HEART relies solely on the time, energy, and dedication of volunteers. Brought together by a love of animals, our volunteers save the lives of hundreds of animals each year. HEART volunteers don’t just love animals; they put their love of animals into action. It's true that no one person can save them all…but if you can make a difference in the life of just one animal, your contribution is invaluable.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
You must be 18 years of age or older.
You must complete a volunteer application.
Volunteers must attend Volunteer Orientation.
Volunteers must sign a Release & Hold Harmless Agreement.
Volunteers are expected to perform a regular “paws on” assignment.
Volunteers must be able to commit to scheduled volunteer times.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES
ADOPTION COUNSELOR
Respond to adoption calls on phone line or adoption inquiries e-mails.
Facilitate introductions between cats and potential adopters.
Perform adoption follow-up phone calls.
ADOPTION SHOWS
Help manage mobile adoption events.
Work cat adoption shows.
Coordinate workers for adoption shows.
Set up or take down adoption shows.
Help transport cats to/from adoption shows
CAREGIVER (PETSMART ORCHARD PARK)
Work directly with HEART cats staying overnight.
Help keep cats happy & content with clean cages, food, water, and attention.
PM shifts available.
CRAFTS
Sew or stuff catnip kick sticks (we sell hundreds of these each year).
Do you have a flair for decorating cookies? Frost and decorate fancy dog biscuits.
FOSTER PARENT
Welcome a cat or kittens into your home and care for them until adoption. You can read more about this position by visiting our Foster Page.
FOSTER CARE ASSISTANT
Assist Foster Home Coordinator in screening potential foster parents.
Coordinate foster animals for adoption shows.
Make home visits to potential foster homes.
FUNDRAISING
Initiate and organize fundraising campaigns and special events
Serve as chairperson for a major fundraiser.
Assist with an event by helping with set-up/clean-up, serving, auctions, raffles.
GRANT WRITING
Do you have creative grant-writing expertise to help us identify foundation and corporate grants and to prepare formal grant applications?
HUMANE EDUCATION
Visit schools to teach children lessons on the care of animals and the responsibilities of pet ownership and the important work of HEART.
Manage our Scout Program.
MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Help broaden the awareness of HEART in the community.
Look for opportunities to participate in community events to promote HEART.
Look for media opportunities to promote HEART.
Serve as liaison to local media (TV, radio, newspapers).
PET ADOPTION CENTER (HAMBURG)
Maintenance Assistant: Provide important behind the scenes help caring for the cats, cleaning, and preparing the adoption center to be open to the public.
Adoption Assistant: Work at adoption center when it is open to answer phone calls from the public, greet visitors, answer questions about adoption and HEART procedures; answer general questions about basic cat behavior and care; facilitate introductions between cats and potential adopters.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/SPECIAL EVENTS
Speak to community groups to promote an understanding of pet overpopulation, the plight of homeless animals, and the important work HEART does.
Liaison for organizations that wish to raise money or collect supplies for HEART.
RECRUITMENT/RETENTION
Find new ways to recruit new volunteers and ways to retain existing volunteers.
Organize membership drives.
Set up volunteer information tables at special events and community events.
RESCUE ASSISTANT
Respond to calls for help on our phone line or respond to e-mail requests for help.
