The Humane Society of Harford County and the animals we shelter are extremely grateful for the tremendous community support  we receive.   Our volunteers are indispensable. They are dedicated people of all ages, from all walks of life, who thoughtfully donate thousands of hours of their own personal time to help the animals and the people of Harford County. 

There are a variety of ways in which you can have a HUGE IMPACT on the lives of the thousands of homeless and neglected animals that come to our shelter each year.

 *Adopt an Animal!

Call: 410-836-1090 x105

*Donate (Funds, Items, Vehicles & Other Assets)

kim@harfordshelter.org

*Support our Events (Attend, Donate Items, Sponsor, Purchase/Sell Raffle Tickets)

mleavens@harfordshelter.org or call 410-836-1090 x101

*Become a Foster

vicki@harfordshelter.org

*Encourage Giving at Work

mleavens@harfordshelter.org

*Advertise in Our Newsletter

erin@harfordshelter.org

*Rally Community Support 

bliss@harfordshelter.org

*Follow us on Facebook

To discuss other special circumstances (for example if you bring skills like photography, carpentry, etc.) or for opportunities to get involved with off-site events and fundraisers, please e-mail bliss@harfordshelter.org

There are two types of volunteers: short-term and long-term.   Short-term volunteers are students that need to earn a few community service hours for school, church, or a club. We have a list of acceptable projects that you may complete for us to earn your hours inside the Community Service “Pet” Projects booklet for short-term volunteers. You are responsible for tracking your own hours and delivering your completed project to the Humane Society. If you have paperwork that must be signed, one of our staff will be happy to do so. Because further training is required to work directly with our animals, short-term volunteers do not interact with our shelter animals.   Long-term volunteers are those folks that can commit to be with us for 6 months or more.  To be placed on the wait list as a long-term volunteer in such areas as cat cuddling or dog walking, please contact bliss@harfordshelter.org.

Q: Are there any age restrictions to volunteer?
A: As one of the few animal welfare organizations that continues to welcome children as volunteers, we greatly recognize their talents, gifts and enthusiasm.  However, as an animal shelter, we must also weigh the potential risks inherent when handling different species of animals.  As such, the minimum age for young volunteers is 12 years old.  For safety and insurance liability reasons, if you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied to all volunteer activities by a parent or legal guardian. We ask that no more than three children be accompanied by one adult.

Q: What is your schedule of upcoming New Volunteer Orientation Meetings?
A: Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received.  You may only attend a class if your application has been reviewed and you have been invited by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Q: It is snowing and I am wondering if volunteer activities – either at the shelter or at an off-site event – are still going on.
A: In the case of inclement weather, HSHC follows the Harford County school system. If Harford County schools are closed, all volunteer activities are cancelled.

Q: How much time do I need to commit to volunteering?
A: We ask that you commit to a minimum of two (2) hours per month for at least six (6) months. Many sources of grants and funding are contingent upon volunteer hours so please sign in every time you perform your volunteer work. Also, remember to sign-out after you complete your work.

Q: What should I wear when I come to volunteer?
A: Volunteers need to wear an official red volunteer t-shirt, which can be purchased from the shelter for $12. In the event that shirts are unavailable for purchase, volunteers may wear a red t-shirt. We strongly recommend a non-skid, closed toe and heel shoe, and jeans or casual pants. A volunteer I.D. badge will be provided and must be worn at all times.

Q: What kinds of work can volunteers do at the shelter?
A: We have a variety of programs and services to suit all types of volunteers!

• Cat Cuddlers – Volunteers provide basic care and human contact to improve socialization for the cats.
• Clerical/Office – Volunteers help on an as needed basis with various clerical/office type tasks.
• Community Outreach – Volunteers staff information booth at area establishments to raise awareness of the shelter.
• Critter Cottage – Volunteers in this program provide basic care, companionship, exercise and socialization to the rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, etc. up for adoption.
• Digital Photographer – Volunteers document special events held both at the shelter and at off-site venues.
• Dog Walkers – Volunteers walk shelter dogs in an area around the shelter. The goal of the program is to provide dogs with exercise, human contact and teach basic commands.
• Donation Transporter – The purpose of this program is to pick up a variety of donations from local area businesses for the shelter.
• Foster Care – Volunteers open their homes to dogs and cats who are too young to be adopted, ill, or injured or to help relieve overcrowding at the shelter.
• Fund Raising Support – The primary function of this team is to help find sponsors and planning fundraising events.
• Greeters – Volunteers direct visitors to appropriate areas of the shelter.
• Grounds & Building Maintenance & Improvements – This team of volunteers is vital to the ongoing process of maintaining and improving the shelter buildings and grounds.

If your civic group or scouting troop would like to help the Humane Society of Harford County by doing a service project, please contact Erin Long, Director of Marketing & Community Outreach, at erin@harfordshelter.org or call 410-836-1090, x106.