How do you volunteer?
One of the most common questions that we are asked here at the Humane Society of Imperial County is, “Do you need volunteers?” The answer is, YES! As our tiny little shelter has begun to grow over the last three years, our small staff and current handful of volunteers have come to realize that we need help.
In order for us to do what is best for the orphaned pets in our community (and other community members, believe it or not) and to be much more efficient, it will literally take the love, support and dedication of an entire village. Well you might be asking yourself “What can I do to help?” There are many different ways for everyone to get involved:
Transporting animals to our many rescue groups outside of the Imperial Valley is always a major need. In order for us to uphold our promise in making the Imperial Valley a no-kill community, we must send out cats and dogs that have been in our care for long periods of time to rescue groups in other communities in order for them to find their furever homes.
Please keep in mind that if you decide to use your own vehicle for a transport you are able to receive a tax deduction.
Every Saturday (and some Fridays) we hold adoption events at both Petco and Petsmart. About once a month we hold adoption events at Tractor Supply Company along with a low cost microchipping clinic.
On these days we could use about two volunteers at each store to help with set up, maintaining the adoption area and showcasing the available cats and dogs to potential adopters. Every so often we are asked to participate in community events.
Whether these events be Farmer’s Markets, parades, the Children’s Fair, or any of the several other events that go on throughout the year, volunteers are always needed and welcomed to help us man our booth and hand out important information about our shelter’s needs, low cost programs and the numerous orphaned pets that are awaiting their happy homes.
Walking dogs is by far one of the most important tasks that we need help with at the shelter. Getting the dogs out of the kennels does so much good for our canine companions.
Fresh air, sunshine, extra one-on-one care and lots of much needed exercise actually helps them to be happier, healthier and much better-behaved. Dogs that are well mannered and appear to be happy and relaxed are much more likely to get adopted.
For those who are not able to do much physical work and must be on “light duty,” feeding and petting cats is always a purrfect option! Although cats have a reputation as being solitary animals that prefer their own space, that most definitely is not the case for the feline friends in our care. These kitties look forward to some much need love and a long day full of belly rubs!
Although we have struggled a bit in the past with having a more clear scheduling system, we are taking every step necessary to better our volunteer program and getting more of our pet-loving community members involved. We want our volunteers to feel welcomed and feel happy with themselves after a good day’s work. Good-hard working volunteers makes for a happy shelter, a happy shelter makes for happy pets and happy pets make the world a better place. If you or someone you know would like to become a volunteer (or for more information on volunteering), please come in to the shelter during regular business hours to pick up a liability form. All volunteers must be 12 years of age or older and volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them.