Volunteers who have been a great help to us lately are are Chris and Kala Brown, Liz and Bekah Winters, Shelley and Brad Hamilton, Tessa Vaughan, Greg Hale and Lisa Cooper’s sister Kelly. Thank you so much for giving animals a second chance and for all you do for them. You are all very special to us! If you would like more information about fostering contact Melissa.
Volunteering Opportunities
What can I do?
Pet Fostering
Fostering an animal is a way volunteers can provide a temporary home and care for an animal(s) that need special attention, Animals that benefit the most
from foster care are: kitten/puppy litters that need weaning, an animal that may need additional socialization, or an animal that may need some time away from the shelter to attend more closely to their general health and well-being. Depending on the circumstances, animals are generally in foster care between 2-8 weeks.
Those interested in becoming a foster parent, will need to fill out a volunteer application as well as our animal fostering contract/application.
Kennel Krew
Volunteers interested in really getting down in the 'trenches" might be interested in our Kennel Krew program. 'Krew' members
help with cleaning, feeding, watering, exercising, bathing, and socialization of the animals at the shelter. In the morning, the kennel staff are busy cleaning kennels and cages. If you are interested in helping in the mornings with these tasks, it is greatly appreciated.
Please keep in mind that the shelter is also a volunteer resource site for Community Service Workers and the Trustee's Office, so at times we are at capacity in regard to kennel helpers and not able to accept additional volunteers in this area.
"At a Distance"
If you are interested in helping the shelter, but would rather do so 'at a distance', there are a variety of ways you can help. Holding donation drives at your place of work, church, or school are wonderful ways
people can help out the animals. Other suggestions might be to design and sew soft cushy "comforters" for the cat and kitten cages. Another idea which several groups have done in the past, is to put together "goodie" bags to give to new adopters. Goodie bags might include treats, safe pet toys,
grooming supplies, leashes, pet care books, etc. Pet Store employees can also help make suggestions and appropriate 'ingredients' for the goodie bag. Volunteering from a distance allows you to be creative and imaginative and a fun way to help out.
Volunteering
At the Kokomo Humane Society
If you would like to volunteer, there are many "jobs" you can do! Download the complete list here. Find one you like? You can download the volunteer application here. Be sure to contact our volunteer coordinator Melissa if you need more information. We would love to have you!
There is something for everyone who wants to help at the Kokomo Humane Society. We encourage animal lovers to volunteer their time. Volunteering is a two-way street; you give of yourself and you will find that you gain much in return (to start with…furry cuddles and wagging tails).
As a volunteer, you will attend an orientation to become acquainted with our facility and our procedures. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance and tetanus vaccination (needed every ten years). Some of the volunteer opportunities also require additional training.
Basic Requirements:
-You must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer solo, or 10 with a parent or guardian.
-Provide proof of health insurance
-Have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination
Donate online directly to the Kokomo Humane Society! Your donations are always appreciated.
Need more donation ideas? Check out our wish list!
A Foster Care Story
This summer was VERY tough on us. We were overwhelmed with kittens, puppies and pregnant Mothers at the shelter. Fortunately, we have had several brave and loving souls who have opened their homes to mommas and their furry babies. Karen, Zoe and Maddie Wolfe fostered Mia, a bony, pregnant pit bull mix back in June. A few days later Mia gave birth to ELEVEN puppies. The Wolfe family was astonished-they had never experienced this before and didn’t know what to expect. As is common, one of the little puppies did not survive. However, Mia and her ten puppies thrived in the loving environment at the Wolfe home. Eight weeks later, Karen and Zoe brought in ten rolly, polly puppies. Most of Mia's were adopted. Karen says that the fostering experience was a little challenging at times but was a very positive experience for their whole family. While Mia and her puppies were with them, they all learned a lot about dogs and their behavior. And they had loads of fun! It is definitely something she wants to do again…after a while!
