There are many great ways to volunteer your time at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. For more information about each of these exciting opportunities please review the list of Volunteer Positions.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
- Opportunities
- Become a Volunteer
- Orientation and Training
- Foster Care Program
This program's purpose is to ensure optimal comfort and care for the HSSC felines by addressing any areas of concern and aiding staff in providing appropriate solutions thereby increasing adoptability. All cat lovers are invited to join the feline fanciers once you’ve been through our cat cuddling training.
Baby relaxes on a "cat mat" made by the Feline Fanciers at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. The whimsical mats provide cats with comfort and security and are sent home with adopted cats to ease their transition into their new homes. The Feline Fanciers, volunteers who use innovative means to make HSSC's cats more comfortable, are seeking donations of fabric so that each of HSSC's 150 cats will have their own cat mat.
Bring donations of washable, flat-stitched (non-looped) fabric and one-inch batting to HSSC's shelter at 2331 15th St., Sarasota FL. Or, to create and donate a finished cat mat: fold a 13" x 39" length of fabric in half inside out, sew three sides, then turn the pouch right side out. Insert a 12" x 18" one-inch batting into the bed and sew it closed. Stitch down the batting in each corner, in the middle, and along each side to prevent bunching during laundering. For more information, call us at 955-4131, ext. 104.
HSSC volunteers take shelter dogs for daily on-site walks and oversee play time in the exercise pens. This is a great way to provide socialization and mental stimulation. K9 Companions also have the opportunity to attend Shelter Dog Manners classes. These classes are beneficial tool in helping our shelter dogs learn and practice everyday obedience skills.
Time commitment:
Minimum 6 month commitment
Frequency of commitment:
Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity:
Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
- Completion of general Volunteer Orientation.
- Completion of K9 Companion Training 101.
- Completion of Manners Class 101.
- 5 Hours of shadowing with a Red Level K9 Companion or K9 Coach.
*This position requires willingness ability to handle all breeds and various sizes of dogs.
This is a wonderful program for volunteers who love working with potential adopters, helping them to find the best animal suitable for their home life. Extra training is required for this program.
Our Mandy Bank Program is a very important source of revenue for our shelter. Donated change really adds up! If you own a business and are willing to place a Mandy bank at your location, please contact Director of Volunteers Karie Hajek at 955-4131, extension 104.
Our feline friends can always use a little TLC. With an average of 120 cats available for adoption there is always a cat in need of cuddling. HSSC volunteers spend time interacting with the cats to provide enrichment, socialization, and help reduce the stress cats may experience while living in a shelter environment.
Time commitment:
Minimum 6 month commitment
Frequency of commitment:
Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity:
Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
- Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
- Completion of the Cat Cuddler Training 101
- 5 Hours of shadowing with another Cat Cuddler
*Some bending and ability to lift at least 10lbs.required.
Our coaches work very hard with our dogs helping them to gain the confidence and socialization skills needed to be successful in their new homes. Extra training is required for this program.
Feline Coaches assist HSSC’s Cat Behavior Counselor in working with shelter cats that may require guidance in learning how to become a well mannered confident feline companion. Coaches practice positive reward training to help cats improve social skills and prepare them for life with family in a new forever home.
Time commitment:
Minimum 6 month commitment
Frequency of commitment:
Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity:
Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
- Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
- Completion of the Cat Cuddler Training 101
- 5 Hours of shadowing with another Cat Cuddler
- Clicker Training Class.
- Approval from the Cat Behavior Counselor.
Several times through the year we have special event fund raisers for our shelter. These events require lots of help with registration, sometimes crowd control, selling raffle tickets …..and much more! This is a fun way to help HSSC while, at the same time, enjoying the events.
Is always needed and appreciated!
Thank you for your consideration in becoming a volunteer for the Humane Society of Sarasota County. We welcome you to join a wonderful group of volunteers who assist our other departments in achieving HSSC’s Mission.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County encourages those who would like to make a difference in the lives of animals and the community they live in. If you have always wanted to help animals in need, HSSC is the place for you! Volunteers make it possible for HSSC to offer caring and compassionate services to pets and people.
We strive to make your volunteer experience safe and rewarding. It is our goal to provide our volunteers with the knowledge, training, and incentive to donate their time and services to our organization.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer:
- Review our Program Opportunities (Please review the opportunity descriptions understanding the requirements for each position you would be most interested.)
- Reserve your spot for one of the scheduled Pre-Orientation Tours.
- Complete and submit a volunteer application.
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation.
- Attend all required trainings.
Once we receive your application it will be reviewed. If your interest and availability match our current needs you will be contacted via email or phone to schedule an orientation.
**There is a non-refundable $25 materials fee due at the time of your scheduled orientation. This fee allows us to provide you with a volunteer t-shirt, nametag, and general training materials.
HSSC Volunteer Requirements:
- In order to participate in the program it is required that all volunteers are at least 18 years of age and can legally bear responsibility for his or her actions.
- It is asked that you are able to make a minimum commitment of 6 months volunteering at least 8 hours a month (2 hours a week).
- HSSC asks that you understand and follow all policies and procedures, including but not limited to those reviewed in the Volunteer Manual and at volunteer trainings.
The process for becoming a volunteer takes approximately 4 weeks.
Week 1 - Attend a scheduled Pre-Orientation Tour.
Week 2 - Application Review and Schedule Orientation
Week 3 - Attend Volunteer Orientation
Week 4 - Attend any required training sessions.
Schedule of upcoming Pre-Orientation Tours (if you’d like to attend please call or email the Director of Volunteer to reserve a spot).
Thursday, August 5, 5:30pm
Thursday, September 2, 5:30pm
Thursday, September 30, 5:30pm
GENERAL ORIENTATION
The Volunteer Orientation is held in the Education Building located next to the Adoption Center. Orientation lasts approximately one-and-a-half hours. During this time you will review the volunteer manual which covers a brief history of the shelter, the shelter’s mission, and learn about the role a HSSC volunteer plays in the success of the shelter. Upon completion of the Orientation, volunteers interested in becoming K9 companions or Cat Cuddlers will sign up to attend a training session.
CAT CUDDLING AND K9 COMPANION TRAINING
Training is required for any volunteer interested in working directly with the shelter animals. This includes volunteers interested in helping with the offsite adoption events. Training will last approximately one-and-a half hours. You can select to begin either K9 Companion or Cat Cuddler Training. If you are interested in both you can contact the Director of Volunteers to complete the other training at a later date. During this session you will learn shelter policies, procedures, and proper animal handling.
As a Foster Pet Parent you will temporarily bring home an animal that isn't yet ready for adoption, such as an animal that is recuperating from an injury, or a mother cat or dog with babies that are too young to be separated. When the pet or pets in your care are ready to be adopted, they would be returned to the shelter. It's a great way to give special attention to a furry friend when it's needed most, and also helps us by making room here at the shelter. If you're interested, call 955-4131 and ask for the Animal Care Manager.