Home Get Involved Volunteer Volunteer FAQs

Volunteer FAQs

Why Does It Take So Long to Become a Volunteer?

One of the goals of the Volunteer program at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton is to ensure that each volunteer has a positive and meaningful experience with us. Our way of doing that is to provide all new volunteers with training and mentoring by our experienced staff and volunteers. In order to provide this specialized training, we must limit the number of new volunteers each month, so that we can devote the appropriate amount of attention to get everyone settled into their new volunteer roles.

Why Do I Have to Be a Member of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton to Volunteer?

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We would not be able to run any of our programs without support from the community, through in-kind and monetary donations. An annual $10 volunteer-level membership affirms volunteers' support of our organization and the mission that we are working toward.

What If I Cannot Attend an Open House at the Scheduled Time?

All potential volunteers must attend an open house/volunteer orientation. Open houses are offered frequently, in an effort to meet everyone’s schedule. Please contact Caitlin Lewis, community outreach manager, at clewis@hsdayton.org, if you cannot attend one of the scheduled sessions. You may also reach her by phone, at 937/262-5924.

Are There Any Age Requirements to Volunteer at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton?

Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must attend the open house with a parent. Volunteers ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering at the facility. Please check out the list of specific physical, mental, emotional and supervision requirements for each volunteer opportunity.

Volunteer_-_GroupI Work 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM During the Week. Can I Still Volunteer?

There are lots of volunteer opportunities available to volunteers who work during the week. Volunteers can help at offsite adoption events on evenings and weekends, bake treats for the PNC 2nd Street Market, work at MeowZa! Cat Boutique (located in the Dayton Mall) and participate in our Pet Therapy program.

What If I Am Under 10 and I Still Want to Get Involved?

If you are under the age of 10 and want to be involved, you may visit our Humane Education page; there you may choose from several ideas and projects to help make a difference at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

What If I Need Service Hours for a School or Community Project?

Students needing service hours will go through the general Volunteer program. When you complete your service, a signed copy of your hours can be requested through the volunteer office. Time spent in the open house, training and practice with a mentor does not count toward service hours completed. As space is limited, we are unable to accommodate all requests. Please allow ample time to complete orientations, training sessions and service by the required date.

What If I Have Court-Ordered Community-Service Hours That I Need to Fulfill?

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is a community-service site for the MonDay program. MonDay is a community-based correctional facility that provides a secure treatment environment for probationable felony offenders. MonDay challenges offenders to modify their behaviors to become responsible citizens, by utilizing holistic programming, including community service at specific sites in the community. As the Humane Society participates in this program, we are unable to accommodate other individuals with court-ordered community service.

What If I Have a Group That Would Like to Participate in a One-Time-Only Volunteer Opportunity?

If you have a group interested in a one-time volunteer opportunity, please contact Caitlin Lewis, community outreach manager, at clewis@hsdayton.org. You may also reach her by phone, at 937/262-5924.

What If I Have a Community Group, Such as Girl Scouts, That Would Like a Tour and/or Presentation?

Please contact Caitlin Lewis, community outreach manager, at clewis@hsdayton.org, if you are interested in a group tour or presentation. You may also reach her by phone, at 937/262-5924.

What If I Would Like to Shadow an Employee at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton?

Unfortunately we do not currently have a program in place that enables us to fill the many requests we receive for shadowing.