There are many great ways to volunteer your time at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. For more information about each of these exciting opportunities please review the list of Volunteer Positions.
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- Opportunities
- Become a Volunteer
- Orientation
- Foster Care Program
- Foster Information
This program's purpose is to ensure optimal comfort and care for the HSSC felines by addressing any areas of concern and aiding staff in providing appropriate solutions thereby increasing adoptability. All cat lovers are invited to join the feline fanciers once you’ve been through our cat cuddling training.
Baby relaxes on a "cat mat" made by the Feline Fanciers at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. The whimsical mats provide cats with comfort and security and are sent home with adopted cats to ease their transition into their new homes. The Feline Fanciers, volunteers who use innovative means to make HSSC's cats more comfortable, are seeking donations of fabric so that each of HSSC's 150 cats will have their own cat mat.
Bring donations of washable, flat-stitched (non-looped) fabric and one-inch batting to HSSC's shelter at 2331 15th St., Sarasota FL. Or, to create and donate a finished cat mat: fold a 13" x 39" length of fabric in half inside out, sew three sides, then turn the pouch right side out. Insert a 12" x 18" one-inch batting into the bed and sew it closed. Stitch down the batting in each corner, in the middle, and along each side to prevent bunching during laundering. For more information, call us at 955-4131, ext. 104.
HSSC volunteers take shelter dogs for daily on-site walks and oversee play time in the exercise pens. This is a great way to provide socialization and mental stimulation. K9 Companions also have the opportunity to attend Shelter Dog Manners classes. These classes are beneficial tool in helping our shelter dogs learn and practice everyday obedience skills.
Time commitment:
Minimum 6 month commitment
Frequency of commitment:
Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity:
Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
- Completion of general Volunteer Orientation.
- Completion of K9 Companion Training 101.
- Completion of Manners Class 101.
- 5 Hours of shadowing with a Red Level K9 Companion or K9 Coach.
*This position requires willingness ability to handle all breeds and various sizes of dogs.
This is a wonderful program for volunteers who love working with potential adopters, helping them to find the best animal suitable for their home life. Extra training is required for this program.
Our Mandy Bank Program is a very important source of revenue for our shelter. Donated change really adds up! If you own a business and are willing to place a Mandy bank at your location, please contact Director of Volunteers Karie Hajek at 955-4131, extension 104.
Our feline friends can always use a little TLC. With an average of 120 cats available for adoption there is always a cat in need of cuddling. HSSC volunteers spend time interacting with the cats to provide enrichment, socialization, and help reduce the stress cats may experience while living in a shelter environment.
Time commitment:
Minimum 6 month commitment
Frequency of commitment:
Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity:
Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
- Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
- Completion of the Cat Cuddler Training 101
- 5 Hours of shadowing with another Cat Cuddler
*Some bending and ability to lift at least 10lbs.required.
Our coaches work very hard with our dogs helping them to gain the confidence and socialization skills needed to be successful in their new homes. Extra training is required for this program.
Feline Coaches assist HSSC’s Cat Behavior Counselor in working with shelter cats that may require guidance in learning how to become a well mannered confident feline companion. Coaches practice positive reward training to help cats improve social skills and prepare them for life with family in a new forever home.
Time commitment:
Minimum 6 month commitment
Frequency of commitment:
Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity:
Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
- Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
- Completion of the Cat Cuddler Training 101
- 5 Hours of shadowing with another Cat Cuddler
- Clicker Training Class.
- Approval from the Cat Behavior Counselor.
Several times through the year we have special event fund raisers for our shelter. These events require lots of help with registration, sometimes crowd control, selling raffle tickets …..and much more! This is a fun way to help HSSC while, at the same time, enjoying the events.
Is always needed and appreciated!
Thank you for your consideration in becoming a volunteer for the Humane Society of Sarasota County. We welcome you to join a wonderful group of volunteers who assist our other departments in achieving HSSC’s Mission.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County encourages those who would like to make a difference in the lives of animals and the community they live in. If you have always wanted to help animals in need, HSSC is the place for you! Volunteers make it possible for HSSC to offer caring and compassionate services to pets and people.
We strive to make your volunteer experience safe and rewarding. It is our goal to provide our volunteers with the knowledge, training, and incentive to donate their time and services to our organization.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer:
- Review our Program Opportunities (Please review the opportunity descriptions understanding the requirements for each position you would be most interested.)
- Reserve your spot for one of the scheduled Pre-Orientation Tours.
- Complete and submit a volunteer application.
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation.
- Attend all required trainings.
Once we receive your application it will be reviewed. If your interest and availability match our current needs you will be contacted via email or phone to schedule an orientation.
**There is a non-refundable $35 materials fee due at the time of your scheduled orientation. This fee allows us to provide you with a volunteer t-shirt, nametag, and general training materials.
HSSC Volunteer Requirements:
- In order to participate in the program it is required that all volunteers are at least 18 years of age and can legally bear responsibility for his or her actions.
- It is asked that you are able to make a minimum commitment of 6 months volunteering at least 8 hours a month (2 hours a week).
- HSSC asks that you understand and follow all policies and procedures, including but not limited to those reviewed in the Volunteer Manual and at volunteer trainings.
The process for becoming a volunteer takes approximately 4 weeks.
Week 1 - Attend a scheduled Pre-Orientation Tour.
Week 2 - Application Review and Schedule Orientation
Week 3 - Attend Volunteer Orientation
Week 4 - Attend any required training sessions.
PRE-ORIENTATION TOUR
Would you like to become a volunteer for the Humane Society of Sarasota County? Sign up to attend a Pre-Orientation Tour. During this 1.5 hour session you will learn more about the many available volunteer opportunities and take an in depth tour of the shelter. Upon completing the tour you will have the option to fill out and submit a volunteer application. Once your application has been reviewed if your interest fit our current needs you will be contacted to schedule a General Orientation.
Schedule of upcoming Pre-Orientation Tours (if you’d like to attend please call or email the Director of Volunteer to reserve a spot).
Thursday, January 5, 5:30pm
Thursday, February 2, 5:30pm
Thursday, March 1, 5:30pm
Thursday, April 5, 5:30pm
Thursday, May 3, 5:30pm
Thursday, June 7, 5:30pm
GENERAL ORIENTATION
The Volunteer Orientation is held in the Education Building located next to the Adoption Center. Orientation lasts approximately 1.5 hours. During this time you will review the volunteer manual which covers a brief history of the shelter, the shelter’s mission, and learn about the role a HSSC volunteer plays in the success of the shelter. Upon completion of the Orientation, volunteers interested in becoming K9 companions or Cat Cuddlers will sign up to attend a training session.
CAT CUDDLING AND K9 COMPANION TRAINING
Training is required for any volunteer interested in working directly with the shelter animals. This includes volunteers interested in helping with the offsite adoption events. Training will last approximately 2 hours. You can select to begin either K9 Companion or Cat Cuddler Training. If you are interested in both you can contact the Director of Volunteers to complete the other training at a later date. During this session you will learn shelter policies, procedures, and proper animal handling.
download application
Welcome !
Thank you for your interest in the Humane Society of Sarasota’s Foster Program.
Every week, hundreds of people walk through the doors of the HSSC and witness the daily activities of the shelter. What they can’t see, however, is the vital network of foster homes that enables us to expand our ability to care for our animals far beyond the walls of our facility.
Volunteers with compassionate hearts and a desire to make a difference are essential in helping shelter pets in need by offering temporary care in their homes. Being a foster can be a wonderfully satisfying experience.
Pregnant moms, babies, orphans, animals needing medical care and shelter stressed pets are just a few that can use your help.
Being a good foster doesn’t require hours at the shelter, you can enjoy an animal in your own home with or without other animals, while preparing them for adoption and building their self esteem.
If you are interested in fostering one of our animals, have questions regarding fostering, or would like to submit an application, please email fosterprogram@hssc.org.
download application
If you are looking for a way to help animals, fostering can be a flexible, fun and rewarding volunteer job. Here are a few reasons.
- It’s more flexible than volunteer roles that require your presence at the shelter for a scheduled time and a certain number of hours each week.
- It’s a great way to enjoy pets in your home if you’re not in a position to make that lifelong commitment.
- You can help a pet get adapted to home life, build its self-esteem, and give it a better chance of a successful adoption.
- You can observe the pet’s habits and behaviors, so the potential adopter has more information about the pet, thus making a better match.
- It’s very rewarding to see the pet grow to trust and love again, due to your nurturing and training.
- Fostering provides much needed socialization for young pets.
- You can help a pet recover from illness or injury in a quiet home environment.
The time required for fostering will depend on the specific needs of each pet. Newborn orphaned kittens or puppies, for instance, must be fed every few hours. A frightened pet that needs socialization or training will also require some extra time. Socializing is vital to a pet’s success in being adopted. Expect to spend 2-3 hours per day (minimum!) with each pet. Puppies and kittens are always doing one of five things: eating, sleeping, playing, peeing or pooping and cleanup may take additional time. A staff member or volunteer will be able to give you a good estimate on the length of time that is required for fostering your animal. The typical foster period is 15 to 30 days but may be longer. You can discuss your availability with the shelter to determine what types of pet will be best suited for you.
Before bringing a foster pet home, your own pet/s should be up to date on their vaccinations. Some foster families delegate a space for the foster pet in order to reduce additional stress, while others allow the foster pet free run of the house. If your own pet doesn’t enjoy other animals you might wish to consider other volunteer opportunities.
It’s best to have some knowledge of companion animal behavior and health. HSSC staff and volunteers will always be available for any questions and support during the fostering period.
Some of the pets most in need of foster care are those that require a little extra help or training. Shy cats often need time to learn to trust and a quiet home environment is necessary. Dogs often benefit from a little obedience training. If you familiarize yourself with some basic training and socialization techniques, you can be a big help in preparing your foster pet for a new home.
All HSSC foster parents are asked to make themselves available for a scheduled, informal home visit prior to fostering. This is just to ensure that your home is a suitable and safe environment for both you and your foster pet. Some pets may have additional specific requirements. For instance, fostering certain dogs may require that you have access to a fenced-in yard.
HSSC provides all the food, supplies and medical attention needed during the fostering period. However, if the foster parent is able to provide for the pet it will help reduce the programs cost (donation receipts are available). HSSC maintains the primary responsibility of any pet in the foster program.
Please understand that only approved veterinary care can be used for foster pet. You cannot take the animals to your veterinary clinic without prior approval. You may be asked to bring your foster pet into HSSC if emergencies occur during shelter hours.
HSSC takes responsibility for finding your foster pet a forever home, but you can help by telling friends, family and co-workers about your foster pet. We encourage you to take pictures, videos and submit stories. If you know someone interested in your foster pet, they must go through HSSC’s adoption process.
HSSC has been a no-kill shelter since 2009. Many pets would never have had the chance without the help of valuable foster parents. Giving up a pet you’ve fostered, even to a wonderful new home, can sometimes be difficult. Getting emotionally attached to a pet in your care is a normal part of volunteering. The best way to handle this is to remind yourself that you are playing an important role in giving the pet another chance at a happy life. People often say, “I couldn’t foster because I’d want to adopt them all myself!” Just remember, our adoption staff does an excellent job at finding great homes for all of our shelter pets. You shouldn’t feel obligated to adopt an animal in order for it to have a wonderful new home. By fostering you are an integral part of the process.
The first step to fostering is submitting an application; this will be followed by a home visit, then a Foster Orientation. During your orientation you will have the opportunity to meet the staff, tour the facility and learn valuable information about caring for your foster pet.
It is the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s goal to make fostering a positive experience.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and support!