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Saving Animals. Enriching Lives. Join Us!

Nearly 200 passionate individuals contribute their time and expertise to support the shelter’s mission. With a plethora of volunteer opportunities available at the Humane Society, there’s something for everyone looking to make a difference in animal welfare within our community.

Ready to embark on your journey with us? Simply fill out the volunteer application below to get started. Once complete, look for an email from Maria, our Community Development Manager, for next steps. For any inquiries, feel free to contact Maria at 574-475-HSEC (4732) or via email at [email protected].

HSEC Volunteer Application 2024

Prior to placement, every volunteer must fill out a volunteer application and attend an orientation session. Each volunteer is required to work at least two shifts quarterly to remain on our active list. (Of course, there will be exceptions.) If you need to complete court-ordered community service hours, do not fill out this form. Please call our office at 574-475-4732.

Name(Required)
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In order to work independently, all volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years of age. 14 or 15 year old individuals are able to volunteer with an adult of 18 years or older. Both the 14/15 year old volunteer and the 18+ year old volunteer must each complete a volunteer application, attend orientation, and all trainings required.
Address(Required)
Emergency Contact Name(Required)
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?(Required)
**Please note: our volunteer program is not for individuals looking to complete court-ordered community service hours. If you need to complete court-ordered community service hours, please call us at 574-475-4732.**
I am interested in volunteering with...(Required)
Your next step in volunteering is attending an orientation. Please select the orientation you are able to attend.(Required)
If you are attending a Zoom orientation, a link for the meeting will be sent to you via email the day of the orientation. If you are attending an in-person orientation, please be sure to put it on your calendar so you don't miss it!
I CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELKHART COUNTY’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VOLUNTEERING.(Required)
By clicking "I agree", I affirm that all the information I have provided here is true. I also give my permission to the Humane Society of Elkhart County to verify the above information. I understand that this application does not guarantee acceptance to the HSEC’s Volunteer Program.
I CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELKHART COUNTY’S WAIVER OF LIABILITY.(Required)
The Humane Society of Elkhart County takes great measures to maintain a safe environment for its staff, volunteers, and visitors. Unfortunately, there is a possibility that an accident or injury may occur during your volunteer service. Please read the following statement, and click "I agree" to indicate your understanding and agreement.I agree to follow all safety precautions in connection to my volunteer service for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. In the event of an accident or injury connected with my volunteer service I agree to release the Humane Society of Elkhart County, its Board of Directors and staff from all liability connected with such an act. By clicking "I agree", I agree to hold the Humane Society of Elkhart County, its staff, and directors harmless.
I CERTIFY THAT I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELKHART COUNTY’S MEDIA RELEASE FORM.(Required)
As a volunteer, I hereby give Humane Society of Elkhart County, consent to record, videotape and photograph my image and/or voice to be used in the following ways:*Company internet accessible by employees only *Company internet accessible via the World Wide Web to anyone *Printed/Electronic Media, including but not limited to, newspaper, TV, radio and social media *Printed/Electronic client/customer newsletters *Printed/Electronic annual reportsI further understand that no special compensation will be provided to me for use of my image and that I may not be informed in advance of the specific use of my image.I agree to follow all safety precautions in connection to my volunteer service for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. In the event of an accident or injury connected with my volunteer service I agree to release the Humane Society of Elkhart County, its Board of Directors and staff from all liability connected with such an act. By clicking "I agree", I agree to hold the Humane Society of Elkhart County, its staff, and directors harmless.
If I am under 18, or if I am over 18 but still under the care of a legal guardian, I consent to providing permissions from my parent or guardian.(Required)
Please type your full name here, to be considered a digital signature.(Required)
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Here are some ways you could be the difference.

Lobby Greeters – Volunteers in this program are significant in helping us create a kind, inviting atmosphere for guests visiting our adoption center. Volunteers serve as greeters at our welcome desk located in the adoption center lobby. They guide guests through our adoption process and answer additional guest questions.

Adoption Counselors – Volunteers help by facilitating successful interactions between guests and animals, answering questions, and communicating efficiently with adoption staff.

Dog Walkers – Volunteers provide positive reinforcement and socialization to alleviate stress and maintain the health and sociability of the dogs in our adoption program. Volunteers take dogs to the play yards for exercise and walk dogs around the property, offering treats, exercise, and love to our adoption dogs.

Dog Bathers – Volunteers will bathe dogs so they will be clean and fresh when they go to their new home, or before attending an animal showcase.

Cat Socializers – Volunteers provide cats in our adoption program with some much needed positive and relaxing attention. Volunteers offer toys, cuddles, and treats, encouraging socialization skills with the adoption cats.

Offsite Care Attendants – We have cats available for adoption at our local PetSmart Store.  Volunteers arrive at the each store every day of the week to care for and socialize the cats following detailed instructions.

 

Laundry and Dishes – Volunteers doing laundry wash, dry, fold, sort, and operate equipment. Volunteers doing dishes wash, soak (in sanitizing solution), and set dishes out to dry.

Animal Transporters – Volunteers will usually pick up animals from HSEC, (providing their own vehicle, gas, and insurance), and transport them to another location.

Kennel/Cage Cleaners – These volunteers are trained by staff to perform daily cleaning of dog kennels & cat cages.

Marketing/Media – Volunteers may take animals to special media events on radio or television. Always looking for assistance with multimedia projects including photography, video, editing and writing.

Red Barn – Volunteers oversee the operations of the Red Barn Retail Shop, including, sorting donated items, organizing, pricing, stocking, and running sales.

Fosters – Foster homes are needed for animals with special medical or social needs.  These animals/volunteers will be monitored by clinic and kennel staff as well as the volunteer coordinator.

Special Events – Volunteers are needed to assist with community and fundraising events.  This may include local fairs, festivals, and community events as well as other fundraising events.

Clerical/Office – Volunteers may be asked to complete adoption follow-up phone calls, file, stuff envelopes and other office projects.

Special Skills – Volunteers who are sewers, crocheters, builders, construction workers, or grounds maintenance are needed from time to time for special projects.