Volunteer FAQ
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO VOLUNTEER?
You must be at least 18 years of age before you can work directly with the animals. Junior volunteers ages 16 and 17 may volunteer in non-animal handling roles. These include greeting, cleaning, laundry, special events and administrative duties.
IF I’M TOO YOUNG TO VOLUNTEER, IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN HELP?
Yes! At-home projects can be a great way to help the animals. Some examples include holding a lemonade stand and donating the proceeds to St. Hubert's, or organizing a collection of gently used blankets and towels at school. You can also make one-time-use dog toys, which are a great way to recycle and let the dogs have fun while they wait for homes. For samples of different projects, please email Karen Potocek, Humane Educator, at KPotocek@sthuberts.org.
IS THERE A MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT?
Yes, we ask that you commit to volunteer for at least 8 hours a month for a minimum for six months. You’re welcome to work more hours if your schedule allows. Please consider whether or not you are able to honor this commitment before completing the application. Our staff and existing volunteers invest substantial time and effort into training new “recruits”. Having a large turnover puts a strain on everyone involved. We do make an exception to the 6 month commitment for students who are home for the summer.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING?
Please review the Essential Capabilities that are required of St. Hubert’s volunteers.
Volunteers must be able to follow directions and communicate with staff, volunteers, and the general public with a friendly, can-do attitude. Volunteers often work independently on projects with little supervision from staff. Some positions may be physically demanding.
If you are taking immuno-suppressive drugs, you should check with your doctor before you start volunteering.
DO YOU HAVE A FOSTER CARE PROGRAM?
Yes, and the whole family can help with this rewarding job! We’re always looking for people who can provide temporary care and housing to young, stressed, or ill animals. The animals would live with you for a period of a few weeks until they are ready for adoption. To begin the foster process, fill out the foster application.
IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR ME IF I HAVE A SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR SCHOOL THAT IS UNDER 50 HOURS?
Because of the amount of time required to attend orientation and training classes, service hour requirements under 50 hours are usually not a good fit. If your interest in volunteering starts with a service requirement that needs a letter, and you can meet the 50 hour commitment, we may be a good fit for you.
HOW DO I SET MY SCHEDULE?
Volunteers create their schedule using an online portal. Access to this portal begins once you are invited to attend a small group interview.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS DURING WHICH VOLUNTEERS CAN WORK?
Work hours depend upon the job you are doing and are covered in our Volunteer Orientations. For example, kennel assistants (cleaners in dog kennel and cattery) work from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. every morning. On-site volunteer jobs are only done when staff are working at the shelter, generally between the hours of 9:00 am and 7:00 pm daily.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE?
If you would like to apply for a scholarship to cover the $25 application fee, please email volunteers@sthuberts.org.
OKAY, I’D LOVE TO HELP! WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
Please fill out our online application, and we will be in contact with you via email. Please allow up to several weeks for a response.
If you have questions, please contact our volunteer office at volunteers@sthuberts.org.
