Question 1

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

We offer volunteering for those age 12 and older. HSoP cannot accommodate volunteers below the age of 12.

Question 2

What kinds of things can I do as a volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Lots of different things! Our volunteers help in a multitude of ways, and a few examples are listed below:  - Spend time playing with our dogs outside - Exercise our cats by playing in the adoption room - Help HSoP staff with laundry and other cleaning duties - Make special treats that provide enrichment for our pets - Spend time brushing out both cats and dogs - Take cute pictures of our pets to help them gain attention online - Give some attention to our friends in the small animal room  Volunteers can also help us with special events like fundraisers and shelter clean-up days!

Question 3

When is HSoP open for volunteers?

Accepted Answer

HSoP is open for volunteers Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM.  To volunteer, call us ahead of time at (208) 883-1166 to get on our volunteer schedule.

Question 4

When can I start Volunteering?

Accepted Answer

In order to volunteer with the Humane Society of the Palouse, you must complete the required volunteer form and arrange a time to come in for your first shift.  Please call HSoP at 208-883-1166 to get on our volunteer schedule.

Question 5

I have a group that wants to come help HSoP.  When can we come?

Accepted Answer

All of us here at HSoP are grateful for all the interest in group volunteering.  However, we do not have the space in our tiny facility to accommodate groups larger than 3 at one time.  If you are interested your group helping HSoP, we have a list of group volunteering ideas and DIY volunteering ideas listed on our volunteer page. You can also email us at information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org with any group volunteering ideas.

Question 6

Why can't HSoP take in large groups of volunteers?

Accepted Answer

During our regular hours of operation, having such a small facility, there simply isn’t enough space for large groups of volunteers and potential adopters.  We are very grateful for the interest in having groups come in helping the homeless animals.  However, allowing enough space for potential adopters to come in during our hours of operation is what is needed in order to find homeless animals their forever homes.

Question 7

I have court mandated community service.  Can I do my hours with HSoP?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  HSoP can take in volunteers needing to complete disciplinary community service Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM.  You must schedule in advance by calling us at (208) 883-1166.  For more information, visit the Court Mandated Community Service section on our volunteer page.

Question 8

Will I receive any training before volunteering?

Accepted Answer

During your first volunteer shift, a HSoP staff member will give you a short orientation.  They will walk you through our facility and explain how you can stay safe while you are volunteering and how you can help keep the animals safe as well.   
The staff member will show you our volunteer board that has different tasks you can sign up for helping HSoP with.

Question 9

I am an avid runner.  Can I take HSoP dogs on a run with me?

Accepted Answer

As with people, dogs need to slowly build up muscle strength and endurance in order to avoid potential injury when running or jogging. The dogs HSoP has up for adoption have not had the training needed to prevent injury or to build the endurance to sustain them on runs. To avoid injury, we do not allow running or jogging without first being conditioned to do so.

Question 10

I have completed volunteer training at a different Humane Society.  Can I skip HSoP volunteer training?

Accepted Answer

That’s great—thank you for your previous service—however, each humane society, animal control facility, or rescue group is an independent agency, so very few of us are connected locally (as in some states) or to any organization on a national level. Therefore, our policies and procedures might be completely different from the facility where you previously volunteered. Most shelters adhere to a “Standards of Best Practices/Care” so there are certainly some similarities; however, we need you to be familiar with our shelter and our policies/procedures.  This includes training for dog walking.

Question 11

What should I wear when I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Wear long pants and flat, closed-toe, waterproof shoes. Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty!

Question 12

I can't give my time right now, but I would still like to help HSoP.

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to support our work! Make a financial contribution. Visit our Donate page for options. Make an in-kind donation. With just a few simple clicks, you can send much needed supplies to our shelter through our Amazon Wish List, our Kitten Supplies Amazon Wish List or our Wish List for donations that may be dropped off at the shelter during open business hours.

Question 13

I want to volunteer by making blankets for your pets. What size should the blankets be?

Accepted Answer

Our pets would absolutely love some snuggly homemade blankets! We can typically use any size blanket for our pets, but some dimensions do work better for our cat kennels and dog beds.   For blankets that fit each of our cat kennels, we would recommend the size to be about 20"x 24".  For blankets that fit the beds in each of our dog kennels, we would recommend the size to be about 24"x 36".

Est. 1978

Humane Society of the Palouse

"Helping those who cannot help themselves."