​Volunteer time and talents are tremendous assets to the High Desert Humane Society. There are many ways you can make a difference for the welfare of the animals. You may wish to work directly with the animals at our shelter and offsite locations, or you may get involved with other important aspects of our organization's operation. Either way, it's enjoyable and extremely rewarding to be an HDHS volunteer. 
Becoming a Volunteer
The minimum requirements to become an HDHS volunteer are that you must: 
  • Care about animal welfare
  • Be at least 15 years of age.
  • Submit a volunteer application.
  • Be willing to demonstrate a positive, customer-oriented attitude when dealing with the public as well as a collaborative teamwork approach when dealing with staff and other volunteers.

Volunteer Application

https://airtable.com/shrmL42Ls81LzoqPb
​Volunteers can “lend a paw" in all of the following areas:
  • Retail: thrift store, furniture store
  • Inventory support: warehouse, donation center
  • Animal care: dog shelter, intake/quarantine, cat house
  • Organization-wide: event planning, fundraising, data entry, board membership

Pet Food Bank donation

​The Pet Food Bank accepts donations of unopened, dry or wet dog and cat food. Donations can be dropped off at the High Desert Humane dog shelter or cat house. 

This program is intended for people who are unemployed, on state or government assistance, disability, or just need some extra help. If the only issue in keeping pets in their families is assistance with pet food, we are able to help with that.

This program is 100% supported through donations of pet food provided by private individuals and local retailers and is subject to the availability of donated food. All brands of dry or canned dog, cat, puppy, or kitten food are gratefully accepted. We can also accept open bags of dry food as a donation. If you are able to donate a bag or a few cans of pet food, know that it will go to help someone in our very own community.

For more information about the Pet Food Bank, contact the HDHS.

service group opportunities

​We welcome corporate, community and high school groups to schedule one-time volunteer community service events. Community service groups help offset the cost of supplies, staffing and continue to help the HDHS provide the needed care to animals that live at the dog shelter or cat house while waiting for their forever home.

​Service group requests should be made with ample time to set up their group service opportunity.

donation projects

If you are in a youth group grades K-12, please consider an off-site project to create a positive impact on the lives of the animals in our care. 
  • Supply drive
  • Fundraising ideas: bake sale, lemonade stand, yard sale, school or office penny drive, school movie night, birthday party (in lieu of gifts, guests can bring pet supplies, gift cards or funds)
  • Crocheting catnip toys

​Arizona Pet-Friendly License Plate

​Be a driving force in the battle against pet overpopulation! Arizona’s pet-friendly license plate is available for only $25 per year and $17 from each plate helps to pay for spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout Arizona.
Get your plates: ​www.azpetplates.org/

stop animal cruelty in our community

Can dogs be chained or tethered outside?​
  • ​According to state law (ARS 13-2910), people are required to provide their pets with adequate food, water, shelter and medical treatment. Pets who are chained or tethered will often get entangled, cutting off access to these basic needs. 
  • The dog should have a long tether and be free of obstacles that might get them tangled.
  • Collars should be fitted properly.
  • The water bowl should be secured so the dog cannot tip it over.
  • Metal heats up! Food and water should be in plastic bowls.
  • Dogs should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time.
  • During excessive heat warnings, bring pets indoors.
What are the signs of animal cruelty?
  • ​Open sores or cuts on the animal’s body
  • Bruising, bleeding or other apparent injury to the animal’s anus and/or genital regions
  • Patches of missing fur
  • Tick or flea infestation
  • Extremely thin body
  • Limping/inability to walk
  • Witness an owner hitting or beating an animal
  • Dogs repeatedly left outside without food, water or shelter
  • Dogs kept outside during extreme weather conditions with no shelter
  • A house with an excessive amount of animals
  • Cowering in fear or acting aggressively 
  • Pets left in parked cars (during extreme weather)

report animal cruelty

In the Globe-Miami area, to report animal cruelty:
During business hours, call Gila County Animal Care and Control at 928-425-5882.
Outside of business hours, call the Gila County Sheriff’s Office at 928-425-4449.