Become a Volunteer at MHS

Interested in helping to build a more humane community?  Become a Volunteer at the Monadnock Humane Society and be a part of something wonderful! By Volunteering, you are helping enrich the lives of our Shelter Animals!

Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.  Volunteers ages 14 and 15, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older at all times.  The adult accompanying the youth Volunteer must also attend an orientation and the appropriate special training.

Here are the steps to becoming a Volunteer at Monadnock Humane Society:

1)  Attend a Volunteer Orientation. Registration is not required. At Orientation, you will learn about MHS, the vital role Volunteers play at MHS and have a tour of the facility.  All Orientations are held at our Swanzey site. PLEASE USE TRAINING CENTER ENTRANCE.

Next Orientation Dates:

• Friday, January 6, 2012 from 4:00pm until 6pm
• Saturday, Jauary 14, 2012 from 10:00am until 12:00pm
• Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm
• Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 10:00am until 12:00pm
• Friday, March 2, 2012 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm
• Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 10:00am until 12:00pm
• Friday, April 6, 2012 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm
• Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 10:00am until 12:00pm

2) Please click here to download the Volunteer application. Bring this application with you to an Orientation session. If you are unable to print the application, one will be provided during the Orientation.

3)  After attending the Volunteer Orientation you will receive additional training to be able to help in certain areas. Volunteers are required to attend trainings specific to areas of interest to ensure safe and appropriate animal handling, personal safety, disease control and proper animal cleaning protocols.

For example:

1. Attend a Canine Safe-Handling and Enrichment training so that you may work more extensively with the shelter dogs. (Must be 18 years of age)
2. Attend a Feline Safe-Handling and Enrichment training so that you may work more extensively with the shelter cats.
3. Attend a Small Animal Safe Handling and Enrichment training so that you may work more extensively with the small animals.

All of the training offered will be outlined during Orientation. Training is approximately one hour in length.  Times and dates will be announced at general orientation. Following completion of a general orientation and additional trainings, Volunteers can meet one-on-one with the Volunteer Coordinator to determine future goals and direction.

Schools and other non-profit organizations wishing to participate in the MHS Volunteer Program should contact Sam Mathewes, Volunteer Coordinator, at 352-9011, ext. 147 or volunteers@humanecommunity.org.  MHS staff will work with teachers, program coordinators, and guardians/caregivers to establish an appropriate program for interested groups and/or individuals.