Opportunities From: United Way of Bartholomew County Volunteer Site

Cat Socialization Volunteers play a vital role in helping cats adjust to the shelter environment and prepare for adoption. Through calm, gentle interaction, volunteers help build trust and confidence in each cat.

By spending quiet time, offering treats, brushing, and engaging in soft play, volunteers reduce stress and support the cats’ emotional well-being, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and ready for their forever homes.

Our shelter often has tables at adoption events—and we’d love your help! Volunteers talk with visitors, share information, and accept donations. If you enjoy chatting about pets and promoting responsible pet care, this is a fun way to support our team! Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

Thor’s Pantry provides pet food and supplies to pets in need, helping families keep their furry friends happy and healthy. We are looking for volunteers to help organize donations, keep the pantry stocked, and assist with distributing food on Thursdays alongside a staff member. This is a hands-on way to support pets and their families in our community! Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

Doggie Day Out is a fun adventure program where a shelter pup gets to enjoy play, exercise, and social time in a safe, outdoor setting. Volunteers help provide one-on-one attention, encourage positive interactions, and give dogs a break from their kennel routine, helping them stay happy, active, and well-socialized.  Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

General Cleaning involves helping keep the shelter clean and comfortable for both animals and visitors. Tasks may include cleaning dog or cat kennels, sweeping and mopping the lobby, tidying bathrooms, breakrooms, and office areas, or maintaining the community room. Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

Our shelter does tons of laundry every day—towels, blankets, and sheets used for cleaning and bedding. Some items can be pretty dirty, so it’s not for the squeamish! Clean laundry keeps our animals comfortable and healthy. Volunteers are welcome to help on-site or pick up loads to wash at home—and while the machines run, there’s often time for a few cat or dog snuggles! Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

Walking shelter dogs is different from walking a family pet. Some may not be used to leashes, react to other dogs, or pull with excitement. Our Lead Dog Walking Volunteers help with training and scheduling. The goal is to give each dog outdoor time, build leash skills, watch their behavior, and practice good manners. Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!

This volunteer role helps staff clean and prepare kennels for dogs and puppies. It’s physical, messy work that includes picking up waste, changing bedding, and using hoses and squeegees to keep spaces clean and comfortable. Please visit www.bartholomewhumane.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer application, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch!