Volunteers are the heart of the Humane Society, and there is a wide range of exciting volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.
What are the benefits of volunteering for the Humane Society?
- Join a dedicated team of employees and volunteers at the Animal Shelter, Thrift Store, and/or events.
- You could earn Thrift Store gift certificates, and an invite to the Annual Appreciation Dinner.
- Feel good about yourself and about giving back to our unique community.
- Most importantly, contribute to the quality of life of the innocent pets that have been abandoned or relinquished through no fault of their own!
Volunteer at the Animal Shelter
Do you love animals? Do you have some special skills or are you willing to learn some? Do you want to do something that will directly benefit homeless pets? Volunteering at the Humane Society Animal Shelter is for you!
After your application is processed, you’ll attend an orientation. Volunteer opportunities include:
Dog Walking
All of the adoptable dogs in the shelter are walked, socialized and groomed. Following orientation, you may sign up for regular volunteer shifts.
Or, you can come out anytime and, following a brief orientation by shelter staff, you are free to walk adoptable dogs on the indicated areas.
Cat Socialization
Cats need care too! Volunteers at the shelter may socialize cats and help them get ready for their new homes. Petting, grooming, playing and other cat activities are encouraged. Children under 18 will need parental supervision.
Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR)
HSPS works with volunteers to conduct feline TNR trapping. Trapped cats are given medical attention and sterilized in an effort to decrease the number of homeless cats.
Driver
People willing to drive shelter animals out of the area are needed to help with our transfer program. We may be able to give some perfectly adoptable animals that don’t seem to be adopted from our shelter a better opportunity for adoption in other areas.
Skilled Craftsmen
Plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter or handyman. Let us put you on a list of skilled people to contact when the animal shelter is in need of specialized services.
Foster an Animal
Animals that are too young, ill, or older animals who have a hard time at the shelter need foster homes. There are also times when the shelter is full and we need to foster out some of the animals so we can continue to save lives.
Volunteer at the Thrift Store
Do you love a bargain? Do you enjoy combing second-hand shops for treasures? Would you like to help our community’s homeless animals? Volunteering at the Humane Society Thrift Store is for you!
After your application is processed, you’ll attend an orientation. People are needed for:
- Cleaning and sorting donations
- Working with customers
- Price tagging
- Restocking
- Testing equipment for sale
- Maintenance and repairs
Volunteer at Events and the Administrative Office
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is known for its gala fundraising events. Lots of volunteers are needed to carry off the events successfully.
Auction for the Animals
The biggest fundraising event of the year is the auction. Volunteers are needed to call local businesses to get gift certificate and item donations.
Other event needs are volunteers for set-up and break-down, staffing check-in tables, monitoring the event, working at the bar and more.
Adoptathons
The Humane Society shelter hosts several off-site adopt-a-thons throughout the year at local merchants, the Thrift Store, and at other local communities. These events promote animal adoptions and raise money for the shelter.
Volunteers help on the day(s) of the event to set up/break down, walk/show off animals and share information about the animals with potential adopters. Volunteers may also wash and groom dogs and cats before the event.
Additional Fundraising Events
Every year the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs hosts a series of fundraising events to help support our animal shelter and provide for the animals in our care. Depending on the event and needs, there are plenty of opportunities to assist with event preparation, implementation and wrap-up.
Administrative Office
Volunteer with our Administrative Office preparing newsletters and other mailings throughout the year, or posting and distributing event flyers.
Grant Writer
We are looking for a volunteer who may be interested in helping with grant research and grant writing. This role would involve identifying potential funding opportunities and assisting with drafting or assembling grant applications to support our shelter operations and programs.
If you have experience in grant writing, research, fundraising, or strong writing skills, and would enjoy contributing in this way, we would love to hear from you. This role can take up to 25 hours a month.
Please contact Elizabeth at 970-264-5549 if you’re interested or would like more information.