Volunteer Today!
Welcome to the HSWA volunteer center. We value the time and effort of every volunteer who helps in any capacity…from baking delicious cookies for our annual craft fair to thoroughly cleaning cat cages to walking and playing with our dogs in the snow to folding thank you letters and reading to our undersocialized cats, it all matters and we appreciate you.
Returning Volunteers
​
If you have any questions or need to reach someone about volunteering with HSWA please email the volunteer coordinator at volunteering@hswa.org and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks again for sharing your time and talent with us!
Cat Volunteers
​
This position is vital to our everyday operations. Cat Care Assistants help to provide clean environments for the hundreds of cats and kittens that come through our facility every year. Our most common cat volunteer tasks are; enrichment and socialization activities, laundry, kennel/room cleaning, and dishes.
Dog Volunteers
​
​Are you a dog lover? Join our team of dog volunteers and help make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs. Our most common tasks for dog volunteers are; dog walking, enrichment and socialization activities, cleaning kennels, laundry, and dishes.
​
Doggy Day Trips​
​
Take a shelter dog on a walk, adventure or car ride! It allows for our dogs to get out of the shelter to destress. Our staff will match you with a dog that fits what activity you are looking to do that day! You can take photos for us to share on social media to help get the dog adopted.
How to get involved:
​
There are just a few small steps to take to start volunteering with us!
Please be sure to submit a Volunteer Application, and the Volunteer Agreement and Waiver Form.
Once all forms have been submitted in person at the facility, or emailed to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@hswa.org, your application will be reviewed. Once approved, you will be invited to attend one of our volunteer orientations.
Your application will be denied if:
-
You are under the age of 13
-
If you’re between the ages 13 -and 16 and you do not have a parent/guardian’s application submitted as well to accompany you on your shifts
-
If any information on the application is skipped
-
You have been convicted of a crime involving animal cruelty, arson, theft, or domestic assault
-
You have been previously dismissed from volunteer duties with HSWA​
Pocket Pet/Small Animal Volunteer
​
Looking for a fun and rewarding way to make a difference? Volunteering with small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and mice is a rewarding experience where you can make a big impact on their well-being. You’ll get hands-on experience cleaning, creating enriching environments, and bonding with these sweet pets, helping them thrive as they await their forever homes.
General Volunteering
​
​Event Volunteers
From exciting events we host to the ones we attend, there's always something fun to get involved with throughout the year. Join us and be part of the pawsitive change. Interested in helping come up with fundraising ideas or planning events. Don’t be afraid to reach out. We have opportunities for everyone.
​
Office Team
As an admin volunteer, you'll assist with tasks like mailings, filing, phone calls, and data entry. You’ll also help with adoption paperwork, ensuring pets transition to their forever homes seamlessly, while making every guest feel welcome. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how shelters operate and make a real difference in the lives of animals and the people who adopt them.
Doggy Day Trips & Slumber Pups
Kitten Foster Program
Dog Foster Program