Volunteer at JHS!
At the Joplin Humane Society, we are proud to have the support of so many wonderful volunteers. Our dedicated volunteers make a commitment to help our organization by touching the lives of both pets and people every day. Their decision to put their concern for animal welfare into action by offering to donate time is such an important asset to us. We have many opportunities for volunteers at JHS.
Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering with the Joplin Humane Society! Our success depends on YOU! If you are ready to volunteer, there are many opportunities for you to help the animals either at the shelter, at an off-site event or even from home!
How does the program work?In order to enhance your volunteering experience with the Joplin Humane Society, we are now offering three levels of training so that you may proceed at your own pace. Our purpose in the three- level program is to enable our volunteers to become comfortable and familiar, while also increasing the benefit to the animals. The volunteers may choose to attain the level of training with which they are most comfortable.
All volunteers must begin with Basic Orientation. Upon completion of orientation, the volunteer is considered to be at Level I (For more information on attending, please see the "How do I get started” section below.)
Level I involves shelter work with little direct animal contact. This includes, but is not limited to grounds work, general maintenance, laundry/dishes, bathing, brushing and light dog walking. All new volunteers must complete 10 hours at Level I before moving to Level II.
Level II involves safe handling of animals and proper cleaning procedures. Upon completion of 10 hours at Level I, additional training is required before volunteers can begin performing Level II tasks. This includes working hands-on with the animals. This also includes helping the front desk and clinic.
Level III is reserved for volunteers who demonstrate excellent animal handling techniques and have been recommended by staff or other volunteers. These high skilled responsibilities include conducting dog meets, vet teching, and socializing animals.
Children and VolunteeringChildren are welcome to volunteer at the JHS! If a child is under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by a parent at all times in the building. All children must also attend volunteer orientation and training with their parents.
How do I get started?Please fill out an application to begin the process of becoming a JHS Volunteer or you can visit the shelter and apply in person. We appreciate your patience as we build and focus our volunteer corps for the betterment of the animals.
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an email asking you to RSVP for an orientation session. These sessions are held twice a month in the evening. You must fill out the application before attending the orientation
Please Note: JHS volunteers must be 16 Years of age or older to volunteer without a guardian present. Junior Volunteers age 13-15 may volunteer with a parent or guardian.
Volunteers NeededWe are always in need of additional volunteers to help out at the shelter!
If you are interested in volunteering at the JHS, you can complete an onlinevolunteer application or complete an application at the shelter. The questions asked in the application are designed to ensure that your volunteer experience is positive for both you and the animals.
If you have any questions, please email Tianna at volunteers@joplinhumane.org or call her at 417-623-3642, ext. 110. After receiving your application, Tianna will contact you to arrange an orientation meeting and to discuss your volunteer interests and the shelter's available opportunities.
