How To Help > Volunteer

Volunteer time and talents are an asset to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. There are many ways in which you can make a difference for the welfare of the animals. You may wish to work directly with the animals at our shelter and offsite locations, or you may get involved with other important aspects of our organization's operation. Either way, it's enjoyable and extremely rewarding to be an HSSA volunteer.Volunteers can 'lend a paw' in all of the following areas:

Administration
Adoptions
Animal Care
Education
Special Events
Vaccination Clinic
Foster Care

· Becoming A Volunteer >

The minimum requirements to become an HSSA volunteer are that you must:

care about animal welfare
be able to make a six month commitment
be fifteen years of age or older (children under 15 may volunteer-but only under the direct supervision of a parent or adult guardian)
download & submit a volunteer application and $7 orientation fee per person
attend a general two-hour volunteer orientation and any additional trainings required for your specific volunteer area(s)
be willing to demonstrate a positive, customer-oriented attitude when dealing with the public as well as a collaborative, teamwork approach when dealing with staff and other volunteers

Upon receiving your application and orientation fee, we will review your materials and contact you to schedule an initial orientation. Please note that orientations are by appointment only as seating is limited. During your orientation, you will receive a brief overview of our mission, our philosophy, policies, services and volunteer opportunities.

As almost all volunteer opportunities involving customer service or direct contact with the animals will require additional training, you will be given a chance to sign up for the additional trainings during the orientation meeting.

Need more information or help? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 520.321.3704 ext. 126 or via email.

· Court-Ordered Community Service Requirements >

Anyone wishing to perform court-ordered community service must come to the shelter and fill out an application first. Please direct questions to 327.6088 ext. 102, 103, or 105.

· School Community Service Volunteer Requirements >

· Attention: Teachers, Parents and Students ·

We are often contacted by students who would like to volunteer at the shelter and work “hands on” with our homeless animals to fulfill their community service assignments.

The HSSA is unable to provide this service to volunteers who have not already completed six months of volunteering with the HSSA.

However, the HSSA offers an alternative for students who wish to help the homeless animal community and fulfill their community service assignments. To learn more about this program, students are encouraged to obtain a school-based community service packet by contacting Inge Koopman-Leyva, Children's Program Coordinator at 881.7405, or via e-mail.