Did you know CHS was awarded the "Best Exercise for Do-Gooders" by Westword 2005? In a 4-month period alone, we logged over 900 instances of walking by over 400 unique names!

There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities at Colorado Humane. CHS is a very special place for animal lovers because we don't euthanize any animal for time or space - only if an animal is terminally ill or vicious. Due to the fact that it takes money to treat animals and care for them while they are awaiting their new family, CHS depends on volunteers to assist in many areas. We literally could not operate without you! Here are some of the opportunities:

Volunteers younger than 16 years, we ask a parent or guardian is present during your volunteer time.

1. Dog Walking. Every day, volunteers show up at the shelter and take a dog for a walk along the Platte River. This program is a wonderful way to give a homeless animal not just needed exercise but some love and attention. No experience necessary.

2. Cat Loving. Of course we can't leave the cats out. We have a cat room and welcome petting, playing and loving. No experience necessary.

3. Foster Parenting. Volunteers provide temporary care for animals that are not ready for adoption because they are too young or recovering from injuries. Pregnant moms are also given special foster housing until the babies (and Mom) are ready for adoption. All that is required is a quiet warm place and loving care.

Click here to download the Foster Application and return to the respective shelter.

4. Mobile Adoptions. We participate in monthly events at Aspen Grove Shopping Center and have been at several fun events this year, for instance the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival. The training required to interview prospective families and make sure that the dog they adopt is a loving member of the family for life begins with a one-hour training session (often done at events) and is supplemented with lots of "the on-the-job" experiences. This is very heart-warming and rewarding when you can see these wonderful deserving dogs walking away with their new family!

5. Fund Raisers and Events. Annually, we hold our Wags to Whiskers silent auction and dinner at the Brown Palace Hotel and the Animal Wellness Fair.  Outside of those two large events, we also have a dozen or so “smaller” events—food drives, Yappy Hour, etc. All events are grass-roots and we would love help.

6. Phones. The shelter is an extremely busy place and 90% of the incoming phone calls are basic questions such as directions. Any help answering phone is so much appreciated.

7. Clinic Help. Our Clinic needs help not only answering phones, but helping animals wake up after surgery and giving them a much needed walk.

8. Newsletter and Website. We are always looking for writers, graphic artists and computer programmers. We can make use of any and all talents.

Contacts:
Pam Miller (303) 961-3923 - Englewood Shelter Volunteer Coordinator
Theresa Broddeus (303) 961-3925 - Englewood Shelter Foster Coordinator
Rita (719) 472-9762 - Colorado Springs Volunteer Coordinator
Meredith - Colorado Springs Foster Coordinator