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Youth Volunteer
Opportunities:
(15 -17 Years Old)

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*Summer Youth Program Available for Ages 14+ (June-August only)
| CAGE SIGN CREATOR |
Design signs to place on animals’ cages, advertising their personality and/or any known character traits that the animal may possess. These signs help draw attention to some great animals that otherwise may be passed by. |
| PET REQUESTS |
Match animals with prospective adopters who have completed a request form, indicating an interest in adopting a specific type of animal. Duties include: filing, cross-referencing, contacting applicants when a match is found, and encouraging them to visit the animal inside the shelter. Good phone skills a must.
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| FOSTER/MOBILE ADOPTION UNIT |
Clean the Mobile Adoption Unit (MAU), animals’ cages in the foster office, wash dishes, and clean laundry for upcoming events. Attend off site functions to sell merchandise and assist the Community Outreach Coordinator as needed. |
| PRODUCTION SERVICES |
MCHS staff utilizes roughly 1,000 documents a week, which production volunteers copy, collate, and staple in large quantities. Production Services also helps with phone calling, and other vital administrative tasks. |
| INFORMATION DESK ATTENDANT |
Provide visitors with information on adoption procedures, MCHS policies, and characteristics and availability of animals. Generally assist patrons through the adoption process, receive donations, and discuss pet care needs and breed requirements with potential adopters. Good people skills a must. |
| SHELTER HOST |
Provide an extra set of hands during busy times. Greet visitors, distribute information about the adoption process, and perform other tasks as they present themselves. |
| ADOPTION ADVISOR |
Create a list of shelter animals with zero applications including details about the animals (breed, sex, age, etc.). Greet visitors as they enter the kennel and generally assist them through the adoption process. Promote animals that have not had previous interest shown in them. Help to match pets with the most appropriate homes. |
Eligibility
Volunteers 18 years of age and over can participate in all aspects of the volunteer program. Volunteers under the age of 18 are not allowed to work directly with the animals; volunteers who are at least 15 years of age may assist in other areas of volunteering. Volunteers may choose the area they wish to help in but must be approved by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers are required to complete an application form and attend an orientation. Volunteers must sign a Release of Liability form before beginning their training. All assignments are arranged with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the best placement for both the volunteer and the organization. Volunteers may be terminated if work fails to meet acceptable standards, if the volunteer fails to follow the proper procedures and rules established by the organization, or if the time commitment is not met.
Training and Scheduling
Training is provided by MCHS staff or volunteers. The new volunteer will be taught all of the skills necessary for his/her assignment. After the training, the Volunteer Coordinator will make an evaluation to determine how best to utilize a volunteer's time and skills. We encourage the volunteer to explore many different aspects of the MCHS volunteer program and not to limit their volunteer experience to just one area.
Time Commitment
We ask each volunteer to make a 1-year commitment with a minimum of 2 hours per week. (Some special projects may require less than a 1-year commitment and are arranged by the Volunteer Coordinator).
Uniform
All volunteers will be supplied with a volunteer shirt and nametag that must be worn at all times while volunteering. Volunteers working with animals should not wear stretch pants, sweat pants, skirts, or shorts while volunteering. A denim-type material is recommended. No open-toed shoes are permitted, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes are recommended.
Equal Opportunity
The MCHS's Volunteer Program offers many diverse opportunities for our volunteers, and we welcome and encourage participation from all members of the community.
If you have questions about the volunteer program, please contact Meghan, Volunteer Coordinator: 240.773.5969 or email
volunteer@mchumane.org
Did you know that your employer might match your contribution to the Montgomery County Humane Society with a donation of its own? This would double the support and provide even more assistance to the homeless animals in our care. After making your donation, please click here to find out if your employer participates in this program.
United Way #8330
Combined Federal Campaign #54823
Maryland Charity Campaign # 6035
Federal Tax ID #52-6044968
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