|
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Humane Society! We have made a commitment to improving the lives of pets in Berkshire County and could not succeed without volunteers to help us in this mission. Our volunteers help in many ways, either working directly with animals or in other supportive positions. As a volunteer you will be helping with essential tasks to keep the shelter facility operating smoothly. We only ask that you:
We do ask that volunteers refrain from bringing their own pets while scheduled at the shelter, but in case of an emergency, please check with your supervisor.
Volunteer Age RequirementsBecause of safety and liability concerns, volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and very reliable and responsible.How to Become a Volunteer
Volunteer OpportunitiesThe following jobs require a weekly commitment of at least two hours plus some training classes:Kennel Cleaning - Daily at 8:00 A.M.: The shelter must be kept clean to ensure the health and comfort of the animals. This includes hosing down, disinfecting, squeegee and wiping down of all kennel surfaces Tues., Thur, and Sat. Washing of food utensils, toys and bedding is done daily. Washing and drying of blankets and towels is also required. There are specific hours for this job. Dog Walker: Volunteer dog walkers must be able to handle large, strong and stressed dogs. Our shelter dogs are walked on a specific schedule and volunteers must commit to specific weekly hours. Additional training is required for this position. Dog Walking Times (seven days a week):
Assist the feline staff with cleaning individual cages which could include washing soiled bedding if necessary, replenishing food, changing water and wiping bowl out, scooping litter box (changing if necessary) wiping surfaces of cage with glass cleaner including gates, then set cages back up. Sweep and mop floors, scrub litter boxes and wash dishes and dividers, do laundry if necessary. Feline Care Times:
Greet the public during hours of operation. Directing incoming calls to the appropriate departments. Front Desk Volunteer Times:
Daily cleaning of floors, windows, and public areas. Weekly lawn mowing, sidewalk sweeping, snow shoveling (according to season). The following volunteer positions are on an as-needed basis: Mailings: Assist with folding and labeling our newsletter, and other mailings to BHS members and friends. Event Worker: Answer questions, distribute literature, sell BHS merchandise and raffle tickets to visitors at various fairs and special events in the community. Work on various fund raising events throughout the year, helping to plan events, serving on or chairing committees. Baker: Bake homemade goodies to be sold at various fund raising events as well as being used occasionally at the shelter for tour groups or special meetings. Canister Caretaker: Place donation canisters in local businesses, collect donations regularly and keep records of money collected. Animal Transporter: Drive shelter animals to local vets for spay/neuter appointments, to groomers or sometimes to rescue organizations. The shelter van may be used for these drop-off/pick-up routines. Humane Educator: Conduct humane education programs in local schools. Training, curriculum and materials are provided for this job and it requires a weekday commitment during school hours. Advertising Distributor: Hang and subsequently remove posters/flyers in the person's geographical area.  Terry at 413-447-7878 ext. 37 or send Terry an e-mail at bhsterry@berkshire.rr.com. Volunteer Foster Homes Needed!
SafePet Foster Homes Needed
We need volunteer Foster Homes for dogs, cats, and small animals to help with our SafePet Program. Submit the SafePet Foster Home application and an on-site interview will then be arranged for eligible foster homes wish to open their hearts and homes to animals that need temporary housing during a family crisis. For further information, call Karen at 413-447-7878 ext. 29, Community Outreach Coordinator. What is SafePet? It’s a free program that provides short-term emergency housing for the pets of individuals or families in crisis. We provide a network of foster homes free of charge to these owners. Confidentiality is assured to protect the foster families, shelter clients and elders. The entire procedure is confidential. All foster families are screened in advance of placement. |
Home Page
Only 4% of all charities rated by Charity Navigator have managed to secure four stars for four years in a row!
Read their complete report.
Tell a friend about us.
All content on this site is © Copyright, 2003-2008 Berkshire Humane Society, Inc., unless otherwise noted.
Berkshire Humane Society
214 Barker Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 413-447-7878
This site hosted by:
