Volunteer

Volunteering at BENCHS

If you would like to volunteer for the opportunities listed below,
please email Kayla at volunteerplanner@benchs.org.

If you are wanting to do court ordered community service hours
at BENCHS, you must work with Sue B.
Call and leave a message for her at 507-625-6373 or
email her at volunteer@benchs.org.

Volunteers, please sign in every time you volunteer. Use the Volunteer Login button below. The number of volunteers and the hours that you work help us to secure grants to keep our program strong.

Volunteer Log In

Thank you!

Current Volunteer Opportunities at BENCHS

BOARD MEMBERS - Our Board of Directors is looking for additional members who are looking to help fundraise for the organization. For more information, see our Board of Directors' page.
DOG WALKING: We are now training volunteers to become a part of our Dog Enrichment Program (DEP). If you would like to join the team, email Kayla at volunteerplanner@benchs.org.
CAT CONDOS: We are looking for trained volunteers to return, as well as new volunteers interested in giving the cats and kittens love and attention while they clean the cats' living space called a cat condo. This happens every day, during the morning, beginning at 7:30 am. We ask that volunteers commit to cleaning on a weekly basis. If you would like to join the team, email Kayla at volunteerplanner@benchs.org.
STAFF ASSISTANTS: Every day, we would like a volunteer to be in the shelter to help out as needed for a three hour shift. This could include: answering the door, sanitizing, laundry, sorting donations, animal care and socialization, cleaning, etc. Busy times are 12:00-4:00 daily and during adoption appointment hours (Thur./Fri. 3-7 pm and Sat./Sun. 2-6 pm). If you would like to join the team, email Kayla at volunteerplanner@benchs.org.
GROUNDSKEEPING/GARDENING: There is always so much to be done outside. If you are interested in doing various outside work, please email Kayla at volunteerplanner@benchs.org to make arrangements.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Our building is at the point in its lifespan in which many smaller maintenance needs arise on a regular basis. We need names of handymen/handywomen to put on a list to call when needs arise. Plumbing, painting, heavy work, carpentry, etc. If you can help us out with these types of jobs, please email Kayla at volunteerplanner@benchs.org.
FOSTER: We would like to build up our foster list for both dogs and cats. Please scroll down to fill out the appropriate form for your family!

Adopt-a-Condo Volunteers
Adopt-a-Condo volunteers are the heart and soul of keeping the cats healthy and happy. Volunteers in the Adopt-a-Condo program give love and attention to the cats while they clean their living space called a cat condo. Cat condos need to be cleaned on a daily basis...provide fresh linens, change the litter, sweep the floor, etc. Cleaning the kennels not only provides the cats with a place they enjoy living in, it also makes the shelter a warm, welcoming place for visitors.

BENCHS encourages Adopt-a-Condo volunteers to make time to socialize with the cats too! Volunteers can spend time brushing, petting, and cuddling the cats; playing with toys; and building their trust in humans. A cat who is well socialized is happier, healthier, and more adoptable!

Be sure to click Adopt-a-Condo when you sign up to volunteer! You can simply show up at the shelter in the early morning and ask for Diane.

Training:  Adopt-a-Condo volunteers are trained in-the-job.
Commitment:  We ask that you are able to commit to cleaning the condos on a weekly basis.
Hours: daily, year-round, mornings beginning at 7:30 am

Foster Home Volunteers
We receive kittens and puppies at the shelter that are too young to be placed up for immediate adoption. We also receive cats and dogs with minor illnesses or injuries that require temporary in-home care. Fostering an animal can be a lot of work, but it provides much needed socialization and a greater chance of survival for the animal. If you are up to the challenge, it can be most rewarding.

Before you agree to provide foster care, ask yourself these important questions:

Are you able to monitor the health of the animal?
Are you able to separate the foster animal from your own?
Are you emotionally prepared to give up the animal at the appropriate time?

Complete the foster application today!

Cat Foster

Dog Foster

Cleaners

A great portion of every day at BENCHS is dedicated to cleaning. Some of the cleaning our volunteers help with on a regular basis are: washing windows, dusting, laundry, cleaning kennels/condos as needed, straightening supplies, etc. There is always something that needs to be done!