Thank you for your interest in becoming a Humane Society of Southwest Missouri volunteer! We cannot do our lifesaving work without help from YOU! Become A Volunteer! All volunteers begin their volunteer journey by filling out an application and attending an orientation class.
Once completed, you are automatically added to the Enrichment and Facilities Teams. These teams are responsible for the two most important tasks for our animals - mental and physical health. Beginning on your first day, new volunteers enrich the lives of our animals through socialization, play, and ensure their continued health by providing clean and sanitary facility conditions.
Keep our pets comfy, cozy, and healthy by assisting with daily kennel laundry and dish sanitation duties.
Ensure a positive kennel experience by enriching the lives of our animals through on-leash walks in our fenced backyard, off-leash play in our large concrete yard, and by treating them to toys and treats in their kennels.
Provide our dogs with the education they need to make them good canine citizens through positive reinforcement of good behaviors and teaching basic commands such as sit, down, and shake.
Are you under the age of 18 or have children who are? Visit our Junior Volunteer page to learn more about our junior volunteer programs!
What time commitment is required of volunteers? We ask that volunteers come as often as your schedule will allow! There is no set time commitment required, but you may have to go through orientation again if you have not volunteered in 3-6 months. This ensures that every Humane Society of Southwest Missouri volunteer is up to date on shelter policies and procedures that may have changed since their last visit. The safety and security of our volunteers and animals is our most important concern.
How do I become an advanced volunteer? Level up! Unlock achievements and level up as you grow as a Humane Society of Southwest Missouri volunteer! Advanced volunteer positions are available to those who are interested and express the needed skill sets.
Adoption Team: a great option for volunteers with great communication and customer service skills.
Off-site Adoption Advocates: transport animals to PetSmart and other locations where we have adoption events. Advocate for your animal in their search for their forever home!
In-shelter Adoption Advocates: learn about paperwork and lifestyle counseling to assist customers in the kennels at our facility.
Kennel Team:for those who like using a little elbow grease and who have a passion for ensuring the health of our animals.
Kennel Assistant: volunteers with morning availability can learn kennel sanitation procedures and assist our kennel technicians with daily sanitation and feeding duties.
ISO Assistant: volunteers who desire to help with our ill and recovering animals can be trained to work in our separate isolation building. Duties consist of facility needs, light enrichment with fearful animals, feeding, and general staff support.
Administrative Team:those with exceptional data entry skills, attention to detail, and exemplary telephone etiquette are a great choice for this team.
Administrative Aid: assist various administrative staff with tasks like data entry, filing, envelope stuffing and addressing, and more!
Intake Desk: volunteers who can commit to a regular schedule are able to assist the intake staff with telephone needs, scheduling, and processing animal surrenders and returns. This area is best fit for those with high levels of empathy and professional manners.
Transport Volunteer: volunteers 25 years or older with a clear driving record are always needed for animal transport. Transports can be local, such as to veterinary appointments in the Springfield and metro area. Transports can occasionally be regional, such as trips to surrounding cities or states to pick up pets in need and bring them to our facility.
Helpful Hands Team: volunteers with experience in handyman services and grounds maintenance are always needed.
Grounds Maintenance: take on exterior projects such as limb and rock removal, landscape care, tree trimming, and more!
Facility Maintenance: volunteers with the appropriate skills assist with facility needs such as filter replacement & air return cleaning, light bulb replacement, and other such repairs as they arise.
Clinic Assistant: volunteers with human and/or animal medical experience may have an opportunity to work in our veterinary clinic supporting the clinic staff in their daily tasks. Ask the volunteer coordinator for more information on clinic volunteering. Volunteers must be 18 years or older to assist in the clinic.
Volunteers in Programs for Developmental Disabilities We currently work with The Arc of the Ozarks, Footsteps, First Steps, and Abilities First. We are not limited to these agencies and would love to hear from you if you are with another program. The individual and their program staff member must both submit an application, both attend an orientation class, and the individual must be accompanied by their staff member at all times while volunteering.
If you have questions about our volunteer program, please call (417) 833-2526 ext. 204 or email us at volunteer@hsswmo.org.
