Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Help us care for our shelter animals in Nashville, while they wait for their new homes.

At the Brown County Humane Society, we pride ourselves on how well we care for our animals, and our shelter. Every morning, our staff and volunteers care for our dogs and cats by cleaning their living space, supplying new blankets and toys, and giving them food, water and treats. We make sure that the environment our animals are in is as clean, comfortable, and safe as possible. Position also involves helping staff with daily tasks like dishes, laundry and general shelter cleaning. Along the way, there are plenty of cuddles, pets, and laughs. It's a great way to spend time with the animals and get to know other volunteers, and it's an essential part of our successful adoptions.

Volunteers will need their own transportation to the shelter in Nashville, which is about 25 minutes from the east side of Bloomington.

You must be able to bend, reach, kneel and lift. Training is provided.

Requires one shift per week on a regular schedule. Shifts are from 9am to 11am/Noon depending on animal population.  NEW OPTION: If you cannot commit to a set day of the week, we are now accepting volunteers to help on a sign-up basis. We ask that you commit to one day at least every other week, but it will not be a set schedule.

Applicants should fill out the BCHS volunteer application online at: http://www.bchumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/

Some dogs and cats need a little extra love and personal attention, and that’s where our incredible volunteers step in! Whether it’s offering a comforting presence to a shy animal by sitting quietly by their side or engaging an energetic pup in a fun-filled play session, every moment spent with them makes a difference. Our animal socialization volunteers provide one-on-one attention for those in need of a little extra time. This program ensures that these special pets get the companionship, confidence, and care they need, helping them feel safe, happy, and ready for their forever homes!

Socialization volunteers can choose to spend time with both dogs and cats, or they can choose to focus on one or the other. These volunteers will also sometimes help to prep enrichment items for the animals to enjoy at a later time. 

Volunteers sign up for days based on their availability (no weekly commitment required). A Google calendar is used for sign-ups. Volunteers perform their duties between 9am and 5pm and spend as long as they like interacting with selected pets. Age 18 or older.

This committee is responsible for helping to promote Brown County Humane Society to the community. Members play a crucial role in getting the word out via our website, social media, print and television. We are looking to grow our reach in 2025 to extend throughout the region and beyond, and we need more members to help make this happen.

This committee meets monthly with the remainder of your commitment being completed virtually. Meeting attendance is not mandatory if you are interested in helping, simply let us know and we can see what area of the committee would be the best fit. 

If you enjoy writing, keeping up on the latest social media trends or just sharing your passion for animals with the world - this is the group for you.

Walk for Their Life

The Brown County Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help us walk our wonderful dogs at the shelter in Nashville. Enjoy the outdoors with a canine companion on our 6-acre property, complete with barn, fenced in play area, and babbling brook. You might walk alone and help a shy dog gain confidence, or you could join a play group and teach the dogs to socialize properly. You'll also meet other volunteers and animal-lovers and get to know more about our wonderful shelter and programs.

Volunteers are required to commit to 3 hours minimum on the same day every week, for at least 3 months or more. Dog walking hours are between Noon and 5pm. NEW OPTION: If you cannot commit to a set day of the week, we are now accepting volunteers to walk on a sign-up basis. We ask that you commit to one day at least every other week for at least 3 months but will not require a set day of the week.

Volunteers will need to have transportation to get to the shelter, which is about 20 minutes from the east side of Bloomington.

Volunteers must feel comfortable and physically capable of handling most dogs (breeds and sizes). The average weight of dogs at our shelter is generally 70 pounds.

Applicants should fill out our volunteer application online at: http://www.bchumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/

This position is the face of BCHS. You will greet customers as they enter the shelter, direct them to the appropriate areas, answer the phones and assist staff in daily tasks to promote animal adoption. Other tasks include prepping of animal enrichment items, assisting with cleaning tasks around the shelter and socializing with animals as time allows.

Volunteers will need to have transportation to get to the shelter, which is about 20 minutes from the east side of Bloomington.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a set day of the week for a shift of 3-5 hours each time. Days available are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and the shelter is open Noon to 5pm these days. 

Applicants should fill out our volunteer application online at: http://www.bchumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/

The Brown County Humane Society needs volunteers to provide temporary care for animals in need.

BCHS places cats and dogs in foster homes when they need a little extra care: a few days to recover from surgery; a few weeks to grow up; some time to receive medical treatment; a place to rest away from the noise and activity at the shelter.

For some animals, time away from the shelter is what gives them the best chance. Because our foster animals need a little extra care, we work carefully with our volunteers to find the right fit for their home and schedule, and they receive plenty of support. Our foster volunteers are a crucial part of our highly successful adoption program.

Interested volunteers should fill out an application at

https://www.bchumane.org/fostering/

Are you looking for a unique leadership position that will be a fulfilling and inspiring experience? Are you committed to the welfare of animals? If you answered YES! to those two questions, we would love to talk to you!

The Brown County Humane Society (BCHS) in Nashville, Indiana is seeking enthusiastic and compassionate people with business, leadership, project management or animal welfare experience to join our Board of Directors. Board members are responsible for developing policies and programs to ensure the organization fully realizes its potential for good. Our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for BCHS to advance its mission.

If you are interested in learning more, email sawerling@gmail.com or jane@bchumane.org or complete a volunteer application indicating your interest in a board position at https://www.bchumane.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/.

BCHS is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting animal welfare. We provide temporary shelter to pets in need and promote adoption into permanent, loving homes. We support and promote spaying and neutering to eliminate pet overpopulation. We advocate compassionate care and respect for animals through public education.