April 20 - 26th is National Volunteer Week - a time to reflect on the incredible impact that volunteers have on the pets and people in our community. Whether they're walking dogs, caring for cats, doing dishes and laundry, helping in our veterinary clinic, connecting families with adoptable pets, and so much more, volunteers play a vital role in making our community a better, safer, and more humane place for pets. 

In 2024, we served more than 10,000 pets in our community – more than ever in our 120-year history - and that work is only possible thanks to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to supporting pets in need. 

Here are just a few of the ways volunteers made an impact last year: 

• 129,190 hours were contributed by volunteers. That’s the equivalent of nearly $4.5 million in labor costs! 

• 1,106 volunteers supported our work, and 287 new volunteers joined our team. 

• 1,052 pets received care from foster volunteers, including more than 700 kittens. From tiny babies to shy and nervous adult pets, fosters provide a level of care that isn’t possible in the shelter environment. 

• 23,247 hours of animal care were provided by our dedicated and hardworking volunteers. That’s 17,693 hours of dog walks and enrichment and 5,554 hours of cat snuggles and play time. And those hours only account for a fraction of the time volunteers spend supporting the animals. 

It’s important to note that the impact of volunteers extends far beyond the walls of the shelter. Volunteers also play a crucial role in connecting our community with the services and programs they need including spay/neuter surgeries, wellness care, emergency boarding, financial support for medical care, and more. We can’t forget the support from volunteers at ReTails Thrift Store. Last year, volunteers at ReTails helped sort, price, and merchandise more than 852,724 items, providing crucial funding for our work with the animals.  

Our volunteers are here for the animals every day and we couldn’t do this work without them. Their dedication, kindness, and unwavering support make our communities stronger, more vibrant, and more compassionate. They remind us of the importance of giving back and the profound impact that even the smallest act of kindness can have on someone's life. 

To all volunteers, thank you for your commitment, your generosity, and your compassion. The impact you make on pets in our community truly cannot be measured, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. 

If you want to make a difference for pets and people in our community as a volunteer, learn more about the many ways you can support our work at hssw.org/volunteer.