We Desperately Need Your Help!

We are always looking for volunteers to help us further our mission. We ask that all volunteers be at least 16 years of age. Please complete and return the volunteer application and release form. Upon review of your application, you will be invited to the next series of orientation and training classes. Classes are scheduled by the volunteer coordinator periodically throughout the year. All volunteers must attend orientation class before they can begin volunteering.

As a volunteer, we encourage you to become a member of the HSSM; a one year membership is $25. Volunteers who work 6 hours will receive a HSSM t-shirt, an identification badge, and a 10% discount on HSSM retail merchandise.

If you have any questions, please call the HSSM at 228-863-4394 ext. 116 or send an e-mail to volunteer@hssm.org. Thanks again for supporting your local shelter.

Volunteering and Children
Although we at HSSM recognize that many children are passionate about animals and though we are fully committed to the idea that children have a great deal to learn from animals, we have regretfully discontinued offering volunteer opportunities for children under the age of 16, even when working with a parent.

Safety issues affecting both our animals and our volunteers mean that we absolutely cannot make exceptions to this policy.

We do, however, offer a variety of educational programs and events for children, including a Humane Education Animal Care Apprentices program for younger teens. To read more about these programs or to register, visit our Humane Education website.

Volunteer Opportunities

Data Entry: Inputting names, addresses, and other information as needed in multiple computer databases.

Fund-raising: Serve on fund raising committees to help plan and organize various fundraisers throughout the year.

Clinic Technician Assistant: Help the staff process incoming animals and prepare them for surgery. May include preparing vaccinations, cleaning ears, grooming and cleaning. A minimum of 20 hours in Direct Animal Care is required for this position.

Direct Animal Care: Exercise dogs and puppies, clean cages, help with feeding, and basic grooming as needed.

Dog Bank Collector: Businesses around the Coast collect coins to help the shelter. We need collectors to be responsible for picking up and exchanging new banks.

Office Assistant: Answer phones, filing, assist with various office duties as needed.

Petsmart Adoptions: Adoptions at PetsMart every day of the week.

Pet-facilitated Therapy: Visit area nursing homes, adult day-care centers, women and children shelters, bringing these people unconditional love and enjoyment.

Special Events: Represent H.S.S.M. at Golf tournaments, local events and festivals, community booth selling of pet-related items. Some events include Pet Photos with Santa, Critter Classic Tournament; Vaccination Station for Rabies, Yard Sale, Doggie Derby Day, and more.

Foster Care: Care for shelter animals in your home. These animals are future adoption candidates too young or ill at time of admission. Additional training is required.