Volunteers

The Humane Society of Berks County relies heavily on the hundreds of volunteers who make our work possible.  Whether it's help in the kennel or cattery, data entry, client greeting, special event support, or community outreach, all our volunteers help the HSBC fulfill its mission and stretch every charitable dollar for maximum effect.  Read more about the HSBC's volunteer program in the Summer 2006 Kennel Kapers Newsletter (click here) featuring a cover article on volunteerism at the HSBC!

Volunteer Orientation

All individual volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation. This is an opportunity to learn about our organization, the volunteer opportunities and schedule requirements. Questions are answered and a portion of the orientation will cover dog-handling techniques. Attendees will also go for a tour of the facilities. Orientations are held at the Humane Society of Berks County at both the Reading and Douglassville locations. Sessions last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.

Volunteer opportunities are available at both our Reading and Douglassville locations. Available positions for both locations will be covered during the orientation.

Click here for a volunteer application.

Upcoming Volunteer Orientation

Dates & Location of Session:

Group size is limited and fills fast, reservations are requested.

Monday, March 1st, 7:00pm- Reading Facility SESSION IS FULL

Tuesday, May 4th, 7:00pm- Reading Facility

Tuesday, June 1st, 7:00pm- Reading Facility

Please contact Rachel Duffie, Volunteer & Events Coordinator at 610-921-2348 ext. 23 or rduffie@berkshumane.org, to request an orientation at the Douglassville location, more information, or to reserve a space for an upcoming orientation listed above.

LEVEL 2 DOG WALKER TRAINING,

Want to help the homeless dogs at the HSBC become more adoptable?

Want to learn more about dog handling techniques?

Want to know how you can better serve the dogs you walk at the HSBC?

If you said yes to any of the above, be sure to sign up for:

Level 2 Dog Walker Training Sessions

for HSBC Dog Walker Volunteers!

New Dates to Be Announced.

Training Sessions are Free!

In order to provide more education for our dog walkers, AWESOME DAWGS has partnered with the HSBC to host Dog Walker training sessions. AWESOME DAWGS- teaching people, reaching dogs, is a co-operated dog training company with certified dog trainers Mary Jo Carabello and Steve Smith. Awesome Dawgs is built on modern canine education and dog-friendly training methods.

Topics to be covered:

• How to understand dog body language
• Standard Obedience terminology such as sit, off and down
• How to teach a dog to not jump and to sit using positive methods
• Training exercises that can be easily practiced in the kennels and out
• Additional tips and lessons that will build your knowledge and confidence when working with the dogs.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Must have attended a volunteer orientation
• Must have completed level 1 dog walker training or be an established dog walker.
• Training is not limited to new dog walkers, established dog walkers are encouraged to attend too!

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

RSVP with Jennifer Long, Community Outreach Director jlong@berkshumane.org or call 610-921-2348 ext. 13