Helping out at the Edmonton Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is deemed to be a prize volunteering opportunity by many animal lovers.
As a consequence, there are no openings now for anyone wishing to cuddle the kittens or walk the dogs.
“Applications for most volunteering positions are closed for now and there is a waiting list. We may have some openings in the fall so people need to keep checking our website (www.edmontonhumanesociety.com),” says Shawna Randolph, communications spokesperson for the society.
The only volunteer opportunities are for those with veterinary training or for those who are willing and capable of taking animals with special needs into their homes.
Those folks with veterinary training may help with surgical procedures such as spaying or neutering or mending injuries. Other responsibilities could be to assist with checking the health of all animals, whether they are being admitted, staying for a time, or are being adopted.
“The greatest need always at the Humane Society is for those special people who can open their hearts and their homes to animals in need,” says Randolph.
Entire litters of kittens and puppies might be included in the “animals in need” category, but so too would dogs with behaviour problems and some injured animals.
“Let's say we get a mother cat and a litter of kittens. Though we are very diligent about keeping those kittens away from the other animals in the shelter, and away from illnesses, the kittens need socialization and this is not the environment for them,” Randolph says.
The volunteer might keep the cat family in their own home for several weeks, but the commitment might be longer for anyone caring for a dog with a splinted leg, that requires bed rest.
Dogs with behaviour problems could need a foster family that is willing to spend time teaching the animal.
Most of these volunteers would have some experience handling animals, but they will also be trained in foster-orientation classes Randolph says and eventually, if all goes well, a new home will be found for the pets.
“I really respect the people who foster animals because it can be emotionally draining and the length of time, depends on the animal. Sometimes animals pass away in foster care, and that can be very hard on the volunteer,” Randolph says, adding that the time commitment for these special situations depends upon the animal's needs.
“It depends upon the animal. Some volunteers would be able to leave and go to work, but some would be required to be home all the time,” she says.
Anyone wishing to volunteer for these special needs is asked to go on the Humane Society website to register.
