**We are now accepting applications for the following volunteer opportunities**
Foster parents
Offsite events
If you have an interest in these fields please complete an application at the shelter.
The first step in becoming a valuable, trained volunteer is to contact the Humane Society's Program Director at 941-747-8808, ext. 310 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Those under 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian for all activities.
When can I volunteer?
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday
What will I be doing?
You will be helping our friendly staff care for our four-legged guests. This includes cleaning, feeding, training and loving the animals at the shelter, or helping with off-site events. Besides providing us with some much needed help, we get to show you what we do and what we're all about! No job is too small or unimportant. Even a few hours a month can make a difference. Our volunteers are essential to our success. As HSMC grows, so does our need for dependable volunteers. A few ways that you can help out are:
- Greeter/Guide - greet and direct visitors to desired locations.
- Office/Clerical - filing, copying, helping with mail-outs. *
- General Animal Care & Enrichment - cleaning, feeding, socializing, exercising dogs, bathing and grooming.
- Canine Companion - enrich, train, exercise dogs to get them ready for their new homes. *
- Cat Cuddlers - socialize and train cats/kittens to get them ready for new homes.
- General Offsite Adoptions - go to an assortment of locations to show dogs, cats, puppies, kittens.*
- Building/Yard Maintenance
*requires extra training with HSMC staff.
Foster Care
If you have room in your heart and home for animals who are not yet ready to be put up for adoption, foster care may be just right for you. Whether it's a tiny puppy, a litter of kittens or an older dog or cat who must have socializing or special meds, you can provide life-giving care until such time as the animal is ready to be brought back to the shelter and put up for adoption. You will be asked to meet with our Foster Care Coordinator should this opportunity appeal to you.
Special Events
Reaching out to the community is one of our most important responsibilities. We need volunteers to help at fairs, exhibits, and other events. This is one way to provide valuable volunteer input when you cannot commit to a regular schedule.
What if I have special needs or special skills?
Let us know about your special needs or special skills at the time you call and we can arrange a schedule that works best for you. The possibilities are endless.