Volunteer

First, attend our New Volunteer Orientation! They're held twice a month. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older to attend. If you’re 12-17 years old, please see our Youth Junior Volunteer Program.

At orientation, you'll tour our shelter and meet other prospective volunteers while learning the basics of volunteering at HSHV. This is a great chance to get to know our organization as well as ask any questions you may have.

There is a one-time, non-refundable program fee of $45 per person to volunteer. If you are completing court-ordered community service, the fee is $80. This fee, collected at the time of registration, includes your volunteer T-shirt and nametag, many training and educational opportunities, as well as access to our online resource library, and the fee helps offset the costs of supplies and allows us to direct more money toward the animals' care. If the fee is a financial strain, please do not worry; we still want you to join our team! Simply call (734) 661-3517 or email volunteers@hshv.org to discuss waiving the fee.

Unfortunately, the bus stop is quite a distance to walk to HSHV.  However, the bus stop is very close to our Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center, the new cat café on the west side of town! Please consider becoming a volunteer there.

Not right away. Here is why. Our volunteer program is based on a 4 paw system.

Paw I — All volunteers start here! The Paw I level gives volunteers time to become familiar with our shelter and staff. Volunteers will be at this level during their first 10 hours of service. As a Paw I volunteer, you may help us clean the shelter, do laundry, staff community events, assist with our Bountiful Bowls Pet Food Program or support our clinic and administrative staff, and more!

Paw II — The Next Level! After completing your initial 10 hours of service, you can be trained to help with animal care such as dog walking, cat comforting, and small mammal care. You can also choose to receive training in other volunteer service areas, such as Greeter, Humane Education and Veterinary clinic support. Paw II volunteers can still help with Paw I assignments, too!

Paw III & Paw IV — Moving up! Volunteers interested in expanding their horizon can request additional training to advance to the Paw III and Paw IV levels. Volunteers can become “experts” by expanding their knowledge in animal handling and/or adoption support areas by training to become Adoption Counselors, Customer Care Volunteers, Level II Dog Walkers, Level II Cat Comforters, or Trainers. Volunteers at these levels demonstrate a higher level of commitment in these vital roles. Of course, you can still help with Paw I or Paw II assignments, too!

There are many opportunities for volunteers to learn and grow at HSHV.

Yes, you can! Younger volunteers ages 12-17 have an opportunity to volunteer through our Junior Volunteer Program. Throughout the 6-session training program, you will learn about animal visitation procedures, enrichment, and shelter support assignments that help care for our animals.

Yes! Complete this application to get started at the café.

Yes, thank you for asking! To complete court-ordered community service at HSHV, you must be 18 years old or older and serving hours for a non-violent offense such as DUI/OWI. Head here to complete an application for court-ordered volunteer service.

Yes! HSHV’s Day of Service program can accommodate groups of up to 10 people, age 18 and older.

Offered monthly, this 3-hour program includes education about HSHV, a shelter tour, a meet-and-greet and group photo with one of our adoptable dogs, and 2 hours of hands-on volunteer time. Choose from the morning (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) or afternoon (12 - 3 p.m.) sessions. Light snacks, coffee, and water will be available. See more and sign up.