Northwoods Humane Society is always in need of volunteers able to donate a few hours per month to help the animals.
Are you:
- An animal lover?
- Responsible and able to work independently?
- At least 16 years old? All volunteers must be 16 even with an adult.
- Willing to commit at least 4 hours of volunteering per month for 6 months?
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then Northwoods may be the place for you to volunteer. Look through the available Volunteer Opportunities below and complete an application if you find a role that fits your talents!
If you have further questions, you can reach our Volunteer Coordinator, at 651-982-0240 x304 or volunteer@northwoodshs.org.
Currently we need volunteers in the following areas: Weekday and weekend adoption counselors, dog walking, foster home volunteers, special events and fundraising. Short-term volunteer opportunities involving direct animal contact are not available. We are also not able to assist with community service hours.
Adoption Counselor
Details: Assist and counsel potential adoptive clients in choosing the right dog or cat for their home. Having good people skills is essential as you are usually the first impression people have of Northwoods. Good phone etiquette and animal (breed/temperament) knowledge is also a great benefit.
Hours: 4 hour shifts available 7 days a week
Board Member
Details: The desire to be a part of a successful non-profit business through strategic planning, fundraising, ambassadorship and evaluation. Experience in animal welfare, finance, human resources, legal or marketing desired.
Hours: Monthly board meetings- third Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 pm and board committee meetings (times vary)
Building Maintenance
Details: Building maintenance includes general repairs and improvements from broken faucets to painting walls. Must have some experience in home repairs and basic knowledge of tool use.
Hours: Flexible
Cat Socialization
Details: Cat socializers are assigned one cat per shift who they will work with for one hour. They provide the cat social interaction by spending time with them in the acquaintance room playing, brushing and cuddling.
Hours: Monday thru Sunday – 11am, 1pm, 3pm or 5:30pm. (One hour shifts)
Committees
Details: Much of the policy and planning work of Northwoods takes place in committees. Learn more the various committees here.
Hours: varies by committee
Dog Walking and Kennel Cleaning
Details: The dogs at Northwoods are walked 2 or more times per day. This exercise is essential to their physical and mental well-being. It is also a time to socialize them with people and teach basic obedience. Dog walkers must be willing to clean kennels if needed. Walkers need to be able to physically handle and control a dog on a leash, and be willing to use Gentle Leaders as training aids.
Hours: 1-3pm or 5:30-7 pm
Foster Care
Details: Volunteers play an important role by providing temporary care for abandoned, orphaned, sick and pregnant animals. If you have no prior experience we can train you. Animals who need foster care are usually pediatric cases or they need more consistent medical care than can be given at Northwoods. This is a very rewarding and fulfilling opportunity for the entire family! Foster care volunteers must be able to provide daily care and occasional transportation, possibly for several weeks.
Hospice Foster Care
Details: Help make the best of a pet’s final days in your loving home. Click here for more information.
Fundraising/Events
Details: This is a vital part of our existence, since Northwoods is completely funded by private donations and assets raised at our benefit fundraisers. Candidates should be comfortable contacting people about sponsoring our various benefits. For those with personalities on the shyer side, there are other duties involved. These would include areas such as helping with mailings and data entry.
Hours: Varies
Vet Tech Helper
Details: Assist Vet Tech with animal examinations, blood draws, vaccinations, worming, and general medical duties. Need to be physically able to restrain dogs and cats during examinations.
Hours: Varies