Come Join the Fun!

Volunteer at the Bitter Root Humane Association

The Bitter Root Humane Association is fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who are the "icing on the cake" of our organization. They do everything from clean litter boxes to raise money, and they free up our staff so they can focus on running the shelter. Some volunteers have speical skills to offer while others come with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.But they have one thing in common--a love of companion animals and a desire to help the less forutnate ones in our community. If this soundslike youthen come on down to the shelter.

Meet our volunteers:

• The Play Group
• A Forever Home
• 4th of July Parade 2009

What type of things do BRHA volunteers do?

You name it! The possibilities are endless. If you want to work directly with the animals there's dog walking, and pre-adoption socializing, bathing and grooming, cat box changing, and more. Have some carpentry skills? A green thumb? Can you help with the never-ending laundry? Or perhaps answer the phone or greetthe potential adopters?The BRHA is a big facility on over two and one-halfacres so there are always maintenance projects to do. If you think you'll end up with a house-full of dogs and cats by coming to the shelter, then there are off-site ways to help. Be a community educator. Staff BRHA's thrift store,"A Forever Home." Help organize a fund raising event. Whether you can give one hour a week or 40 hours it all helps the Bitter Root Humane Association fulfill its mission of helping the abused, neglected and homeless animals of Ravalli County.

Can anyone volunteer?

There is an application and an interview process to become a volunteer, and we encourage the participation of volunteers who support our mission. All volunteers must go through a training program specific to their volunteer assignment before beginning their duries. There is also a minimum age requirement. For more information, please download a Volunteer Application (pdf). If you are interested in volunteering, fill out the application and mail or FAX it to:

Bitter Root Humane Association
P.O. Box 57
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: 406-363-5311; FAX: 406-363-3531

(call 363-5311 first so the machine can be turned on)

A Volunteer Coordinator will contact you once your application is submitted.

I don't have any special skills. What can I do?

First of all, everyone has some special skills. One purpose of the application process is to find out more about potential volunteers so we can match them to a satisfying job. And remember, all volunteers go through a training program so we'll teach you what you need to know. All that we ask of our volunteers is that they be dependable, enthusiastic and willing to learn. We'll do the rest....and remember, you'll make a difference and have fun!

If I come to the shelter won't all the homeless animals make me sad?

First of all, yes, there are some sad stories, but for every sad story there are a dozen happy ones. The BRHA makes a difference every day to the animals in our community. It's a happy place where animals get a second chance under the care of a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. That's something to cheer about. Plus, if you're an animal lover you'll be surrounded by enthusiastic like-minded people. We'll keep you too busy to be sad. Come laugh with us and sometimes cry with us! But if you're still not convinced that the shelter won't make you sad then remember there are many ways to help out. Apply for one of the off-site volunteer jobs where you'll help the animals indirectly. Every little bit helps!

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead