All new volunteers must attend a one hour orientation at the shelter to hear more about the opportunities available. Each month we hold an adult orientation for people 16 years of age and older and a youth orientation for potential volunteers between the ages of 8 and 15. Youth must be accompanied by the parent or guardian who will be their volunteer partner.



.:: Volunteer Positions ::.

Volunteers put the 'Heart' in 'Heartland'. Below you will find some basic job descriptions, but the work that our volunteers do is as individual as the animals they do it for. Volunteers' ideas, suggestions and talents are always welcome. Together we will build a more compassionate community and a first-rate shelter environment.

Dog Care: Kennel cleaning, socializing, bathing, laundry, dog walking, etc. Volunteers help keep the shelter clean and give the dogs necessary exercise and mental stimulation.

Cat Care: Cage cleaning, litter pans, feeding, dishwashing, laundry, socializing, etc. Volunteers comfort cats, keep their coats looking great and their kennels sparkling clean.

Small Animal Care: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc. Our small animals need constant, calm and loving handling. Volunteers make a world of difference to this growing population of homeless creatures.

Pet Mobiler: Driving shelter animals to grooming appointments or satellite adoption centers. Our animals are on the go! Pet Mobilers provide the necessary transportation that allows the animals to look and feel their best.

Pet Outreach: Taking adoptable animals out into the community for off-site adoptions. Do you like to talk to people about animals? This is the job for you. Extensive outreach programs will help our adoption rates skyrocket.

Diamond Dog Trainer: Train shelter dogs using positive reinforcement techniques to increase their adoptability (must attend Dog Care group training and additional training provided). One of our newest volunteer programs, Diamond Dog Training, is a great way to get involved.

Fund Raising: Would like to help coordinate or host a fund raising event? As a non-profit agency, Heartland Humane Society must work daily to raise the necessary money to care for more than 2400 animals each year. Can you help in this area?

Special Events: Have a great time representing Heartland at our special events like PetWalk, Pet Portraits, Benton County Fair, Fall Festival and much more.

Foster Care: Caring for animals with special needs in your home. Foster families expand the walls of our shelter, allowing us to care for hundreds of animals that we otherwise wouldn't be able to help. For more information on this special program click here.

Front Office: Greeting the public, answering phones, data entry, filing. We never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your smiling face can make a difference to someone who has lost an animal or is looking to adopt a new companion.

Cat's Meow Thrift Shop: Help at our thrift store located at 411 S.W. 3rd Street. Volunteer power keeps our Thrift Shop open six days a week. If you like to shop, if you enjoy working with a group of dedicated people or you love to discover treasures, the Cat's Meow is the place for you. For more information click here.

Disaster Work: In case of a disaster, would you work with a rescue team, rescuing small, domestic animals? Would you be able to care for and house homeless animals?



Orientation Schedule:

Adults

Tuesday	October 5th	6:30 pm
Tuesday	November 2nd	6:30 pm
Tuesday	December 7th	6:30 pm
Tuesday	January 4th	6:30 pm

Youth

Tuesday	October 12th	6:30 pm
Tuesday	November 9th	6:30 pm
Tuesday	December 14th	6:30 pm
Tuesday	January 11th	6:30 pm

.:: Youth Volunteer Program ::.

Two youth enjoying the shelter animals.

Heartland is pleased to offer volunteer opportunities for children between the ages of 8 and 15. Youth volunteers are welcome to work in the shelter alongside a parent or guardian. The adult partner must attend the youth orientation and the small group trainings with the child. The safety of our volunteers and the animals is our first concern.

Opening the shelter to young volunteers is a great way to work towards our mission: to build a more compassionate community by teaching humane messages to our youth, caring for homeless animals and strengthening the human-animal bond.




.:: Diamond Dogs Program ::.

The vast majority of dogs surrendered to shelters have had limited training. This situation is further intensified by the stress of the shelter environment. Positive reinforcement training provides mental

A diamond dog volunteer training a dog.

stimulation for our dogs, making them more adoptable and increasing the chances that they will remain in their new homes for life. A happier stay at the shelter and a smoother transition to a new home, what could be better than that?

Diamond Dog volunteers must first attend a general orientation and a small group training focused on working with dogs. Next, Diamond Dogs volunteers must attend two, 2-hour training sessions. You will also receive a 1-hour mentoring session where you will work directly with dogs alongside an experienced Diamond Dog trainer.

The next Diamond Dog Trainings will be the 10th and the 17th of February.

.:: Download the January/February Volunteer Newsletter ::.