Agencies in Service to Animals

Humane Society of Saint Joseph County

Call 255-4726 or go to website

Volunteer Opportunities
Pet Therapy Assistant
The Pet Therapy Program involves taking puppies and kittens from our shelter to area nursing homes, schools, and facilities for individuals with varying disabilities. Regular schedules are set-up with numerous facilities in the area. Volunteers would need to be available during the week. Therapy programs can be scheduled when volunteers are available.

Pet Education Assistant
Education is one of the most important programs offered by the Humane Society. The Education Department provides tours and information sessions to schools, day care facilities, adult clubs, and civic organizations. The education program is designed to educate about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the importance of such issues as spaying and neutering, and much more. Volunteers would typically need to be available during business hours. An education program outline and training will be provided. Volunteers must enjoy public speaking and spending time with children.

Media Assistant
The adoption program is one of the best know at the Humane Society. The local media assists us by providing free airtime for "Adopt A Pet" segments. Channel 16 invites us to attend the noon news on Mondays and every other Saturday morning broadcast. Channel 22 invites us to join them on the Friday noon news. Volunteers can assist with any of these times. Volunteers must enjoy public speaking and being on camera.

Special Events Assistant
Attending community events is one of the best ways to educate the public on all of the services offered by the Humane Society. Volunteers must work well with the public and be comfortable answering questions about the Humane Society. Most events will take place in the evening and on weekends. Volunteers would help organize and staff the event.

Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator would help recruit new volunteers and hold monthly orientations. The Coordinator would provide a schedule of volunteers and track the number of volunteer hours worked each week. The Volunteer Coordinator should be organized and enjoy working with people.

Office Assistant
The Office Assistant would help the Front Office and PR/Education Department with filing, data entry, bulk mailing preperation, and basic office work. Volunteers would work shifts Monday through Saturday during regular business hours.

Animal/ Kennel Attendant
The animals at the shelter benefit the most from volunteers. The duties of a kennel attendant include: bathing, brushing, walking, watering, feeding, and scooping kennels. The animals both need and enjoy the socialization and exercise. Volunteers in this position must be able to work during our adoption hours.

Thrift Store Volunteer
With the impending debut of our thrift store, we are in need of volunteers to assist customers and to ring up purchases. Volunteers are needed between the hours of 12 noon and 5:30 p.m.


POTAWATOMI ZOO
Phone: (574) 288-4639

VOLUNTEERS: The Potawatomi Zoo has many opportunities for students to volunteer. Volunteers can be trained to give presentations to the zoo's visitors about specific animals. Volunteers are also needed to help with special events and fund-raising. The zoo's veterinarian also has opportunities for students to assist with projects such as environmental enrichment for the animals and to observe animal behavior.

REINS OF LIFE

Phone: 574-232-0853, Contact: Sharon Burnside

Mission: To provide therapeutic horseback riding opportunities for people with disabilities; to promote mental, physical, emotional, and social growth of all involved; To educate the community regarding the benefits of riding as therapy, and the abilities of children and adults with disabilities; and to imporve the attitudes of sociaty toward persons with disabilities.

Volunteers: You can volunteer to be a horse leader or side wlaker during classes, help with acility maintenence, or be involved with horse care and feeding.