What You Will Do as a Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering. Volunteers are an essential part of everything we do. Heartland Animal Rescue Team (HART) is an animal shelter, providing care to a variety of animals and is licensed by the state of Minnesota
Passionate about animal welfare?
Please review the volunteer requirements and dog walking protocols that follow. We will need you to complete an application form along with a copy of your picture ID, for verification purposes only. All volunteers will receive appropriate training from a shelter employee and will work with an employee while volunteering.
Download the Volunteer ApplicationVolunteer Requirements
- MUST be 18 years of age or older.
- MUST have a working e-mail; as this is how all communication takes place.
- MUST be able to follow directions and be observant of any abnormal behaviors/findings. (ie: blood, vomit, diarrhea, etc)
- Reliability is highly important
- MUST sign a volunteer agreement
Dog Walking Protocol
Dog Walkers help ensure our dogs get plenty of exercise and socialization! Dog walkers get the pups out in all kinds of weather. (ie: Hot, Cold, Rain, Snow) Dress appropriately for the weather.
Must be able to handle big, energetic dogs who sometimes need help with their manners!
- Hours are 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, on days when shelter is open for adoptions (no holidays)
- Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes.
- Never allow dogs to come in contact with each other. This is for disease and safety purposes.
- Always use each dog’s assigned leash. If a leash needs to be replaced, notify a staff member.
- All dog’s are to be treated with respect.
- Use of easy basic commands (sit, shake, laydown, no jump, down) is encouraged and should be utilized when working with any of the dog’s.
- All dog’s are to remain on leash until you get to the far turnout kennels. There are two (2) outside kennels to use, where the dog’s can run, play and get additional exercise.
- Any concerns should be brought to the attention of staff members.
Help us save the lives of over 5,000 cats & dogs every year.
Every animal that comes through our doors deserves the chance to live a safe, healthy, and loved life. With the support of compassionate people like you, HART is able to rescue, care for, and find loving homes for more than 5,000 cats and dogs each year through our shelter, partnerships, and community programs. Whether you choose to adopt, volunteer, or make a donation, your generosity directly helps provide food, medical care, shelter, and a second chance for animals that need it most. Together, we can continue saving lives—one pet at a time.
