Whenever I visit our community’s animal shelter at the Kitsap
Humane Society (KHS) in Silverdale, I am immediately overwhelmed with
the urgency of these homeless animals, and how incredibly dedicated the
staff and volunteers are, in seeing to each animal’s specific needs. They do
so much with so little.
KHS is basically funded through the generosity of our community,
donations from folks like you and me. Many provide financial support
through tax deductible contributions in monetary
gifts or estate planning endowments, while some
folks elect to support with in-kind donations.
Another wonderful opportunity to support our
community’s animals in need, is a simple gift of
time... volunteering your time requires a little
commitment but the impact on the lives of so many
loving animals is tremendous!
On Sunday, October 5th, St. Bede’s will be
celebrating the feast of St. Francis with our annual
“Blessing of the Animals”, and we will be collecting
donations for the Kitsap Humane Society. We are
honored to welcome to our “Blessing of the
Animals” services, Hazel Bellinger, who is the President for the KHS’s
Board of Directors. Be sure to visit the special KHS table that will be in the
parish hall on October 5th to learn more about the mission of your local
Humane Society, along with Volunteer Applications available to complete.
With a little training provided by KHS, coupled with your
dedication, your personal gift as a volunteer touches the lives of so many,
and can be an awesome blessing to you as well. This is a special ministry
that can span a lifetime, done individually or shared with a friend, or
commissioned as an entire family ministry.
For your convenience, I’ve listed some volunteer tasks that are
currently in need at KHS, and a brief description of duties from their
website. Kindly review your schedule and the various tasks to see if you
might be interested in fulfilling this need in our community. I know of a few
furry friends who are anxiously waiting to meet you with purrs, licks and
wagging tails.

Cat Room Cleaning: Assist staff with morning
cleanup by cleaning the cat kennels. Feed the
cats, clean their litter box, replace their bedding
and give them fresh water. Shifts are available
everyday from 8:00am-10:00am. One shift per
week is required. Kennel Training required.
Animal Care Aide: Assist Animal Care staff
with daily procedures including feeding, spot
cleaning kennels, updating paperwork, laundry
and dishes. Shifts are available everyday
between 10:00-4:00pm. One shift per month is required, but volunteers are
welcome to come in anytime the shelter is open to assist Animal Care in
addition to their scheduled shift. Kennel Training required.
Exercise and Grooming Team: Provide dogs with exercise and training.
Socialize puppies, kittens and cats who cannot leave their kennels. Play,
interact and groom dogs and puppies. Shifts are available everyday between
10:00am-4:00pm. One shift per month is required, but volunteers are
welcome to come in anytime the shelter is open to assist Animal Care in
addition to their scheduled shift. Kennel
Training required.
PetsMart – Outreach: Assist staff at PetsMart
and other Outreach opportunities. Walk dogs,
feed, help clean and process adoptions. Shifts
are all day (8:00am-5:00pm), seven days a
week. One shift required per month. Kennel
Training required.
Animal Assisted Therapy: Transport animals to and from Assisted Living
Facilities. Visit with the residents as they enjoy interacting with the shelter
puppies and kittens. Times will vary slightly, but are typically 9:30-11:30am.
Two shifts per month, shifts vary. Kennel Training Required.
Front Office Greeter: Greet guests as they enter KHS. Help answer
questions, direct traffic and begin the adoption process. Two shifts per
month. Times vary.