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
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.
Can I Complete Service Hours with the Humane Society of Missouri?
Students age 16 and up can complete service hours at the Humane Society of Missouri. Please send the following information to the Volunteer Department at lrenner@hsmo.org:
Student’s Name:
Name of School:
Reason for Service Hours: Examples – extra credit, graduation requirement, Honors Society, Mitzvah Project, etc.
Number of Hours to be Completed:
Date When Hours Must be Completed
Please note, we do not offer court ordered community service hours at this time.
Current Available Volunteer Opportunities
Available volunteer opportunities vary based on the needs of our shelters and staff. Below are the currently available volunteer opportunities.
Emergency Response Team
Description: Work with our Animal Cruelty Task Force and HSMO staff in responding to disaster and emergency situations.
Location: Varies depending on situation
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
Commitment: Must complete required training and be available at short notice to assist with emergency or rescue situations
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Foster Parent
Description: Open your home to orphaned or young puppies or kittens, animals with minor behavior concerns or animals recovering from an illness or injury.
Location: Animals will be kept in your primary residence
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
Commitment: Foster at least 2 times per year |
Humane Educator
Description: Educate adults and children about the Humane Society of Missouri, the need to treat animals with kindness and about responsible pet care.
Location: St. Louis City (Macklind) Headquarters and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
Commitment: 60 hours per year
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Gift Shop
Description: Assist new pet owners in choosing items for their new family member as well as provide courteous service to all who enter our Gift Shop.
Location: St. Louis City (Macklind) Headquarters and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
Commitment: 8 hours per month |
Pet Pal
Description: Exercise and socialize our shelter dogs.
Location: St. Louis City (Macklind) Headquarters, Westport Area Center (Maryland Heights) and Chesterfield Valley Center
Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
Commitment: 2 hours per week for 6 months – you must be in good physical condition!
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Ranch Assistant
Description: 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.
Location: Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO
Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
Commitment: 60 hours per year – you must be in good physical condition! |
Special Events
Description: Assist at our various Special Events like Bark in the Park to help support our shelters and rescue efforts
Location: Varies by event
Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years old
Commitment: At least 2 events per year
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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. Please register for an open session as we do not maintain a cancellation or waiting list for Orientations.
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, March 20 |
10:00 am |
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Tuesday, April 13 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, May 22 |
10:00 am |
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Tuesday, June 22 |
6:30 pm |
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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 |
|
DATE |
TIME |
Volunteer Orientation
|
Monday, March 15 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, April 17 |
10:00 am |
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Monday, May 24 |
6:30 pm |
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Saturday, June 19 |
10:00 am |
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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
|
DATE |
TIME |
| St. Louis City Center |
2/27/10 - UPDATED |
10 am |
| Westport Area Center |
3/24/10 |
6:30 pm |
| St. Louis City Center |
4/15/10 |
6:30 pm |
| Westport Area Center |
5/25/10 |
6:30 pm |
| St. Louis City Center |
6/24/10 - UPDATED |
6:30 pm |
You must attend Volunteer Orientation in order to
attend Foster Orientation.
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For more information on becoming a Foster Parent, contact Sue Alkire at 314-802-5710 or salkire@hsmo.org.
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.
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