Volunteer Information for The Humane Society Naples
From donating to volunteering your time, there are many rewarding ways for you to become involved with The Humane Society Naples. As a Volunteer, your expertise and compassion can help HSN immeasurably while providing you an opportunity to meet new people and animal friends!
The Humane Society Naples was created by a group of Volunteers in 1960. Since then Volunteers have been vital to the organization’s growth and service to the community. Today, Volunteers continue to play a major role in making HSN the most effective and highly regarded no-kill shelter in Southwest Florida, carrying out our mission “to shelter animals in times of need, locate lifelong homes and promote responsible pet ownership through education, legislation and sterilization.”
Before enrolling as an HSN Volunteer, we ask that you consider the following: “Volunteering is not something that can be done in a few odd hours when there is nothing more exciting to do. Rather, it is a job—with responsibilities that require a definite allotment of time, energy, intelligence, preparation, and follow through.” (Delta Society Pet Partners Team Student Manual 2008)
With this in mind, we ask you to determine if you have the time and dedication to devote to the animals, to other Volunteers and to the HSN staff who are similarly committed. Consider whether you can commit to a schedule with a minimum number of hours per shift or per project. Think of your time here as a job where your unexpected absence will affect the animals and people who depend on you.
HSN believes the safety and well being of humans and our pets alike depends on the extent and quality of our initial training and continuing education. If you are accepted into the Volunteer program, you will be expected to participate in training classes for your chosen activity.
For more information about HSN’s Volunteer Program, email volunteers@hsnaples.org
RECENT VOLUNTEER eNEWSLETTERS
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THE PATH TO BECOMING A HSN VOLUNTEER
To volunteer in HSN’s Kennel Care and Canine Coach programs, you must be at least 17 years old. Teen Volunteers age 12 to 16 years may volunteer in the Cat Care and Shelter Housekeeping programs and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. No Volunteers under the age of 12 are permitted.
The first step in becoming an HSN Volunteer is attending a Volunteer Recruitment meeting. These meetings are generally offered the second Saturday of every month at 10:00 am in HSN’s Crocker Family Pet Education Center. You do not need to RSVP or complete any paperwork in advance. The meeting lasts about 1 + 1/2 hours and includes a history of Humane Society Naples, descriptions of opportunities and information about the application, acceptance and training process.
After the Volunteer Recruitment meeting, Volunteers attend training and shadow session(s) depending on the opportunity in which they are accepted. Volunteer mentors and staff members are committed to supporting new Volunteers by presenting consistent, professional training. Most training is held at the Humane Society Naples campus.
Click here to open the Volunteer Manual.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous volunteer opportunities at HSN, each of which contributes to the success of our operation and to the well-being of our pets. Each of these opportunities will be described in detail during your Volunteer Recruitment meeting. Here is a sampling of the available opportunities.
Cat Care and Socialization
Assist shelter staff with feeding, watering and cat area cleaning duties. Help create a stimulating environment and reduce stress for cats and kittens by petting, brushing and playing with them. Assist Adoption Counselors and greet public in cat rooms. Requires participation in cat care and behavior training. We have a very engaged cat care group.
Canine Coach and Canine Kennel Assistant
Facilitates impulse control training and socialization sessions with our shelter dogs. These sessions help the dogs overcome problem behaviors by following a specific training program designed to help each pet overcome potential challenges and improve adoption chances. Assist Adoption Counselors and greet public in kennels. Requires canine coach training and authorization from HSN dog training specialists.
Volunteer Foster Program
When an animal arrives at HSN who is not quite ready for adoption, HSN relies on the love and homes of our foster care Volunteers. These Volunteers open their homes to care for animals that wouldn’t have a chance otherwise: pets with medical conditions that need special care until they are well enough to live at the shelter; pregnant dogs and cats who are about to give birth and newly born litters of puppies and kittens that are motherless and need to be bottle-fed. There is a great need for foster homes for larger pregnant breeds of dogs. In 2010 foster families shared their time and love by taking care of 750 canines and felines. For information contact Barb Thompson, HSN Foster Coordinator, at foster@hsnaples.org or by calling (239) 643-1555 Ext. 26. This program requires separate foster application and approval.
Lobby Reception
Answer phones and greet visitors; assist with inquiries, directions, and referral to staff.
Special Events and Projects
Assists HSN staff on an as-needed basis to participate in the planning, execution, and follow up of special activities, events and fundraisers. Our Assistant Director of Development – Special Events can be reached at events@hsnaples.org or (239) 643-1555 Ext. 18.
Shelter Operations & Maintenance
Shelter operations & maintenance includes laundry, handyman repair/building projects, transporting animals, supply runs, adoption center staff assistance, data entry, and pet photography.
Student Volunteer Programs / Parent–Teen Team
This limited program is for students from 12-16 years old. Teen Volunteers work alongside Cat Care staff and adult Volunteers to assist with cat care and shelter housekeeping tasks. Everyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Both parent and child must attend a Volunteer recruitment meeting. At the meeting you will complete, sign and return the Parent-Teen team application.
If you can’t make the commitment to volunteer in the shelter, or are under the age of 12, you can still help the animals through independent projects organized primarily by you.
Organize a supply drive. Please refer to our Wish List for items we desperately need.
Raise funds at your school, church or civic organization to help our pets.
Organize a canned pet food or supply drive.
Host your own birthday party and have your friends give you needed shelter supplies and/or donations as gifts.
Thank you for helping The Humane Society Naples!