Off-Site Volunteer Activities
For Individuals and Groups
People of all ages, including those under 16, can make a big difference for the animals at Whitman County Humane Society by doing these offsite activities! There are plenty of ways for everyone to get involved and support the work we do by helping with these off-site acitivies. Check out the options below to see what inspires you.
You can also download our worksheet to keep track of your service hours or use the timekeeping tools recommended by your school or service organization.
Host a Pet Food & Supply Drive for the Whitman County Humane Society
A wonderful way to support our shelter and community is by organizing a pet food or supply drive. Donations of pet food, supplies, and toys are always appreciated and go directly to pets in need through our Pet Food Bank. These donations help families care for their pets, ensuring that they can stay together during tough times.
DIY Enrichment for Shelter Pets
- Fleece Blankets
Every cat at our shelter receives a blanket or towel to make their space more comfortable. Often, their special blanket goes home with them when they’re adopted, giving them something familiar as they settle into their new family. We welcome blankets of all sizes, but for cats, we suggest around 18×20 inches.
Want to make a no-sew blanket? Here is a tutorial available online for you to follow and create one that our cats will love!
- Catnip Toys
There are so many fun and easy ways to make cat toys from things you already have at home! Old socks, toilet paper tubes, or crinkly paper can be transformed into catnip toys. Be sure to add a sprinkle of catnip to make them irresistible! You can also try your hand at sewing felt or fleece catnip toys for an extra-special touch.
Here are some video instructions or written instructions for different catnip toys. Or practice sewing skills by making a felt or fleece catnip toy. Watch this video to get started
- Recycled Cardboard Cat Scratchers
Cats love to scratch, and homemade cardboard scratchers are perfect for our shelter cats. You can use old boxes and cardboard to make scratchers that fit neatly into their cubbies. These DIY scratchers are a great way to recycle materials while helping our cats stay happy and healthy! Click here to watch an Instruction video.
- Dog Tug Toys
Our shelter dogs, especially puppies, love tug toys! You can make your own using fleece or jersey knit fabric. The key is to make sure your braids and knots are tight and secure. Tug toys not only provide entertainment but also help dogs healthily release energy. Click here for a braided tug toy video example, a square-knot tug toy video example or written square-knot dog tug toy instructions or instructions for Cobra Stitch dog tug toy.
Community Helping Paws Cards
If you want to help animals, sometimes the best place to start is your own neighborhood. Post or hand out Community Kindness Cards in places people are likely to see and help keep pets with their families. Imagine the difference you could make!
View our Helping Paws Cards template.