Volunteer
The Humane League offers a wide variety of opportunities for interested individuals to gain experience working with animals, learn more about animal welfare issues, and work with others to improve the lives of animals in our community. Due to the generously donated time and assistance of volunteers the shelter can offer many high quality programs and services to Lancaster County pets and residents!
The Volunteer Process:
1. Submit Volunteer Application to Volunteer Coordinator, Lauren Monti, at: volunteer@humaneleague.com or
Mail: Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
Humane League of Lancaster County
2195 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA 17602
Selection of volunteers is based on skills and interests of volunteer, availability, needs of the shelter, and an ability to demonstrate a commitment to the volunteer program and work as a team. All applications are held on file for 3 months.
2. Potential volunteers are contacted to attend a Volunteer Information Session/interview with Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteer Information Sessions provide an overview of the many services and programs the Humane League provides the community and how volunteers are involved. During the volunteer interview, interested volunteers discuss in more detail their interests and skills with Volunteer Coordinator to help find the best match between the volunteer and the Humane League’s available volunteer opportunities.
3. Successfully complete necessary volunteer training
4. Are considered an official Humane League of Lancaster County volunteer!
Fulfilling Volunteer Requirements for School, Church, or Other Social Clubs
We receive many requests from students and other individuals who need to fulfill a certain number of volunteer hours and/or community service projects for school, church, or social clubs. It is only with the support of generous community members like yourselves that we are able to continue to meet the needs of the animals in our care, and appreciate your interest in fulfilling your hours through the Humane League of Lancaster County!
*Service Project List: These projects are flexible, can be started right away, can count towards service hour requirements, and work great for short-term and group projects. Volunteers interested in using these projects towards service hour requirements who need documentation can simply track their hours on the Tracking Sheet and contact Volunteer Coordinator at the conclusion of their project to arrange a time to sign-off on their hours.
*Organizing a donation drive is greatly appreciated by the staff and animals! Your efforts play a direct role in making sure the animals and staff have what they need to provide for the animals in our care! Click here for a copy of the Humane League's Wish List.
*Foster Care: Foster care volunteers provide a second chance to animals in need! All vet care and supplies are provided by the Humane League and can also count towards service hours. Contact foster@humaneleague.com for more information.
*Please be aware that volunteers interested in hands on opportunities at the shelter must complete a Volunteer Application and spots cannot be guaranteed until interested volunteer completes the necessary requirements.
Q: What do volunteers do at the Humane League?
A: Volunteers help in nearly all of our programs! Volunteer opportunities that require a fixed commitment include direct animal care, customer service, volunteering at our off-site adoption center, etc. Volunteer opportunities with more flexibility include attending community outreach events, helping to plan special events, writing thank you notes, providing presentations and tours to community groups, becoming a foster parent, and more!
Q: Are there any requirements to be able to volunteer hands on with the animals?
A: Yes! Children must be at least 12 years old to volunteer at the shelter, and children 12 – 15 years old must volunteer with a parent/legal guardian. Volunteers must be able to make a minimum time commitment of 2 hours/week or 2 hours/every other week, with most opportunities requiring volunteers being able to reliably commit to their shifts in advance. Volunteers are welcome to do more, but absolutely must be able to make this minimum commitment, as this allows staff and volunteers to best work together as a team to provide the care and attention the animals need and deserve while they are with us. All volunteers handling animals must also successfully complete training with an experienced Volunteer Mentor before being able to volunteer independently. During volunteer shifts, volunteers work as a team with fellow volunteers and staff, so teamwork, a positive attitude, and willingness to keep learning are all important!
Q: What if I’m not able to make a long-term commitment? Can I still volunteer?
A: Absolutely! Check the project list for many ways you can get started today! If you are interested in on-call opportunities at the Humane League, such as office support, yard work, community outreach, etc; the first step is to fill out a Volunteer Application.
If you see a project that interests you and have questions, please email volunteer@humaneleague.com.
Q: What are the benefits of volunteering with the Humane League of Lancaster County?
A: Volunteers have the opportunity to gain experience working with a variety of animals, develop professional skills, network with fellow volunteers and staff with similar interests, take part in free trainings and workshops, and be a part of helping the nearly 11,000 animals that come through our doors each year!
Current Needs
The Humane League has many exciting enrichment programs for the animals at the shelter and volunteers are an integral part of these programs! Stay tuned for exciting updates for these opportunities for 2012!
We are currently seeking volunteers who are able to assist in these specific areas:
*Humane League off-site adoption site at That Fish Place – volunteers with customer service experience able to make 6 month commitment with a consistent schedule to work alongside fellow volunteers and staff during adoption hours acting as Adoption Assistant! Availability: Follows adoption hours at That Fish Place; particular need on weekdays
*Foster Care — volunteers provide a second chance to animals in need! All vet care and supplies are provided by the Humane League and can also count towards service hours. Contact foster@humaneleague.com for more information.
*People bilingual in English/Spanish to provide assistance in customer service, community outreach events, and community vet clinics. Availability: Flexible
*Volunteer Dog Walking Team Members: Volunteers with dog handling experience to take on active role of working hands on with the dogs awaiting adoption to work as a team with fellow volunteers and staff to provide the daily walks and enrichment they need! Must be able to reliably commit to volunteer shift in advance, preferably the same shift/day on a weekly/every other week basis. This position is very active, with most of your time spent outdoors in all weather conditions. Teams are scheduled every morning 9:30 — 11:30; every afternoon 2–5 p.m.; Mon, Tues, Thurs. evenings 5–8 p.m.
*Customer Service Adoption Assistants in Cat Facility ~ volunteers with customer service experience able to make a 6 month commitment with a consistent schedule to work alongside fellow volunteers and staff during adoption hours to talk up adoptable animals, help with Meet & Greets, etc; Availability: Mon., Tues., Thurs. 3 — 8 p.m.; Sat. 2–5 p.m.
*Customer Service Adoption Assistants in Dog Facility ~ volunteers with customer service experience able to make a 6 month commitment with a consistent schedule able to work alongside fellow volunteers and staff during adoption hours to talk up adoptable animals, greet visitors, and be on hand on adoption floor for visitor questions. Availability: Thurs. 3–8 p.m., Sat. 12–5 p.m.
Contact:
Lauren Monti, Volunteer Coordinator
(717) 393‑6551 ext. 308
volunteer@humaneleague.com
