GET INVOLVED
Your Time Can Change a Life.
There are so many ways to make a difference at the Northumberland Humane Society. Whether you have a few hours to give, a special skill to share, or room in your home — your time and talents can help animals and the people who love them.
Find the opportunity that’s right for you and become part of a compassionate community making second chances possible.
Before You Apply
Volunteering with NHS is rewarding, meaningful and an important commitment. Before you apply, take a moment to review what’s involved and what we ask of our volunteers so you can decide whether the opportunity feels right for you.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years or older to volunteer at the shelter. Students aged 16 and up are welcome to volunteer at the thrift store.
Screening
Some volunteer positions may require a police record check or additional screening depending on the role.
Commitment
Animals thrive on consistency. Some volunteer roles require a regular commitment of at least one hour per week to ensure we can provide dependable care and support.
Orientation & Training
Volunteers receive orientation and any role-specific training required before getting started.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
We accept ongoing applications for the following roles:
- Fosters: Open your home temporarily to an animal who needs individualized care, time and attention. Foster families are essential to NHS, especially during busy periods such as kitten season, and help us care for more animals when they need us most.
- Thrift Store Volunteers: Help keep our Thrift Store welcoming and running smoothly by sorting and organizing donations, preparing items for sale, creating displays and assisting shoppers.
- Event Volunteers: Be part of NHS in the community by helping with fundraising events, community activities and outreach throughout the year.
Find Your Volunteer Fit
There’s more than one way to make a difference. Explore the opportunities available and find a role that matches your interests, abilities and availability.
Shelter & Animal Care
Help support the daily care, comfort and well-being of animals staying at NHS.
Dog Support
Help our dogs stay active, engaged and happy through walking, enrichment and approved care activities.
Cat Support
Provide companionship, socialization and enrichment to help cats feel safe and comfortable while they wait for their new homes through approved cat-care activities.
Foster
During busy times — especially kitten season — we depend on foster homes to provide vulnerable animals with the individualized care, time and attention they may not be able to receive in a busy shelter environment.
Thrift Store
Support NHS through customer service, sorting, merchandising and other activities at our Thrift Store.
Events & Fundraising
Help bring our community together through NHS events, fundraising activities and our Built on Second Chances Capital Campaign.
Admin & Skilled Help
Share your professional skills or talents. From office support and photography to design, trades and specialized expertise, there are many ways your skills can make a difference.
Other Ways to Help
Foster families are essential to the work of NHS. During busy times — especially kitten season — we depend on foster homes to provide vulnerable animals with the individualized care, time and attention they may not be able to receive in a busy shelter environment. For some, that can mean round-the-clock care and feeding; for others, it may simply mean a quiet place to grow, heal or gain confidence.
By opening your home, you give an animal what they need at a critical time — while helping NHS care for even more animals who need us.
FOSTER
Open Your Home. Change a Life.
Give an animal the comfort of home when they need it most — and become an essential part of their journey to a second chance.
What Happens Next
Once you submit your volunteer application, our team will review your information and be in touch about next steps. Depending on the role, this may include a conversation with our team, orientation or training before you get started.
We appreciate your interest in giving your time to NHS and look forward to learning more about you.
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Apply
Complete the NHS volunteer application and tell us a little about yourself, your interests and your availability.
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Review & Orientation
Our team will review your application and contact you if there is a current opportunity that may be a good fit.
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Training & Placement
Complete any required orientation or role-specific training and get ready to make a difference!
After submission: A member of the NHS team will review your information and be in contact to discuss appropriate volunteer opportunities as they become available. Thank you for supporting the Northumberland Humane Society.
Events
Join Us!
Come together for animals.
Join us at NHS and community events that raise awareness, build connections and help support animals in our care.
Host an event
Turn your idea into impact.
Planning a fundraiser at your workplace, school, business or in your community? Your event can help raise funds and awareness for animals who need us.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Let's make a difference together.
Businesses, service clubs, community organizations and other local partners play an important role in helping NHS care for animals and support the people who love them.
STORIES / IMPACT
See What Your Support Makes Possible
Every hour volunteered, every foster home opened and every act of generosity makes a difference.
Behind that impact are animals given another chance, families supported when they need it most, and a community that continues to show how deeply it cares.
Ready to find your place?
Whether you're walking a dog, comforting a cat, opening your home to a foster animal, helping at an event or sharing your professional expertise, you can make a meaningful difference.
There's a place for you at NHS!