The HSCC is always looking for new members and volunteers. The numbers of abandoned and abused animals in our community is constantly growing, and there are always animals in need of our help. That's where you come in!
There are many ways in which you can help - at the shelter or from your own home or office. HSCC volunteers (as well as our shelter animals) are always grateful to see dedicated new volunteers. Please contact us for more information if you are interested. (HSCC volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.)
These are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities available at the HSCC:
On-Site Volunteer Opportunities
Walkin' The Dogs!
These volunteers walk the dogs at theHSCC shelter and also pet and play with special needs dogs and puppies. Dogs should be walked at least 15 minutes each time out and we request that you be prepared to walk dogs for at least one hour on your scheduled day. This job requires some strength and balance and new volunteers will receive initial instruction from an experiencedHSCCmember. Dog walkers work in groups, with a supervisor, and are usually at the shelter on the following days/times - Saturdays & Sundays 10am to 12noon, Wednesdays 5-7pm, & Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm. Generally, we do not walk if it is raining or when Sunday falls on a holiday, such as Easter. Other than that, put on your walkin' shoes and come on out! To be placed on a reminder/cancellation email listing for dog walking please contact us at info@humanecherokeecounty.org .
Cat Crew These volunteers oversee care of the shelter cats. They clean the cat room which includes sifting and replacing litter in kitty litter boxes; sweeping the floor; providing fresh food and water. They consult with one another to maintain an accurate accounting of all cats in the shelter, their medical and emotional needs; distribute medications; and transport cats to the veterinarian as needed. They also socialize the cats to help them become more comfortable with people and give them a better chance of being adopted. This job requires some training, basic cleaning skills and a valid driver’s license and current liability insurance if transporting cats.
Re-Sale Shop The Re-Sale Shop is located at 17736 South Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, OK (across the highway from the Cherokee Nation Complex). It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:30 PN until 4:30 PM (phone 918.458.1147). The community donates items such as furniture, dishes, books, household, decorative and seasonal items and more. Volunteers are needed to work in the afternoons assisting customers, to help sort and clean items brought in for sale, and to help move and arrange items in the storage building on occasion.
Maintenance Worker These volunteers perform basic or skilled maintenance around the shelter including but not limited to: hanging things on the wall; cabinet placement & repair; cage repair; plumbing; welding; carpentry; electrical; washer/dryer repair; heating/air maintenance and repair, hauling off trash. These jobs require knowledge of the skill offered by the volunteer.
Off-Site Volunteer Opportunities Special Events These volunteers are available to organize or assist as needed in HSCC events e.g. parades, float making, adopt-a-thons, dinners, dances, auctions, contests. This job requires some knowledge of the HSCC, and good organizational skills. Spay/Neuter Helper These volunteers assist in the Spay and Neuter Clinic in any of the following ways: greeting the clients; processing vouchers and fees; assisting the veterinarian during the procedures; comforting and caring for the animals after the procedure; providing home care instructions to clients. This clinic is held at various veterinary hospitals on a monthly basis. This job requires minimal training by an experienced HSCC member.
Adoption Transport These volunteers help transport dogs for adoption out of state, such as MN and IL. This job requires driving at night for approximately 10 hours (switching off with relief driver) and a valid driver’s license. The trip is made in a 15 passenger van. Driver's provide money for their own meals.
Adoptathon Worker These volunteers assist in area adoptathons. Assistance is needed to bathe dogs prior to the events, transport them to and from the event, and to stay with the animals and show them during the event. This job requires some training, and a valid driver’s license and current liability insurance if transporting dogs.
In-Home or Office Volunteer Opportunities Clerical These volunteers perform basic clerical/secretarial functions as needed by the HSCC. Depending on the volunteer’s skills these tasks include but are not limited to: retrieving phone messages from the shelter recorder on a daily basis, returning and distributing the calls to other members as required; maintaining an up-to-date membership roster and distributing it quarterly to members; sending renewal notices to members; maintaining a data base of adopted animals following a specified format, updated monthly; completing a form for each animal adopted during the month; preparing and distributing a newsletter on a quarterly basis. Foster Care These volunteers take an HSCC animal into their home (or yard) providing food, shelter and love to that animal on a temporary basis. Veterinary expenses are borne by the HSCC. This job requires patience and a desire to help emotionally or physically injured animals and a fenced yard.