We endeavor to make your volunteer experience safe and rewarding. When someone gives us their valuable time we want to make sure that we use it to the best advantage for the animals and also give you, the volunteer, a good experience. That means making sure that you have jobs that interest you and make you feel useful and also giving you the training and tools you need to do your job safely and effectively. Whether volunteers wish to work in the shelter directly with the animals, help with special events and outreach or simply come out to walk a dog along the beautiful River Front Trail, our mission to our volunteers is to provide them with the structure, direction and tools necessary to contribute meaningful service within the organization. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team we encourage you to view our current volunteer openings and apply today.
HAL volunteer requirements:
Be at least 14 years old. (HAL requires those between 14 -17 years of age be accompanied by an adult mentor who is at least 25 years old every time he/she volunteers).
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Complete an application either online or in person at the shelter.
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Attend initial orientation and required trainings.
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Understand and adhere to all HAL policies and procedures, including but not limited to those described in the orientation and the Volunteer Handbook.
** Junior Volunteer **
As a junior volunteer (ages 14 – 17 years) there are many ways you can help. You can assist our kennel staff in cleaning the food dishes, water dishes and blankets for the cat and dog kennels. You may make toys by braiding “tuggies” or filling Kongs with peanut butter. We can always use junior volunteers to help us socialize our animals by playing with them, brushing them or performing duties to make them happy and more appealing to adopters. You must be 14 years of age or older and succesfully complete the Junior Volunteer training program before working directly with the animals. Junior volunteers who wish to work with the animals before the training is completed must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.