Humane Society of South Central Michigan (HSSCM)
Humane Society of South Central Michigan (HSSCM)
| Our mission |
To enhance the lives of companion animals and people through education, adoption, and community outreach; help protect companion animals from suffering and cruelty; and provide safe and responsible care for unwanted or abused companion animals |
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| Ways to help |
Best Friends
Best Friends receive special training to work more closely with shelter animals. Primary duties of HSSCM’s Best Friends include working one-on-one with shelter animals:
Dogs – basic obedience commands, socialization, bathing, walking;
Cats – holding, brushing, socialization, interactive play.
Best Friends will work with staff members to review animal needs, and will report back on animal progress, including providing information for monthly pet sponsorship updates.
Interested individuals must have been a Shelter Pal for at least six months. Best Friends must be 18 years or older and must commit to volunteering six to eight hours per month.
Best Friends will receive one-on-one or special group training at least once per quarter on a variety of topics including animal behavior, positive training, basic cat and dog health care, identifying signs of illness, basic disease transmission, animal restraint, animal enrichment, minimizing shelter stress and more.
- Weekly, Monthly
- Adults
- Individuals
- Indoor, Outdoor
- Formal
- Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends
Shelter Pals
Our Shelter Pals work with the agency’s adoptable animals, socializing cats and walking dogs. HSSCM accepts volunteers of all ages; individuals must be 16 years or older to volunteer without a parent present. Individuals must fill out an application annually and attend an orientation prior to volunteering. Shelter Pals must commit to volunteer a minimum of four hours per month and will work a maximum of one shift per week. Shelter Pal hours are Tuesday – Friday from noon to 3:30pm and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm only (limited Saturday hours are available).
- Weekly, Monthly
- Teens, 55+, Adults, Child with Adult
- Individuals, Families
- Indoor, Outdoor
- Formal
- Weekdays, Weekends
Group Activities
HSSCM is always in need of groups to come out and work on special projects, especially helping clean up and mulch our dog park trail system. Contact us if you have a group needing a project.
- One-time, Occasional
- Teens, 55+, Adults, Child with Adult
- Groups (2-10), Groups (10+), Corporate Teams
- Indoor, Outdoor
- None, On-site
- Weekdays, Weekends
Clerical Volunteer
HSSCM clerical volunteers assist with administrative duties including answering phones, data entry and customer service. Clerical volunteers will experience the administrative functions necessary to maintain an effective facility. Additional duties may include stuffing envelopes, metering postage and writing postcards.
- Weekly, Monthly
- Teens, 55+, Adults
- Individuals
- Office work, Indoor
- On-site
- Weekdays, Weekends
Gardening Team
HSSCM is in need of individuals to work on our gardening team, planting, weeding, and watering our flower beds between March and September. You can work at your own pace and at a time that is convenient for you!
- Weekly, Monthly
- Teens, 55+, Adults
- Individuals
- Outdoor
- None
- Weekdays, Weekends
Community Service
Individuals for the community dental program or court-ordered community service must be 18 or older. Community service tasks will include heavy cleaning of animal areas. Individuals must be able to bend, stoop, lift and repeatedly carry up to 60 pounds, and be around animal waste and cleaning projects. Hours are seven days a week from 8:00am to noon and must be scheduled in advance.
- Weekly, Monthly
- Adults
- Individuals
- Physical, Indoor, Outdoor
- On-site
- Weekdays, Weekends
School Projects/Hours
HSSCM has a limited amount of space available for students needing service hours for school, including National Honor Society. New this year, HSSCM will offer credit for school related community service through the completion of specific projects only. Students must propose their project in writing. Acceptable projects include but are not limited to pencil sales, supply drives, landscaping and/or deep cleaning projects. Applications are available through our front desk.
- Weekly, Monthly
- Teens
- Individuals
- Indoor, Outdoor
- None, On-site
- Weekdays, Weekends
Pet Therapy Volunteer
HSSCM often provides assistance to senior citizens through our Pet Therapy Program, which introduces some of our residents to individuals within nursing home communities. Pet Therapy Volunteers supervise animal interactions as well as engage nursing home residents in our animal welfare efforts. Individuals must have been a Shelter Pal volunteer for six months, be 18 or older and have reliable transportation with a satisfactory driving record. Pet Therapy Volunteers will schedule their time with partner organizations and act as the primary contact between HSSCM and the partner organization.
- Occasional, Monthly
- 55+, Adults
- Individuals
- Indoor
- Formal
- Weekdays, Weekends
Special Events Volunteer
Volunteers assisting with special events will participate in the community awareness projects of HSSCM. Special Event volunteers will assist in mobile adoptions, public relations events, annual pencil sales and other HSSCM activities. Additional duties may include helping handle dogs/cats, dog walks and customer service.
- Occasional, Monthly
- Teens, 55+, Adults
- Individuals
- Event support
- On-site
- Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends
Transporter
Transporters are often needed to transport animals to and from various events, appointments and meetings, as well as to pick-up donations. In order to transport for the HSSCM volunteers must possess a valid driver’s license as well as pass a driving record investigation.
- Occasional, Monthly
- Adults
- Individuals
- Indoor, Outdoor
- None
- Weekdays, Weekends
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| How you help |
The work of this organization is not possible without the support of many volunteers like you who love animals and want to contribute to helping them find loving homes. You CAN make a difference! |
| About us |
The Humane Society of South Central Michigan is the area’s nonprofit advocate, sanctuary and source for companion animals since 1887. We believe in second chances at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Our service area includes all of Calhoun County and parts of Kalamazoo, Barry and Branch counties. We keep animals as long as it takes to find a good home for adoption once the animal passes temperament testing and is checked for good health. The Watkins Road shelter cares for up to 100 animals every day of the year. Countless area residents use the Society’s animal care, adoption and education programs each year. |
