Animal Services Home Department of Public Safety
 

Donations

Huntsville Animal Services is always willing to accept donations for the shelter. All financial donations go directly into the Humane Education Fund. This money is used to help educate the citizens of metro Huntsville so they can be better pet owners. It helps fund special events, such as “Operation Identification”, “Open House & Adopt-A-Thon”, and other public service events.

Citizens who wish to help, but are unable to contribute financially can organize supply drives, such as newspapers, litter, and dry pet food. Or, without organizing a drive, donate individual items. Every little bit helps!

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND GO DIRECTLY FOR THE ANIMALS’ CARE AND WELL- BEING!

Below is a list for items that are always welcome & needed:
 

Towels

Small sturdy blankets

Leashes

Collars (cat & dog, big and small)

Shampoo – NON-CHEMICAL  

Cloth for bandanas

Bleach

Treats (cat & dog, NOT rawhide chews)

Laundry detergent

Dryer sheets

Brushes

Nail clippers
Spray cologne for dogs & cats



Following is a “wish list”:
 
  • A large multi-room rabbit Hutch that is suitable for outside weather.
  • Mouse/Hamster/Guinea Pig cages (2-3)
  • Water bottles for small mammals
  • Small food & water bowls (Plastic, with wide base to prevent tipping or heavy ceramic type crocks)
  • Wire, collapsible pens/crates for off-site adoptions (various sizes)
  • Cat condos
  • Grooming Table
  • Veterinary Supplies of all kinds
  • Anesthesia Machine
  • Autoclave
  • Medications
  • Two Stall Barn and storage room in the back paddock

    Please call for more details concerning individual items.

    Ideas for community supply drives:
    Newspapers
    Pennies for Paws
    Small Cat Scratching posts (ideal for boy/girl scout troops to build as community projects)(approx. 1”x6”x18” wrapped in carpet for adoptions)
    Recycle for Rover -- Aluminum Can Drive

     

    VOLUNTEER

    Our volunteers are an integral part of our program. Volunteers’ time and caring improves the quality of life for the pets that come through our shelter.

    Who can volunteer?
    Anyone over the age of 12 can volunteer in the shelter. HOWEVER: Children ages 12 – 14 must have adult supervision!

    How much time do I have to volunteer?
    We like to have a commitment of at least 16 hours a month. Most shifts are a minimum of 3 hours.

    Do I have to volunteer in the shelter?
    Absolutely not! We are working on some outside projects for the animals & the shelter. We understand that some people want to help but find it difficult to work with the animals directly knowing the possibility of their fate.

    Is all the shelter volunteer work directly dealing with the animals?
    No. In addition to walking, bathing, and socializing the animals, there is clerical work, adoption counseling, cleaning, and other work that assists the operations of the shelter & staff.

    Some of the activities that do not involve direct contact with the animals:
     
  • Working at the volunteer desk
     
  • Greeting citizens when they enter the shelter, directing them appropriately
  • Processing lost & found reports
  • Helping with the laundry (you do have to go into the shelter area for this)
  • Assembling license stickers
  • Adoption counseling
  • Washing food & Water bowls (you do have to go into the shelter area for this)
  • Public Awareness
  • Assisting with Special Events

    Activities directly involving the animals:
     
  • Cleaning pens & cages
  • Feeding & watering
  • Walking dogs & puppies
  • Socializing the pets
  • Brushing & grooming the cats
  • Bathing the dogs
  • Teaching basic obedience to the dogs
  • Assisting Off-Site Adoptions
  • Adoption Counseling
  • Stuffing adoption packs

    What are the requirements to volunteer?
    As stated previously, you must either be of age, or have an adult volunteer with you. There is an application process. The purpose of applying and interviewing is to ensure that this is the right place to volunteer and use your talents in the appropriate areas. Some people think they want to work here, only to find out it’s not for them. There is an orientation class and a waiver of liability that must be signed.

    When can I volunteer?
    Volunteers are needed at all times while the shelter is open. Saturday volunteer slots are the most popular and fill the fastest. All volunteer time outside of the shelter can be done at any time, just remember to document it for appropriate credit.

    How do I start?
    Call the Humane Educator 883-3794 for more information! Or stop by the shelter for an application today!
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    Copyright © 2007 The City of Huntsville, Alabama       Last Updated  03-19-2008