Volunteer Requirements

• Volunteers must be 16 years or older (or accompanied by a parent if younger than 16)
• Complete the orientation process
• Read the volunteer handbook
• Follow all volunteer guidelines and policies
• Wear a volunteer shirt while volunteering, along with long pants and closed toed shoes

Volunteer Programs

Volunteer Orientation: During this meeting held at the shelter, applicants learn about the day-to-day functioning of the shelter, specific duties and tasks, and policies and procedures. Volunteer orientation is held at 10AM on the 1st Saturday of every month. unless otherwise noted.

Continuing Training: Volunteers must learn the tasks and procedures for working in each of our shelter programs/departments. Available programs include:

Cat and/or Dog socialization: These volunteers work directly with shelter animals to facilitate proper socialization. Activities may include dog walking, bathing, training, and general interaction with the animal. These volunteers should feel comfortable working with animals and should be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

Care Team: These volunteers provide assistance to our kennel technicians during morning cleaning and maintenance of the dog kennels and cattery. Volunteers must have morning availability, feel comfortable completing manual work, and be able to lift at least 20 pounds.

TNR: Trap, Neuter Release program-help set traps and or release ferrel cats.

Post Surgical Recovery: Volunteers for this program assist during surgery days at the shelter. Volunteers should be able to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for long periods of time, and feel comfortable witnessing surgical procedures. Additionally, all volunteers in this program must pre-schedule their hours.

Construction Crew: These volunteers may be contacted to complete repairs or small construction projects at the shelter. Applicants should have a general knowledge of construction/repairs, be able to lift up to 40 pounds, be able to stand for long periods of time, and be comfortable working with a team.

Special Events: Volunteers in this program assist our board of directors year round with special fundraisers, adoption events, and other off and onsite activities. Candidates for this program must have exceptional customer service skills, positive presentation, and ability to work with a team.

Rescue Runs: Volunteers assist with monthly rescue transports to partners across the United States. Candidates should be comfortable sitting for long periods of time, driving in varied environments, and working with animals. Requirements include proof of automobile insurance and evidence of a good driving record.

Group Volunteering: SCHS is happy to welcome organizations and other groups to volunteer. Groups must schedule their hours in advance. Due to our shelter’s size, we ask groups be no larger than 5 volunteers at a time, unless for a special project, or event. Group volunteering should be scheduled for a minimum of one hour. Youth groups (school, day-care, youth program, etc.) must be accompanied by an adult chaperone per SCHS policy

Other Volunteer Ideas:

• Office Help-file, phone paperwork
• Laundry Attendant: wash blankets, toys, bedding
• Kitchen Attendant: wash and sanitize food bowls
• Pooper Scooper-scoop doodoo in outside kennels

Foster Families: Volunteers provide a home to animals that are under-socialized, young, or simply in need of a home environment. Candidates must complete a separate interview process to be eligible for this program

Foster Guidelines

To foster for SCHS, all applicants must abide by and agree to our foster policies.

• Animals in foster homes remain the property of the Stephens County Humane Society (SCHS). I agree to accept responsibility for and provide a temporary home for my foster animals.
• Foster parents are expected to provide proper care for all foster animals, including bringing them to and from the shelter for vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and other medical procedures; bringing them to and from the shelter for meet-and-greets with potential adoptive families; and keeping them safe, clean, and well-fed.
• If a foster family is unable to continue fostering for any reason, the animal must be returned to SCHS (with advance notice, if possible).
• Foster animals may not be adopted directly from a foster home, but must be returned to SCHS for adoption. All potential adopters must be referred to SCHS to begin an adoption application process.
• Foster families have first "Adoption Option" under most circumstances. If a foster family wishes to adopt, the foster must contact SCHS to begin the adoption process. A word of caution, however: too many "foster failures" can result in the loss of the ability to foster for SCHS.
• The foster family agrees to contact SCHS immediately if the animal becomes ill or is lost/stolen.
• SCHS will provide food and all other necessary supplies for the animal.
• SCHS will cover veterinary expenses for the animal based on previous agreements with our veterinary partners.
• All potential foster parents must be at least 18 years of age.