The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri welcomes volunteers! Here are just some of the areas where we need your help:

• Walking dogs • Socializing cats • Cleaning kennels and other areas of the building • Mowing and other yard maintenance • Bathing and grooming dogs • Fostering dogs or cats until they can go up for adoption • General office work such as mailings • Helping staff special events • Transporting animals to rescue groups

Prospective volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation and training.  Orientation gives you general information about our organization and will help you to decide if we are a good volunteer fit for you.  Training teaches our procedures and how to safely work with the animals here at the Shelter.  There will be no volunteer orientation and training in March. You must preregister by sending an email to volunteers@swh.org.  DUE TO OUR LIMITED BUDGET AND STAFF, WE CANNOT ACCEPT VOLUNTEERS WHO MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SUPERVISOR OR AIDE.

download volunteer application form here


Here are a few of our requirements for volunteers:

• Volunteers must be at least 10 years old. If younger than 16, they must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at all times while volunteering. Only one child per adult.

• Volunteers must commit to a schedule of approximately 8 hours per month for at least six months.

• Volunteers and parents must complete a volunteer application and sign a waiver of liability.

• Volunteers must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes at all times while volunteering. They are also required to wear a Humane Society volunteer T-shirt, which can be purchased for $10.

•All volunteers must complete a one-hour volunteer orientation and a two-hour volunteer training class.

• We normally can't accommodate groups of volunteers for one-time projects. Please call the shelter for more details at 833-2526

• Volunteers can be at the Shelter during the hours that staff are in the building, which are:
Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

• Criminal records cannot include felonies, and all other convictions are reviewed on a case by case basis.

• Volunteers agree to support the philosophies, positions and policies of the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. This includes supporting the staff on decisions and policies.

Potential volunteers may print out and complete the online volunteer application and mail it to 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803. However, before you may begin volunteering, you must attend a volunteer orientation and volunteer training class.


download volunteer application form here

For more information, contact the shelter at volunteers@swh.org.

Thank you for your interest in helping us help them!