Volunteer

Volunteer Information

“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” -Unknown

The Benton Franklin Humane Society graciously thanks the volunteers who help us provide programs and services that simply would not be possible without their help. From helping with fundraising to cuddling kittens to serving on the Board of Trustees, we value the precious time each and every one of our volunteers honors us with. We hope you’ll consider volunteering with us as well!

Current Volunteer Login

Here are some of the volunteer opportunities available at the shelter. If you have a skill or gift that isn’t listed, please don’t hesitate to contact volunteer@bfhs.com and let us know!

Opportunities:

Cat and Dog Enrichment and Kennel Assistants: Walking and exercising dogs, brushing and combing dogs and cats, playing with puppies, handling kittens and cats, cleaning animal enclosures, dishes, and doing laundry.

Outreach Efforts: Have fun and help educate the public at the same time about the mission of BFHS and the need for adoptive homes, especially for those who may be harder to adopt. Under the direction of the Development Director, help organize fundraisers, set up tables and chairs, man booths.

Offsite Adoptions: Under the direction of our Adoption Coordinator, organize and help execute adoption events and complete adoption of animals. Supervise animals at all times to ensure animals are safe and enjoying the event.

Office Help: Working in our shelter office and reception area is a great way to build your resume! From filing to reception duties and more, volunteering helps free our staff to provide more direct care for our animals

Data Entry/Medical Intake Assistant: Assist medical staff during intakes, input data on individual animals regarding vaccinations, surgeries, or other procedures.

Photography: Use your photography skills to help our animals find homes! Not quite sure about your skills behind a camera? Assist photographers by handling animals and help the photographer get that purrr-fect shot!

Other Opportunities: Grounds-keeping, shelter maintenance, transportation, donor stewardship, humane education, and more!

Join us! Give one day, one hour, or one small deed. It will make a difference, you’ll see.

Volunteer Application

Application Process:

Due to Covid-19, our volunteer orientation process has changed. Interested parties can now submit a volunteer application and attend training online!

Training – Safety is important to us, so we do require our volunteers go through some training prior to volunteering at our facility. This not only protects you, but it protects other people and the animals as well. Our goal is to make your volunteer experience one that feels good and is safe – for you and the animals.

Fear Free Certification – We require all staff and volunteers to participate in an online learning program called the Fear Free Shelter Program. It covers a wide variety of topics including FAS (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) in animals, ways to reduce FAS in shelters, and ways to increase enrichment opportunities. This the goal of this course is to help improve the experiences of animals by educating shelter employees and volunteers about their emotional needs. Once your application and certificate are uploaded to us, you will receive a passcode to complete the final portion of your training.

Online Learning – Complete final two video lessons from home with the password we provide. Please click here to access those videos

Onsite Interview – Our onsite small group session includes a behind the scenes walking tour of the facility and an opportunity to practice the volunteer duties to determine if our activities are the right fit for you.

Apply now!

Fear Free Certificate:

To participate:

1. Go to the Fear Free website at: https://fearfreeshelters.com/

2. Click “Get Started” in the top right corner to create your account.

3. Fill out your profile information.

4. Print this pre-signed Volunteer Verification Form, fill out the remaining fields and scan/upload to the Fear Free website to complete your registration.

5. After a brief introduction to Fear Free, you will work through four mandatory modules, which will need to be taken in consecutive order. Each module will end with an exam, which needs to be successfully completed prior to moving on to the next module. Progress on work can be saved at any time, giving you the flexibility to self-pace throughout the program. The core modules take approximately 5 hours to complete. When all four modules have been completed, you will be awarded with a Fear Free Shelter Program Certificate of Completion.

6. Save your certificate and submit it to be added to your volunteer profile once you officially join the team!

Volunteer Requirements:

*Fill out a volunteer application
*Attend a volunteer orientation
*Be 18 years of age or older (for High-School credit, please contact our volunteer coordinator directly!)
*Able to commit 8 hours over a 3-month period
*Ability to bend, squat, twist, lift, or stand for long periods of time
*Possess customer service skills and be able to read, write, and communicate clearly. All volunteer positions will interact
directly with the public, staff, and other volunteers.
*Have access to the internet and email
*Able to pass a background check

I’d like to volunteer, but I’m not old enough. What can I do?

*Host a donation drive to collect toys, food, or other pet supplies from the community
*Create pet enrichments and deliver them to the shelter – DIY snuggle mats, rope toys, etc are great ways to give the animals mental stimulation!
*Host a third-party fundraiser – whether over social media or in your neighborhood!

Can I volunteer at other organizations if I complete your application?

*All humane societies are independent. Volunteer approval at our organization does not guarantee or imply approval at other humane societies.