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Thinking about Volunteering?
We’re excited to welcome new volunteers to the Humane Society of Delaware County! Our new volunteer orientation program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and training you need to feel confident and prepared when volunteering at the shelter.
Volunteer Orientation Includes:
- In-Person Informational Session
Approximately 2 hours | HSDC Shelter
Begin your volunteer experience with an in-person orientation at our shelter. This session will introduce you to HSDC, our shelter operations, volunteer expectations, safety procedures, and more. - Fear Free Training
Approximately 5 hours | Online, at your own pace
Complete our required Fear Free training online on your own time. This training will help you better understand animal behavior and learn techniques for creating a safe, low-stress environment for the animals in our care. - In-Shelter Animal-Specific Training
Approximately 1 hour | HSDC Shelter
After completing the informational session and Fear Free training, you’ll participate in an in-shelter training session focused on the specific animals and volunteer activities you’ll be working with.
Orientation Fee
There is a $25 volunteer orientation fee to help cover the cost of training and materials.
Important Information
In an effort to be honest and transparent with our volunteers, the training will include some sensitive topics. Medical conditions such as euthanasia, pet sterilization (which can include terminating a pregnancy), and animal abuse/neglect will be discussed.
Our trainers do their best to handle these topics in a sensitive and factual manner while ensuring all questions are answered and our procedures are clearly communicated.
We understand that these can be difficult topics with moral, religious, and ethical considerations. As a parent or guardian, you may wish to have a conversation with your minor prior to their first night of training. Alternatively, you may not feel comfortable having your minor attend this training, and we understand and respect your decision.