Belleville Area Humane Society needs more dogs walked. This new program could help
The Belleville Area Humane Society recently expanded a program designed for people who can’t commit to a regular volunteering schedule, but still want to pitch in and spend some time with dogs.
The shelter is now offering public dog walking hours for volunteers 18 years and older to drop in and take a dog for a stroll or for some onsite playtime anytime during its business hours.
BAHS previously ran a short pilot program offering public dog walking hours on weekends, and staff expanded the program beginning April 1 to allow volunteers to drop in anytime during open shelter hours, which are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Staff will do a quick training for volunteers, but no appointment or prior training is required.
“Dog walking is something most people do regularly with their own dogs — and walking a shelter dog is only a little different from that. If you can walk your own dog, you can walk dogs here,” BAHS executive director Savannah McDonald wrote in a recent email to the News-Democrat.
BAHS will provide any supplies needed, and all volunteers need to bring is walking shoes and a reusable water bottle, if they want.
The majority of dogs at BAHS are typically between 50 to 60 pounds, McDonald said, although smaller dogs are often available for walks, such a 26-pound Toby who’s currently at the shelter.
For those looking for other volunteer opportunities, McDonald said BAHS is in need of people to fold laundry and newspapers, complete administrative tasks and bag dog food, as well.
“We’re sure we can find something for you!” McDonald said.
Other volunteer opportunities at BAHS include cleaning and care for cats onsite, as well as those housed at PetSmart, attending offsite adoption events and volunteering at the shelter’s Bags for Wags event.
BAHS is also accepting applications for fosters and has many dogs and cats available for adoption. Adoption fees range from $250 to $450 for dogs, depending on age and breed, and $125 for a cat or kitten.
If you need assistance to help keep your pet, several metro-east organizations offer services such as help with pet food, spay and neuter surgeries and vaccines.
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