get involved at wahs
The Winona Area Humane Society is proud of our tremendous volunteer group. If it were not for these wonderful individuals, WAHS would not be able to help as many animals as we do. Click here to fill out a volunteer application!
Although volunteering for WAHS can be a fun and rewarding experience, it can also be a lot of work. Keep scrolling to learn more about volunteer opportunities at WAHS!
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a student, have previously volunteered, and would like to return this year, we welcome you! Email us indicating your interest and your keycard will be reactivated after you complete an updated training.
Unfortunately due to scheduling complications, at this time we are not able to accept new school volunteers who are looking to complete an hours requirement.
Dog walking
We are always looking for dedicated, reliable, dog-loving people. Most of our dog walking and socializing is done by volunteers. Their most important task is spending quality time with each dog!
Because the dogs are on a specific routine, four shifts per day are available to volunteer: 7-8AM, 10-11AM, 3-4PM, and 6-7PM. Dog care volunteers must be over the age of 18 and are required to complete 4 shifts per month to remain in the program. Depending on the number of dogs being housed, a volunteer shift can take 1-2 hours. We encourage trained pairs to come in together and complete the shift.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a student, have previously completed volunteer training, and would like to return this year, we welcome you! Email us indicating your interest and your keycard will be reactivated.
Unfortunately due to scheduling complications, at this time we are not able to accept new volunteers who are looking to complete an hours requirement.
Cat Socializing
While cats are waiting to be adopted, they can get lonely! This is where cat socializers come in. These volunteers help WAHS cats become more adoptable by providing them with additional human interaction. The duties of cat socializers can include:
Brushing cats
Encouraging cat play
Reading to cats
Working with specific cats who are shy, in an effort to increase their adoption chances
Cat socializers must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by a guardian, and are required to complete 4 shifts per month to remain in the program.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a student, have previously completed volunteer training, and would like to return this year, we welcome you! Email us indicating your interest and your keycard will be reactivated.
Unfortunately due to scheduling complications, at this time we are not able to accept new volunteers who are looking to complete an hours requirement.
Fostering
Sometimes, animals under WAHS care aren’t suited for the shelter environment. This is especially true for pregnant cats or dogs, extremely shy animals, and those with medical conditions that require close monitoring. Age is a factor in foster care assignment as well; young kittens and puppies are healthiest when growing up outside of the shelter, while a quiet home environment may also be more suitable for senior animals.
Foster homes are an essential part of keeping every WAHS animal healthy & happy. We’re always looking for caring, dedicated individuals to join the WAHS foster network!