Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in volunteering at MHS?
Volunteers help our staff care for the shelter and the animals. The shelter is open to volunteers 365 days a year and can schedule time seven days a week.
See below for how to apply, and information on our more casual Saturday family volunteer days!
Volunteer Hours (CT):
Monday & Thursday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 2:30pm
Some common daily tasks are:
- General cleaning
- Laundry
- Mopping
- Dishes
- Organizing items
- Cleaning critter cages
- Socializing with animals
Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to participate.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer without a parent/guardian. Volunteers ages 13 and up must volunteer with a parent at all times.
We allow individuals to complete community service for schools, churches, or other organizations. We also allow court ordered community services hours for nonviolent offenses only. We reserve the right to deny any volunteer application we deem unfit for service.
Community service volunteers may only schedule time between 8:30am – 11:45am 7 days a week.
Getting Started
Please fill out the online application (button at top of page). Once approved, you will be added to the email list. RSVP to Serena@michianapets.org with the next orientation you can attend. All volunteers must complete orientation before volunteering at the shelter.
Please note, if you have not volunteered or attended a volunteer orientation within 6 months of submitting your application, you will be removed from the email list. Please notify Serena if you are unable to volunteer for a 6-month period but wish to stay on the list.
For questions about volunteering or the application process,
please call Serena at (219) 872-4499 ext 104, or Serena@michianapets.org.
Upcoming Orientation Dates
Thursday, October 29th at 5pm CT for Court Ordered Community Service
Interested in joining our Volunteer Enrichment Days?
Every month MHS has an Open Volunteer Enrichment Day – no age restrictions or orientation required. We will work to prepare enrichment activities for the animals in our care.
Due to the overwhelming interest in Volunteer Enrichment Days, we now ask that you RSVP in advance. Call us to be added to the list, or email Serena.
The next Volunteer Enrichment Day is Saturday, October 10th from 11:30am – 12:30pm CT. Limited space available!
Already an MHS Volunteer?
Access the Volunteer Portal via the button at the top of the page to check your schedule, add work times, or send messages to Serena.