Frequently Asked Questions

+ How old do you have to be to volunteer with the animals?

To work directly with the animals, volunteers must be at least in high school and have their parents’ permission.

+ Can children younger than high school age volunteer?

Yes. Our most popular volunteer program for Middle School children is our Reading Buddies Program, where students read to the dogs and reward them with treats for good behavior. This helps to socialize our animals, which increases their chances of being adopted. Other possibilities for younger children are:

• Make toys at home for the animals (the Communications Coordinator has Do-It-Yourself instructions).
• Take up a collection of money or items from our Wish List.
• Promote one of our adoptables in your community to help find it a good home.

Before starting any of these activities, please speak with the Communications Coordinator to ensure the activities are in line with our needs, and mission.

+ What do I have to do to be able to volunteer with HART?

Volunteers of all ages who wish to volunteer at HART, Pick of the Litter, or at an event – including children and the parent(s) who will be volunteering with the child – need to complete a Volunteer Application. Then, attendance at a Volunteer Orientation is required. Volunteer Orientation sessions are typically given twice a month.

+ How is the Volunteer Program at HART structured?

Everything that we do in our Volunteer Program is built on the foundations of safety and gratitude. We are committed to the safety of our volunteers, our animals, and the people with whom they come in contact.

After an initial training program that includes learning about HART, animal behavior, learning to walk and socialize dogs and socialize cats, volunteers help in the Adoption Wing with our adoptable animals, including: walking,exercising and playing; grooming and bathing; and helping with their health and cleanliness. Volunteers who become familiar with HART can help with our human clients, including providing tours of the facility, helping greet new customers at the front desk, giving educational and public relations presentations, and more.

The HART volunteer program is constantly evolving as we learn from our volunteers themselves. We appreciate feedback from our volunteers to help us continue to improve the program.

+ What days and times can people volunteer?

Generally, volunteers in the Adoption Wing can volunteer Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. HART also manages a thrift store in Oakland, Maryland, called Pick of the Litter which is opened Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at various times. Volunteer hours for Special Events vary.

+ What is the time commitment expected from volunteers?

There is no absolute requirement per month, but if you have not volunteered in more than 4 consecutive months (unless otherwise approved), you will be required to attend training sessions.

+ Can I bring a family member, child, or a friend when I volunteer?

No. Since all volunteers must have an application on file and have gone through the appropriate level of volunteer training, those who have not done so may not volunteer at HART for Animals.

+ Once I am a volunteer, can I take a pet home for the night, take a pet off the property to a park or to visit someone, and/or foster a pet possibly to adopt?

No. Safety is our top priority, both with our adoptable animals and our volunteers. HART is liable if one of its animals causes harm to a person or property. As a rule, our adoptable animals do not leave HART’s property unless it is on HART business and accompanied by a specifically trained HART staff or volunteer.

+ Can I do service learning for high school with HART?

We welcome those students looking to complete their service-learning hour requirements. They still must go through the regular volunteer application and orientation process and are subject to the same requirements as other volunteers. They are strongly encouraged to meet individually with the Communications Coordinator to develop a plan to complete hours that are truly service (giving back to the community) and learning (developing skills and gaining experience related to their personal, professional, and educational goals).

+ Can I do court-mandated community service hours with HART?

We are on the list of community service sites approved by the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office. If you need to complete community service hours for another jurisdiction, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate official before volunteering at HART for Animals. You must first complete a Volunteer Application and a Community Service Supplemental Form and be willing to disclose the nature of the offense. Certain offenses will not be approved for community service at HART.

+ Can I still volunteer if I am only in the area for part of the year?

Many of our second homeowners and part-time residents are volunteers. If a significant amount of time has passed between volunteering visits to the HART Animal Center, we reserve the right to ask a seasonal volunteer to receive some refresher training.

+ What if I have an idea for raising money for HART? Can I do it?

We would just ask that you discuss your idea with our Executive Director or Communications Coordinator. HART believes strongly in presenting a consistent image to our community, in being respectful in all ways and to all people, and in being ethical in every action that we take.

+ What can my school or community group do to support HART?

Before embarking on any service project to support HART, it is strongly encouraged that the project be discussed with the Communications Coordinator to ensure it meets the philosophy, needs, and mission of HART for Animals. Some service projects that other school and community groups have done in the past are:

• Making edible cat and dog treats
• Building cat-climbing towers
• Crafting toys for the animals
• Sewing cat beds and dog blankets
• Helping with landscaping maintenance
• Grooming walking trails
• Collecting items from our Wish List
• Requesting items for HART be given in place of birthday gifts
• Collecting money for HART
• Helping shovel snow and rake leaves
• Selecting an animal to do a “Find a Home” Campaign