We Need You!

The problem of pet overpopulation belongs to the community as a whole, and the Randolph County Humane Society urgently needs members of our community to step up to help save the lives of the defenseless animals that have found their way to our shelter. The quality of life for the pets in our care increases in direct proportion to the number of people that volunteer to care for them. Without our volunteers, the animals would not be taken out for walks, bathed, or just socialized in general.  To say the shelter could not exist without this basic kindness of people just like you is an understatement and we need you now more than ever.  Even if you are only available for a couple of hours once every other month, according to Humane Society of the United States, you’ll get back so much more than you give:

• Be part of the solution. You'll join a network of hundreds of thousands of people working to make the world safe and more humane for all living creatures. You'll make the jobs of everyone working for animals a little easier by lending a hand and spreading the message of responsible pet ownership.

• Get warm fuzzies. You'll never find a more grateful and accepting comrade than an animal you have comforted. Who can't use another loyal support in life?

• Keep good company. You'll make lots of new friends—and not just the four-legged kind. Working side by side with people who share similar interests can forge lifelong friendships.

• Meet the new you. You'll discover skills you never knew you had, and you may be surprised at what you're capable of achieving.

• Gain a new career. You'll learn things that may lead you to the career—or career change—of your dreams. Employers and college admissions officers look favorably on time spent in volunteer service.

• Enjoy a wagging tail, a purr, and a smile. Didn't someone once say that the best things in life are free?

If you're interested, there are many ways you can volunteer to help us grow.  We need help working with the animals just as we need help working with the committees that keep the lights on, so whatever talents you have to offer to save the animals that have no one, we have a place for you here. that can put them to use.  There's no time like the present to get started, so give us a call today!  It's one phone call you won't regret.

Why Volunteer?

The animals need you!

They need your time, they need your talents and they need the special energy you bring to help them as they make their way from homeless or abandoned animals to being placed in loving adoptive homes.

Volunteers are the backbone of RCHS and we need your help!  As little as two or three hours a week of your time will make a huge difference in the lives of animals in our care.

There are many ways to volunteer.  Please consider becoming a “Volunteer” to the animals who need you.

Walking & Socialization Volunteer—Come spend time with dogs at the shelter who can spend upwards of 20 hours each day in their kennel.  Take them for a walk, pet or socialize them, teach them basic obedience through positive reinforcement, play ball with them in the yard or simply let them be with you.  The time you give lessens the time they spend alone in their kennels and helps make them more adoptable.  Requires some experience with dogs and a lot of patience.

Kennel Volunteer—Help keep the dogs at the shelter clean and comfortable by cleaning kennels, feeding dogs, filling water dishes, washing dog bowls, doing laundry and helping to keep the shelter as clean and inviting as possible.  A great way to get exercise and help the dogs at the same time.

Adoption Volunteer—Help place dogs into loving adoptive homes.  Act as an Adoption Counselor at the shelter or take adoptable dogs to weekly off-site “Adopt-a-Dog” Events in the community.  A great way for outgoing people to complete the mission of putting people and pets together.  Requires some training in adoption procedures and assessing fit between pets and prospective adopters, as well as strong people skills.

Transportation Volunteer—Transport dogs for medical or spay/neuter appointments, take dogs to special events or transport dogs to other shelters when RCHS is at capacity (you will literally be saving lives by driving dogs to another shelter).  Great for people who love to drive.  RCHS provides the vehicle for transport and/or gas money if you use your own vehicle.

Fundraising Volunteer—Serve on the RCHS fundraising committee to develop and execute activities to raise much needed funds.  Great for creative, entrepreneurial types or those with strong social and/or networking skills.

Community Outreach Volunteer—Serve as the ‘face’ of RCHS by going into the schools to speak to children about the care of animals and stopping animal neglect/abuse, speaking to interested community groups and acting as tour guide for groups such as Girl Scout troops coming to the shelter.  Requires good presentation and public speaking skills and people who enjoy working with children and the general public.

Other needed Volunteers

Office Volunteer—to answer phones, help with administrative duties, maintain records on dogs, etc. 

Grooming Volunteer—to help get dogs groomed & cleaned for adoptions (some experience required)

You-Name-It Volunteer—we can use help in so many areas.  Even if you can’t come to the shelter, volunteer your particular skill or talent.  Please let us know how you can help and we will gladly welcome it!

Please fill out a Volunteer Application or contact the Shelter at (618) 443-3363 to speak to the Volunteer Coordinator.  Please help—the dogs need you and the special talents you can bring.

Volunteer Application