Hidden Gems: Parent & Me at IndyHumane

Parent & Me at IndyHumane

Many children love animals. And that’s why it’s a great idea to get kids involved with understanding pet responsibility and empathy as early as possible. The Humane Society of Indianapolis offers Parent & Me volunteering opportunities where children 8 years and older — along with their accompanied adult guardian — can help the shelter care for cats and dogs.

Through their involvement with the Parent & Me program, children learn responsible pet care and gain a feeling of accomplishment that comes with aiding animals. In 2021 alone, 2,835 animals were adopted at IndyHumane. Volunteering is a very feel-good way to be a part of all the love and care that goes into finding forever homes for the pets.

There is a great need at IndyHumane to ensure the animals get kennel-free time exercising and socializing, and have a comfortable, tidy kennel. Through training, Parent & Me volunteers learn how to safely care for the animal’s needs. The organization provides parents with clear guidelines on how to safely care for the kenneled animals. As an example, some dogs are required to be cared for by a more advanced volunteer (an ACC, or “advanced canine companion”).

The impact that children volunteers have on shelters might seem minimal, but the lessons that they learn will help them grow into empathetic adults who will make the world a better place in the future. If interested, visit IndyHumane. org, submit a volunteer application, complete online training, then schedule a shadow visit. Volunteers must donate 4 to 8 hours a month on a set weekly or bi-weekly schedule. There is a $20 per person volunteer fee, which helps cover the cost of the volunteer shirts. Assistance is available, if needed. An adult (21+) must always be present for volunteering.

7929 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis

indyhumane.org