• Are you committed to improving animal welfare?
• Do you want to make a difference?
• Are you hard working?

Then the Baltimore Humane Society is looking for you!  Volunteering at the Baltimore Humane Society (BHS) is for those who love animals and are committed to improving their lives; people who wish to experience hands-on work with animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry; and anyone looking for a worthwhile way to spend their time. All ages are encouraged to apply, but applicants must be over 18 years of age to handle the dogs.  Volunteers are asked to commit to at least eight hours of volunteer service per month, and any volunteers who wish to work with the animals will be required to complete animal handling training.

Our Volunteer Opportunities are listed below, and below that, you will find our online volunteer application.  Please complete the form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.  Please be aware that it may take a week or so to process your application.  However, if you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our Volunteer Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WALK OUR DOGS - We have acres of beautiful farmland and rolling hills to walk or run with our awesome dogs!  You will have the opportunity be an active participant in the Open Paw program, which is an enrichment and training program geared toward improving the animals' quality of life and their adoptability.  We have a sand pit and a swimming pool for our pooches too, and they'd love you to take them there!  The position can involve the cleaning of the animals' kennels which will involve hands on work hosing, sweeping and scooping up of poop! Hygiene control is very important, as is ensuring that the dogs remain stocked up with food, water, bedding and toys. Assistance may also be required in duties such as ensuring the Shelter environment is presentable, helping with laundry duties and general tidying up.  Puppy and adult dog fostering is also an option.

CARE FOR OUR CATS & SMALL ANIMALS - In addition to playing with and socializing with either our adorable cats or small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, etc.), the position can involve the cleaning of the animals' kennels which involves hands on work and scooping up of poop! You will have the opportunity be an active participant in the Open Paw program, which is an enrichment and training program geared toward improving the animals' quality of life and their adoptability.  Hygiene control is very important, as is ensuring that the cats remain stocked up with food, water, bedding and toys. Assistance may also be required in duties such as ensuring the Shelter environment is presentable, helping with laundry duties and general tidying up.  Kitten and adult cat fostering is also an option.

HELP OUR VET - Assist in our Medical Center, which provides low cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, dental work, diagnostic services, microchips, and general health checks.    Any experience in an animal or human medical center is preferred, but not required.  Administrative help is needed which does not require any medical center experience.

REPRESENT BHS AT EVENTS - BHS attends several festivals, fairs, block parties and school events throughout the year, as well as at least one adoption event per weekend.  Volunteers are needed to be friendly and informative representatives of BHS, to tell our story, assist with adoption applications, and answer questions as needed.  The position will require politely asking for donations.  The position may include picking up needed items from BHS before events, set up/breakdown of booth/table, and returning items to the office after the event.  When animals are required at the event, the volunteer bringing the animal must have completed handling training for that particular type of animal and must be approved by Behaviorist, Shelter Director, and Executive Director before being allowed to take an animal off-site.

ASSIST IN OUR OFFICES - The Shelter, Marketing, Development, and Cemetery Offices always need help with filing, correspondence, data entry, making copies, and other administrative tasks.  Must be detail-oriented.  Computer proficiency is a big plus.

HELP WITH MAINTENANCE & GROUNDSKEEPING - Assist our Facilities Manager or Cemetery Director with odd jobs and/or groundskeeping.  Must be physically able to safely complete these tasks.

The Baltimore Humane Society wouldn't be what it is today without the help of our dedicated volunteers!  Their assistance is invaluable in our day-to-day operations.  We offer our volunteers four enrichment events a year...two educational in-service days, and two social events...as a small token of our appreciation.