Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Humane Society of Missouri!
Every year more than 90,000 animals are helped by the Humane Society of Missouri. We have many dedicated staff members, but we cannot do it alone. By becoming a Humane Society of Missouri Volunteer you will help give animals a second chance.
Our volunteer opportunities are designed for individuals interested in long term volunteering (at least 6 months) and who are passionate and committed to improving the lives of animals that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Some short term, group opportunities are available on a limited basis.
Group and Short Term Volunteer Opportunities
One time, group opportunities are available on a limited basis at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch only. All participants must be at least 16 years old. If you are interested in a one time, group opportunity you will need to contact the Volunteer Department at lrenner@hsmo.org and include the following information:
Name of the organization your group is from
Number of participants
Date anticipated for volunteering
Special requests or needs
Current Available Volunteer Opportunities
Available volunteer opportunities vary based on the needs of our shelters and staff. Below are the currently available volunteer opportunities.
Foster Parent
Open your home to orphaned or young puppies or kittens, animals with minor behavior concerns and sick/injured animals.
Restrictions: Must be at least 18 years old and house animals in your permanent residence.
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Humane Educator
Educate adults and children about the Humane Society of Missouri, the need to treat animals with kindness and responsible animal care.
Available Locations: St. Louis City (Macklind) Headquarters and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
Restrictions: Must be at least 18 years old, enjoy working with children and have good public speaking skills. |
Gift Shop
Assist new pet owners in choosing items for their new family member as well as provide courteous service to all who shop at our Gift Shop.
Available Locations: St. Louis City (Macklind) Headquarters and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
Restrictions: Must be at least 18 years old |
Pet Pal
Exercise and socialize our shelter dogs.
Available Locations: St. Louis City (Macklind) Headquarters, Westport Area Center (Maryland Heights) and Chesterfield Valley Center
Restrictions: Must be at least 16 years old. Many of our dogs do not know leash manners and walking them requires being in good physical condition including being able to bend, squat, use both hands simultaneously and walk unaided on uneven surfaces. |
Families and Kids at the Humane Society of Missouri
In order to volunteer with the animals in our shelters, children must be at least 16 years old but if you have younger children who love the idea of cuddling some deserving animals, consider fostering. It’s a great way for the whole family to be involved!
If Fostering isn’t right for your family and you have children under 16, see other ways you can help the animals by visiting our Education page. |
Ranch Volunteer
Assist in the daily needs of the animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch including cleaning stalls, cutting grass, feeding and watering the animals and educating visitors on proper large animal care.
Available Locations: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO
Restrictions: Must be at least 16 years old. Working at the Ranch requires being in good physical condition including being able to bend, squat, lift up to 35 lbs., use both hands simultaneously and walk unaided on uneven surfaces. |
Emergency Response Team
Work with our Animal Cruelty Task Force and HSMO staff in responding to disaster and emergency situations.
Available Locations: Varies depending on situation
Restrictions: Must be at least 18 years old. Working on the Emergency Response Team requires being in good physical condition including being able to bend, squat, lift up to 35 lbs., use both hands simultaneously and walk unaided on uneven surfaces.
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How to Become an HSMO Volunteer
Step 1: Attend Volunteer Orientation
At Orientation, we will discuss the history and mission of the Humane Society of Missouri as well as introduce you to the various volunteer opportunities we currently have available. The session is free and will last 45 – 60 minutes. Space is limited, please register in advance by completing the Registration Form.
For those wishing to volunteer at the St. Louis City Headquarters or Westport Area Centers, orientation is offered at the following times. Orientation will be held in the Lecture Hall of the St. Louis City Headquarters.
| ST. LOUIS CITY and WESTPORT AREA CENTERS |
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DATE |
TIME |
| Volunteer Orientation |
Saturday, January 16 - FULL |
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Tuesday, February 23 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, March 20 |
10 am |
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Tuesday, April 13 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, May 22 |
10 am |
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Tuesday, June 22 |
6:30 pm |
For those wishing to volunteer at the Chesterfield Valley Center, orientation is offered at the following times. Orientation will be held in the Training Room of the Chesterfield Valley Center.
| CHESTERFIELD VALLEY CENTER |
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DATE |
TIME |
Volunteer Orientation
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Monday, January 11 - FULL |
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Saturday, February 20 |
10 am |
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Monday, March 15 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, April 17 |
10 am |
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Monday, May 24 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, June 19 |
10 am |
Those interested in volunteering at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch may attend Orientation at either St. Louis City Headquarters or Chesterfield Valley.
Step 2: Stay for HSMO Training
If you decide that you would like to become a volunteer, additional training will be held immediately following Orientation. During HSMO Training, we will review the policies and procedures of volunteering as well as learn more about animal behavior. This training is required to become a volunteer and will last approximately 90 minutes.
A $10 training fee is requested for which you will receive a Humane Society of Missouri Volunteer t-shirt and your printed training materials.
Step 3: Complete Additional Orientations as Required
Those volunteering at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch will need to attend a Ranch Orientation. You will be contacted by someone from the Ranch to schedule a day and time.
Those wishing to become Foster Parents must attend Foster Care Orientation at one of the following times. You do not need to register in advance to attend Foster Care Orientation.
LOCATION
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DATE |
TIME |
St. Louis City Center
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11/18/09 |
6:30 pm |
| Westport Center |
10/15/09 |
7 pm |
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You must attend Volunteer Orientation in order to
attend Foster Orientation.
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For more information on becoming a Foster Parent, call Sue Alkire at 314-802-5710.
Step 4: Complete Mentoring Sessions
To help make your introduction into the world of the Humane Society of Missouri a smooth one, you will complete mentoring sessions with another volunteer or staff person in your area. You will either sign up for these sessions after HSMO Training or will be contacted shortly there after to schedule a session.
Step 5: Complete Additional Training as Required
Certain volunteer opportunities require additional training classes be completed. These include Pet Pal and Foster Parent. Information regarding the additional training will be discussed at Volunteer Orientation.
Can I Complete Service Hours with the Humane Society of Missouri?
At this time, our opportunities for students completing service hours are full. Please check back for opportunities beginning in 2010.
We do not offer court ordered community service hours at this time.
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