Volunteer Program
Please note: the Bangor Humane Society receives hundreds of applications a year and is unable to enroll everyone. We choose candidates based on needs of shelter and schedule orientations accordingly. We appreciate your understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Volunteering at the Bangor Humane Society is fun and incredibly rewarding. Thank you for thinking about joining our volunteer team!
Please be aware that we do require at least a six month time commitment so that we can make the most of your time and the on-the-job training we will give you. Anyone under sixteen years of age who would like to volunteer must be accompanied by an adult during all volunteer hours.
There are a wide range of volunteer positions ranging from direct care for the animals to helping with office work and fundraising. All volunteers should expect to work with members of the public and potential adopters as well as the animals. We work carefully to match your skills and interests with the jobs that need to be done every day.
First, fill out our volunteer application, which is sent electronically directly to the attention of the Volunteer Coordinator. If you require a paper copy of the application, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator or complete one on-site at the shelter.
Because all communication is done primarily through email, you must have a valid email address. After your application has been received and reviewed, you will be contacted should a position be available. If accepted into the program you will be required to attend an orientation and complete an interview with the volunteer coordinator prior to being placed in a volunteer position. Please understand that we may not have a volunteer position for every applicant.
If you need community service hours, please contact Stacey Coventry at (207) 942-8902.
Bangor Humane Society Volunteer Program Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old do volunteers need to be?
A: Our volunteers must be 16 years old or older to volunteer without an adult. Individuals between the ages of 10 and 15 years may volunteer but only with an adult at least 21 years old.
Q: What is the process for becoming a volunteer for the Bangor Humane Society?
A: The first step is to fill out our application found at http://bit.ly/bhsvolapp or pick one up from our facility during our business hours. Once you have submitted an application we will contact you to schedule an orientation if your schedule and interests match our needs. All new volunteers must attend an orientation as well as 3-5 training sessions (depending on the position) before volunteering on their own.
Q: Can I use my volunteer time at the Bangor Humane Society to complete a school requirement?
A: Yes, volunteer hours may be used to fulfill volunteer requirements. We require a six month time commitment from all of our volunteer positions and will not place volunteers who need to fulfill a school requirement that is less than a six month commitment. Please call Dawn at (207) 942-8902 to discuss these service hours.
Q: Do you offer volunteer opportunities for groups?
A: There may be times when we are in need of help from a group for projects on site such as yard work or landscaping or other one time projects as needed. If something like this interests you, please call the shelter to discuss project availability. Small groups may consider other off site ways to help such as organizing a donation drive, toy drive, or adoption promotion. For safety reasons we do not have groups of volunteers work directly with the animals.
Q: I work or go to school during the week. What opportunities are there for me?
A: The Bangor Humane Society is open until 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, leaving some time in the evenings for volunteer work. Volunteers may also schedule time on the weekends depending on our needs at the time.
Q: What if I can't commit to a schedule once a week?
A: Although we do strongly encourage applicants to commit to two hours each week, we do offer monthly opportunities for individuals who are unable to commit to a regular schedule.