Humane Society of Inland Mendocino County

HSIMC depends largely on many dedicated volunteers to keep the shelter running.  A few part-time dedicated paid staff members are employed to ensure the kennels are cleaned and the cat litter is changed on schedule, and to direct the shelter.  Everything else, from fundraising, to working with the animals, to outreach, and groundskeeping, is done by generous volunteers.  Please consider giving some of your time to help save homeless animals.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are so many ways to help out, there are likely to be several areas that interest you. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to be helping at the shelter without an adult.

In the Office Office Help - answering phones, assisting visitors, photocopying, filing, data entry, mailings Desktop Publishing - editing newsletters, advertising for fundraisers, posting information about adoptable animals

With the Community Fundraising - planning and staffing events, seeking donations, grant writing Community Relations - making phone calls, manning booths, distributing information, newsletter Mobile Pet Adoptions taking animals out to local businesses and presenting them, and HSIMC to the public.

As a Member of the Board of Directors Board members are volunteers elected by members.  Their primary responsibilities are: Fundraising Planning Policy-making

With the Animals "Be a Buddy" program - spend time with the animals at the shelter Fostering animals - bring baby or adult animals to your home for temporary care

"Be a Buddy" Program

The animals in our care depend on volunteers to visit with them for training and socialization.  Your time helps them be more comfortable while waiting for permanent homes, and helps them better adapt to homes once a new family finds them.

The cats love human attention and interaction, and enjoy grooming and brushing.  Kittens especially need socialization for transitioning from shelter animals to family pets.

The dogs benefit immensely from our training program in learning good behavior before going to permanent homes.  They also need social interaction to stay healthy and happy.

Nearly every Sunday at 11:00, a formal training session and pack dog walk are held at the shelter. Learn from our expert volunteer trainer how we work with our dogs on good manners.

 

Fostering Animals

Babies

At various times of the year, foster homes are needed for young animals, kittens needing bottle-feeding, and puppies needing socialization. Because HSIMC’s policy states that ALL animals being adopted are first spayed and neutered, kittens and puppies must stay in the care of either the shelter, or the foster home, until they are old enough for spay/neutering.

Persons interested in fostering may come to the shelter and pick up a Foster Parent Application. HSIMC prefers to visit the home first, to assure that fostering is a good choice for both you and the animal(s). HSIMC provides all of the necessary items for fostering, such as formula, food and bedding. You simply provide the love and care!

Adults

Being in a shelter environment is stressful on almost every animal, and sometimes certain dogs or cats simply deteriorate when they enter a shelter setting. These otherwise adoptable animals can benefit from time spent in a foster home for a respite from the shelter, or for attention to special needs.