Pasadena Humane

1. Is this Program Currently Accepting Volunteers? Yes! The Pet Food Pantry program is currently accepting new volunteers, and is ideal for those who are self-motivated and outgoing. 2. Program Description and Goals The Pet Food Pantry at Pasadena Humane provides essential pet food and supplies to community members in need, ensuring that pets can stay with their families despite financial hardships. Volunteers in this program play a crucial role in distributing food to clients with appointments, packaging and labeling pet food, and collecting donations from designated areas around the shelter. Each shift may involve a mix of these tasks or a focus on one specific area, depending on daily needs. This program is a rewarding opportunity to make a direct impact on pet owners and their beloved animals, offering both practical assistance and compassionate support. Volunteers should be empathetic, patient, and willing to engage with members of the public in a kind and respectful manner. Program Goals 🐾 Help Keep Pets with Their Families – Provide essential pet food and supplies to reduce pet surrender due to financial hardship. 🐾 Support Community Members in Need – Offer a welcoming and respectful environment for individuals seeking assistance. 🐾 Ensure Efficient Distribution – Accurately package, label, and distribute pet food to clients with scheduled appointments. 🐾 Maintain Shelter Resources – Regularly collect and organize donations to keep the pantry area stocked and accessible. 🐾 Promote Outreach & Awareness – Educate the public about the Pet Food Pantry and encourage community support through donations and advocacy. 3. How Does this Program Help the Shelter? A core component of the shelter's vision is that "companion animals reside in loving homes." The Pet Food Pantry program is truly on the front lines of this effort. Our Pet Food Pantry is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for pet owners facing financial hardship. By providing pet food and essential supplies, we help families keep their beloved pets at home and out of shelters. This program reduces shelter intake, allowing us to focus resources on animals truly in need, while also strengthening the bond between pets and their families. Volunteers are the heart of this initiative—helping with food distribution, organizing donations, and spreading awareness. Your time and effort directly prevent pet surrender, support struggling families, and create a stronger, more compassionate community. Join us in making a difference—because no pet should go hungry, and no family should have to say goodbye due to financial hardship! 4. Position Outline First-time volunteers will meet in the Volunteer Services office to sign in and be walked down to the Pet Food Pantry area. In the wake of the Eaton Wildfire, shifts are currently being offered 7 days a week, 2 shifts per day: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm & 1:00 - 5:00 pm. As clients come to the shelter in need of supplies, volunteers will work with the person to see what items they need in the short term. 5. Skills & Requirements To be a successful volunteer in the Pet Food Pantry program, individuals should possess the following core skills and requirements: Core Skills: ✅ Communication Skills – Ability to interact with pet owners, fellow volunteers, and staff in a friendly and professional manner. ✅ Organization & Attention to Detail – Ensuring food and supplies are sorted, labeled, and distributed correctly. ✅ Physical Stamina – Comfortable lifting and moving bags of pet food (typically 10-40 lbs), standing for extended periods, and working in various weather conditions if outdoors. ✅ Problem-Solving – Quickly adapting to changes, resolving minor issues, and ensuring a smooth distribution process. ✅ Teamwork & Dependability – Working well with others, following instructions, and showing up on time to scheduled shifts. ✅ Compassion & Empathy – Understanding the challenges pet owners may face and treating every client with respect and kindness. Requirements: 🔹 Minimum Age Requirement – 18 years of age and older 🔹 Commitment to a Regular, Full Shift – Preferred consistency in volunteering to ensure program success, and to be able to arrive on time and stay the duration of the shift. 🔹 Ability to Lift and Carry Supplies – Being comfortable with moderate physical work. 🔹 Willingness to Follow Shelter Guidelines – Adhering to safety, confidentiality, and operational protocols. 6. How to Get Involved After volunteers have completed their in-person Meet & Greet session, they may begin looking at the schedule to reserve future shift slots. 7. Benefits to Volunteers ❤️ Keeping Pets with Their Families – Your efforts help pet owners in need, preventing unnecessary surrenders and reducing shelter intake. ❤️ Providing Relief & Support – You’ll directly support families facing financial hardships, ensuring their pets stay healthy and well-fed. 🌟 Sense of Accomplishment – Knowing you’re making a real difference in your community brings deep personal satisfaction. 🌟 Compassion in Action – Volunteering allows you to express kindness and empathy, reinforcing your connection to others. 🤝 Stronger Bonds with Like-Minded People – Work alongside fellow animal lovers and form friendships with passionate volunteers and staff. 🤝 Connecting with the Community – Engage with pet owners and local organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of community needs. 📦 Organizational & Logistics Skills – Gain experience in inventory management, event coordination, and efficient distribution processes. 📦 Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Enhance your ability to interact with diverse groups, from pet owners to fellow volunteers. 😊 Feel-Good Factor – Giving back triggers feelings of happiness and reduces stress, boosting overall mental well-being. 😊 Increased Gratitude & Perspective – Witnessing the direct impact of your work can be humbling and help cultivate gratitude.