervisor becomes a volunteer as well and attends all necessary training classes). Unfortunately, we do not have any volunteer opportunities at the shelter for anyone under 10 years old.

4. My child is under 10 years old but really wants to help - is there anything she can do?

Yes! While volunteers must be at least 10 to volunteer at the shelter, children under 10 can help by raising money or collecting supplies for the shelter. Children can hold a “penny drive” at school or in their community, they can make toys for the cats, sew beds for the animals - the possibilities are endless. Call the volunteer/ education department for more ideas.

5. When are Volunteer Orientations held?

KHS offers two orientations per month. They are typically held the 1st Saturday and Wednesday of each month. You only need to attend one of these classes. To RSVP click here.                                            

  6. How many hours am I required to commit as a volunteer?

We ask that you make a commitment of at least 8 hours per month for 6 months.

7. I only have 10 hours required for a school project. Can I still volunteer at the Humane Society?

No. We hold everyone to the ‘8 hours per month for 6 months’ commitment, excluding active military. If you only plan to donate 10 hours of time, please seek out another organization. If you can commit 8 hours for 6 months – we would love to have you!

8. Do you provide training?

Yes!  We provide training in classroom and hands-on settings to ensure that you feel prepared for volunteering either in direct contact with our animals or with the public.  We offer various classes open to all current volunteers such as Basic K9 Handling- Dog walking, Cattitude- Cat cuddling, Doglish- learning how dogs communicate with us, and Open Paw- a shelter-wide program focusing on re-establishing trust between animals and humans and addressing specific behavior issues in order to increase adoptability.

9. I have court-ordered community service to complete - can I do it at KHS?

Yes, you may complete your community service hours at the shelter. You must be at least 16 years old and must not be charged with a felony, theft, drug, or assault charge. To fulfill community service hours, bring your paperwork to the front desk at 10am, dressed to work (long pants, non-slip, closed-toed shoes). Community service workers assist with laundry, dishes, cleaning and other projects. They do not work directly with the animals. Community service workers do not need to fill out a volunteer application or attend volunteer training; training will be provided on the job.