There are many volunteer opportunities at the KVHS. Can you picture yourself walking the dogs? Helping with the fundraisers or special events?  Maybe grooming and bathing is your cup of tea?

For those of you who may not want to interact directly with our animals we can also use assistance behind the reception desk, on our committees, assisting with fundraising and special events, mailings, or simply helping with laundry, and dishes.

The opportunities to volunteer at the KVHS are too numerous to mention.

Why not attend a Volunteer Orientation and learn about all of the volunteer opportunities the KVHS has to offer?  For more information about volunteering, contact Amanda at 626-3491 ext. 107.

 

Volunteer Spotlight



Karen volunteering at last years KVHS Mutt Strut.

“I’m an avid animal lover,” said Kennebec Valley Humane Society (KVHS) volunteer Karen Newsom. Karen, who has one cat (a KVHS shelter graduate), began volunteering with KVHS back in June 2010 despite some hesitation. “It took me 2 years after adopting my cat to finally get the 'courage' to be a volunteer. I was terrified that it would be overwhelming emotionally,” Karen explained. However, it turned out to be just the opposite for her. “It's a complete relief from the rest of life's stresses and for me it's like being in a candy store of animals. The animals are so loving and so appreciative of your time with them,” she said. 

Karen, who has lived all over the country began working with animals when she was hired as a decent for the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. There she specialized in primates. Soon after, Karen moved to Cape Cod and opened a grooming business before moving to Maine.

Karen's cat, "Jack."

At KVHS, her primary job is helping at different fundraising and out reach events, but she also socializes with cats, walks dogs and helps KVHS staff with cleaning cat cages and laundry. In addition, you find Karen introducing KVHS cats staying at Pet Smart in Augusta to possible adopters on most Saturday afternoons, a job specifically made for Karen. 

“Volunteering at KVHS completely relaxes me and fills my soul,” she said, adding, “I am so incredibly impressed with the people who work for KVHS. They give so much of themselves day after day after day. I always go home feeling happier than when I got there.”

Karen said that she will continue to volunteer at KVHS as long as she lives in the area and can physically do it. “Should I move out of area I would start volunteering at a shelter wherever I live,” she said.

Karen advises anyone who is thinking about volunteering to, “Do it,” adding, “Don't worry about whether you have any special skills they might need, just follow something you love and it will just work out!  I tried several volunteer situations through the years, but never felt like they were a fit until I found something with animals - my life passion.”