Shelter CrewHelp with all aspects of the shelter including cleaning, giving out toys and treats, laundry, washing of dishes and litter boxes, and more. These volunteers do not handle any animals, but help us keep the shelter clean!
You can help with trail maintenance, mowing, weed picking, poop clean up, cleaning windows, and general Handy-Man jobs!
Dog WalkingDog walkers come to the shelter starting at 7am and help our kennel staff take each dog out for Potty breaks and enrichment training.
Morning breaks are usually between 7am- 10am as kennel staff is cleaning and the animals are getting breakfast. Afternoon breaks is 12pm-3pm, and Evening Breaks are 3 pm-6pm. Dog walkers are welcome to come at anytime to help with breaks.
You will be trained to walk the dogs in a specific way, that every volunteer and staff member is taught for consistency and to help with training. Please be aware that most of the dogs at SFAHS are medium to large sized dogs, you must be physically able to walk dogs that may jump, pull, be new to leashes, or timid.
Volunteers that complete more levels of Enrichment Training will be able to walk different levels of dogs.
For example, volunteers that have completed:
Basic hands on training + Green level enrichment are " Green level volunteers", They can only walk dogs with the Green Dot on their cards.
Orange level volunteers have completed more training, therefore can walk dogs that are harder to handle, the Orange-Dot dogs along with the easier Green Dot Dogs.
Work with the small animals so they stay socialized while at the shelter. Small Animals include: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Mice, Hamsters, Birds, Lizards, Snakes, Reptiles, and MORE. It is required that you have experience with the breed of animal before interacting.
Cat Socialization Work with the cats so they stay socialized while at the shelter.
Basic hands on training + Green level enrichment are " Green level volunteers", These volunteers can handle most cats in Cat adopt
Orange level volunteers have completed more training, therefore can handle and do training with cats that are harder to handle, You also get an inside look into cat personalities.
Event HopperYou will help with event preparations including mailings, donations, errands and distribution of marketing materials. Any volunteer can sign up to help at events!
Shelter Ambassadors**Ambassadors are volunteers who help us at our public events, or outings when a staff member is not available. You are representatives of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. It is required that you know basic facts about the shelter, are reliable and have a positive attitude. These volunteers must complete Tour Guide Training, and volunteer at SFAHS events. If the volunteer wishes to take a dog out of the shelter for enrichment they must complete Blue Level ( Most Advanced) Training.
Bath Buddies**Are you a groomer that wishes to donate your time? We are interested!
Or are you a volunteer that simply wishes to bathe pets before their surgery date? Nothing says "adopt me" like a happy, clean and good-smelling pup!
Help our staff make fun enrichment toys and games for indoor play! From stuffed Kongs and pup-sicles to food-filled bell peppers, the possibilities for enriching their lives are endless!
Laundry Help keep our shelter pets cozy by volunteering as a laundry helper—wash, dry, and fold blankets, towels, and bedding!
Volunteer Photography Handler Assist our photographer in capturing adorable pet photos—help with handling, setups, and getting those perfect puppy poses! - Weekdays only must be trained in Dogs & Cats
Medical VolunteerGain hands-on experience by assisting with evening medications—an excellent opportunity for those pursuing veterinary school! - Evening shifts only.
Receptionist Greet visitors, answer calls, and help connect families as a receptionist volunteer!
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