Get Invloved

There are several ways to get involved and make a difference in the life of shelter animals. The Humane Society of Otter Tail County would not be what it is today with out the support and generosity of our volunteers, foster families and members.

• Volunteer
• Foster
• Become a Member

Volunteer

Volunteers are crucial to keeping the shelter up and running.  As a small non-profit organization, we rely on our dedicated volunteers to help us stay connected in the community and to keep our pets well exercised and loved.  If you have an hour to spare we guarantee that it will be well spent and appreciated at the shelter.

We are currently searching for committed volunteers to train in the following positions:

• Foster Home Coordinator: Oversee foster families, contact them routinely, etc.
• Feline Rescue Coordinator: Coordinate with rescue organizations to help get cats and kittens out of the shelter and give them a better chance of adoption elsewhere in the region.
• Volunteer Coordinator: Train Volunteers, fill positions needed to help shelter staff.
• Dog Kennel Help: 2-5 days a week, primarily mornings.
• Cat Kennel Help: 2-5 days a week, primarily mornings.
• Groundskeeper: Lawncare, anything to do with outside of the facility.
• Adoption Counselor: Help staff with adoptions and interact with customers. Must be available one Saturday a month and some weekdays.
• Office Help: Input information into computer, assemble packets, filing, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering, we welcome you to sign up to attend our volunteer orientation. At orientation you will be shown some of the various tasks volunteers are needed to perform and learn how to keep yourself and the animals safe while at the shelter.

Orientation dates:

Saturday, January 17th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 18th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 24th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 14th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 19th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 23rd from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.

Saturday, July 21st from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 25th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 22nd from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, October 20th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 17th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M. Saturday, December 15th from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.

Call the shelter to sign up! (218) 739-3494.

Click here to download the Volunteer Handbook. You will be provided with a handbook at orientation and are advised to read through it. The handbook contains lots of helpful information for volunteers to know.

 

Foster

We've all heard of foster homes for children, but for animals? It's basically the same thing. Shelter animals live in a small cage, only getting out for a short time everyday. They are bored, restless and desperately want to be somewhere else. The shelter staff love these animals dearly and will do whatever they are able to help and protect them. Unfortunately, being such a small shelter, we do not have the time to spend with them the way that we would like. That is why often, the best place for our animals would be in a home such as your own, until they are adopted. It's a great way for those who want to have an animal in their life, but cannot make the long term commitment to have an animal, love them, and rehabilitate them if necessary. You provide the time, patience and love while they await adoption.  This benefits the animal you take home and frees up space for another animal in our facility. 

If you are interested in fostering, we welcome you to sign up to attend our foster care orientation. At orientation you will recieve more information about fostering an animal and have the opporunity to meet our pets awaiting adoption.

Orientation dates:

Saturday, January 17th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, February 18th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 24th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, April 14th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, May 19th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, June 23rd from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M.

Saturday, July 21st from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, August 25th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, September 22nd from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, October 20th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, November 17th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M. Saturday, December 15th from 1:00 - 1:30 P.M.

Call the shelter to sign up! (218) 739-3494.

If you are ready to foster, click here to download our Foster Care Application.

Click here to download the Foster Care Handbook. You will be provided with a handbook at orientation and are advised to read through it. The handbook contains lots of helpful information for foster families to know, especially if you will be caring for orphaned puppies or kittens.

 

Become a Member

As a member of the Humane Society of Otter Tail County, you will be able to help homeless pets find forever homes! You will also receive our seasonal newsletter and $25.00 off the adoption of any animal from our shelter. Click here to download our membership form.