When can I start Volunteering?

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.

When is HSoP open for volunteers?

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

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

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. If you are interested your group helping HSoP, we have a page on group volunteering ideas that are outside of our facility, as well as DIY projects that your group can do together.

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

There are times when we have a big project and could use a large group to help. If you are interested in getting on our project day call list, please email director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org.

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.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

If you would like to volunteer by yourself, you must be 18 years of age. If you are not 18, please bring your guardian in with you. For more information on Junior Volunteers (age 12-17) please visit our Junior Volunteer page.

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

Yes. HSoP can take in volunteers needing to complete disiplinary community service Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM. You must schedule in addvance by calling 208-883-1166. For more information visit our Court Mandated Community Service page.

I just want to walk dogs, why does it require so much training?

Walking the dogs actually involves more than just walking the dogs. We want to make sure the animals consistently receive a high-quality level of care and stay as healthy as possible. To do this, we need to teach volunteers about safety procedures and protocols that are currently in place to limit the transfer of disease within our shelters. We also want to educate our volunteers on how to correctly interact with our shelter animals in order to reduce stress on the animals. In addition, not all dogs arriving at HSoP are conditioned for long walks. HSoP staff will help you learn signs of dehydration and other health related concerns. All volunteers attend the specific training required for their volunteer role. Volunteer training includes the duties required for the role, safety procedures and protocols required and animal handling. To learn more about HSoP dog walking, visit our Dog Walking page.

I will recieve any training before volunteering?

During your first volutneer 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 staffmember will show you our volunteer board that has different tasks you can sign up for helping HSoP with.

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

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.

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

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.

What kinds of things can I do as a volunteer?

Lots of different things! As a volunteer, you can assist with the care and training of our animals, help at our fundraising events, socialize with the dogs and cats, take photos of our available animals, help HSoP staff with cleaning and much more.

What should I wear when I volunteer?

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

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

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.