Q- How old do you have to be to volunteer?

A- The minimum age is 14-years old, but all children 14-17 need to be accompanied by an adult. Once, 18, they are considered an adult and can volunteer without supervision.

 

Q- What type of opportunities are there for volunteers?

A- There are many opportunities. Please visit /Volunteer-Opportunities-6-20922.html?_zsa3_path=/Volunteer-Opportunities-6-20922.html&zsid=23 to view.

 

Q- Can I do community service at Halifax Humane Society?

A- Yes, we accept school and work community service as well as court-ordered. Schools, from middle school to universities may require community services hours to be completed for some curriculums. Clubs like the Boy and Girl Scouts of America may also complete community service for merit badges.

Court-ordered community service must be approved by the volunteer manager. Only misdemeanor offenses are accepted. No felonies unless non-violent such as a DUI without injuries. 

Court-ordered community service can be served only with our maintenance team or at our thrift store. (Shoplifting and theft offenses cannot work at the thrift store for obvious reasons.)

 

Q- I know how to walk a dog. Why do I have to take a class and work with a mentor?

A- Walking a shelter dog is much different than walking your dog at home. Some shelter dogs may only get out of the kennel twice a day, and they are very excited to go for their walk. They can pull and jump and knock down their walker. Dog walkers have to be trained how to properly handle a shelter dog to avoid injury to the dog, the dog walker, and the general public present at the time. The initial dog walking class is available online or in person. The mentor class is in person only. A mentor must approve a new dog walker and will rate the walker based on comfort level. Some dog walkers may only walk level 1 or 2 dogs, not 3. As dog walkers become more experienced, they will expand their level of service. 

 

Q- I have 6 cats, why do I need to take a cat enrichment class?

A- Cats in the shelter are much different than your cat at home. Cats are under high stress due to noise and lack of space to roam. Cats may bite or scratch when volunteers try to remove the cat from their cage. Or, they may try to escape. Learning how to properly handle shelter cats is required to avoid harm and injury to the cat and to the volunteer.