Volunteering at the Humane Society of Midland County

Compassionate volunteers are essential to helping the Humane Society of Midland County thrive. By contributing your time, whether it’s one hour a week or more, you help us continue our mission of caring for animals in need. We have many opportunities both inside the shelter and out in the community. If you have other skills you’d like to share—such as building maintenance, marketing experience, or creative fundraising ideas—we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist in many ways, including:Developing and organizing fundraising eventsEducating others through public speakingPerforming administrative tasksCreating promotional materials such as flyersDriving transport vehiclesCreating crafts to raise money at fundraisersWriting and researching grantsWalking dogs and socializing catsRunning booths at events, including parades and expos

How to Become a Volunteer

The first step to becoming a volunteer is to complete our online volunteer application.After submitting your application, you will be contacted by email to schedule your Volunteer Orientation.Each individual volunteering must complete their own application, regardless of age.Those volunteering as part of a group of 3 or more who do not plan to volunteer regularly should email us as instructed below.

Click here to start the volunteer signup process.

Group Volunteering

If you have a group interested in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@hsomc.org.Group members must be 18 years or older. Groups must be 12 people or fewer due to limited shelter space. Groups may assist with day-to-day tasks or special projects as needs arise.

Court-Ordered Community Service

We accept court-ordered community service volunteers on a case-by-case basis. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

Dog Walking Color & Shape System

To help volunteers quickly identify which dogs they are able to walk, our kennel uses a color and shape identification system on the dog walking board.Shapes are included so that volunteers who have difficulty distinguishing colors can still easily recognize each category.Please always check the dog’s color and shape before removing a dog from their kennel.

🟢 Green Dogs — Circle

Green Dogs are identified by a green marker and circle shape.These dogs are appropriate for new volunteers and youth volunteers. They are generally easier to handle and do well with a variety of handlers.Green Dogs may still display normal dog behaviors such as pulling on the leash, jumping with excitement, or being energetic, but they typically do not present major handling challenges.New volunteers should begin with Green Dogs until they feel comfortable with kennel procedures and leash handling.

🟡 Yellow Dogs — Triangle

Yellow Dogs are identified by a yellow marker and triangle shape.These dogs require extra awareness and attention while being walked and may have specific behavioral or handling considerations.Examples may include:Pulling harder on the leashReactivity toward other dogsDifficulty returning to their kennelShy or nervous personalitiesVolunteers may walk Yellow Dogs after becoming comfortable handling Green Dogs and following any instructions posted on the kennel card or walking board.

🔴 Red Dogs — Hexagon

Red Dogs are identified by a red marker and hexagon shape.These dogs are staff-only walks unless special permission is granted.Dogs may be designated Red for several reasons, including:Bite quarantine or legal holdCourt case or investigation holdBehavioral concerns requiring experienced handlersStrength or handling needs beyond volunteer safety limitsVolunteers may not walk Red Dogs unless they are a seasoned volunteer who has received approval from a staff member for that specific dog.This system helps keep both people and dogs safe, while ensuring every dog receives the appropriate level of care.

Volunteer Age Requirements

Volunteer age groups determine what activities and dog handling levels are appropriate.

Ages 10–13

Volunteers must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
They may assist with housekeeping tasks or cat care but may not be in control of a dog.

Ages 14–15

Volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
They may participate in most volunteer activities, including holding the leash of a Green-level dog.

Ages 16–17

Volunteers may be on the premises with or without a parent or guardian present.
They may participate in most activities but are limited to walking Green-level dogs.

Ages 18+

Volunteers ages 18 and older may independently participate in all volunteer activities and may walk Green and Yellow dogs.Volunteer restrictions may be adjusted at any time by HSoMC staff or the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the safety of volunteers, staff, and animals. For questions about volunteering, please contact volunteer@hsomc.org.

Volunteer Precautions & Notes

Active volunteers may volunteer whenever staff are present at the shelter. Volunteers may come as often as they would like.If a volunteer becomes inactive for a period of time, their account may be archived. To return, they must contact the Volunteer Coordinator and may be asked to complete orientation again.

Attire: Appropriate attire is required when volunteering:Weather-appropriate clothing (jackets, coats, gloves, etc. when necessary)Closed-toe shoes at all timesClothing with inappropriate imagery or text is prohibited

Safety & Hazards: Volunteers may encounter animals that bark, jump, scratch accidentally, run into people, or otherwise behave unpredictably.Volunteers may also be exposed to cleaning products such as bleach, vinegar, disinfectants, and other cleaning agents. Those with sensitivities should consider participating in other volunteer tasks.After volunteering, clothing should be changed and shoes sanitized to prevent potential illnesses from being transferred to pets at home.Volunteers are expected to follow all HSoMC guidelines and safety procedures. Failure to follow shelter rules may result in dismissal for the safety of volunteers, staff, and animals.