Founded in 1946, the Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) has served as a haven for animals in need for many decades. What began as a small local effort has grown into a trusted community resource. HSHC was established when Mrs. Elsa Voss set up a permanent shelter on her dairy farm in Fallston. From its early days caring for abandoned pets and strays, HSHC quickly became a vital resource in the county, providing shelter, care, and protection for animals when no animal control existed. Over the decades, the organization grew steadily: wooden kennels were replaced with steel ones, indoor and outdoor runs were added, and the front office and cat rooms were expanded to accommodate an increasing number of animals.
Today, the Humane Society’s work goes far beyond providing shelter. They are dedicated to promoting humane treatment, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and educating the community on animal welfare. Through continuous development and community support, HSHC opened a state-of-the-art shelter in 2016 and constructed a 19,000-square-foot facility. The organization has consistently achieved high live release rates, earning numerous local awards for nonprofit excellence. From a small beginning in Elsa Voss’s farmhouse to a fully equipped shelter serving the entire county, HSHC has maintained a steadfast focus on animal welfare and community engagement.
HSHC’s mission is to promote the well-being of animals through safe refuge, compassionate care, adoption services, volunteerism, and education. HSHC works hand in hand with staff, volunteers, and residents to ensure animals receive the care they deserve. These principles shape all their programs, every decision they make, and every life they touch, fostering a stronger bond between people and pets throughout Harford County.
High school students have the chance to get involved in a variety of meaningful roles at the Humane Society of Harford County. Volunteers can assist with hands-on animal care, support events, and help with general shelter operations. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience, develop skills, and contribute to the well-being of animals in the community. Roles include:
- Cat socialization and small animal care
- Cleaning, organizing, laundry, and dishes
- Event support for off-site adoption and fundraising events
- Project-specific volunteer work for school, group, or club requirements
Students can participate in both one-time projects and ongoing volunteer commitments. Weekend and after-school shifts are available, and volunteers gain training through orientation and role-specific instruction in animal handling and safety. Opportunities for leadership and independent projects, such as mentoring newer volunteers or coordinating special initiatives, are also available. While some opportunities are occasional, such as special events, students are encouraged to volunteer longer-term whenever possible, as the animals benefit from seeing familiar faces.
Volunteers make a lasting impact on the shelter and the community. Past student and scout projects have made a lasting impact, such as:
- Installing paved walkways to keep paws and feet dry and safe
- Adding barrier fences for added security
- Expanding the chicken coop area
- Building birdhouses and pollinator gardens to enhance the environment for visitors, staff, and animals
Volunteers in Action!
HSHC & Harford Helps FAQS
Harford Helps is a searchable directory of charitable organizations and community service agencies in Harford County Maryland.
Harford Helps makes it easy to find places to donate items no longer needed, discover volunteer opportunities with meaningful causes, and locate programs and services that provide assistance to people in need.
Click the button that says HSHC to go to their Harford Helps profile page.
Visit HarfordHelps.com, open the directory, use the search tool to select causes of interest, then click submit to explore local organizations supporting the causes you care about!
Harford Helps
About Harford Helps
Harford Helps is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to connecting organizations through volunteerism and donations. By partnering with local non-profits, schools, and community groups, Harford Helps makes it easy for individuals to give back in ways that align with their passions and availability. This platform serves as a centralized hub for discovering not only volunteer opportunities but also for donation options and finding help.
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The Transformation Guild is a mentoring program of Technology 4 Causes, which was launched by the Kutcher Foundation in collaboration with DICORP, Inc. to create a powerful philanthropic impact through the multiplying forces of technology. The Guild is dedicated to harnessing the power of writing and technology to create a positive impact in society. Our primary focus is to engage and inspire young writers to craft compelling stories that encourage involvement in non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives. By providing guidance and instruction through mentorship, we ensure that these young writers receive the necessary support to thrive. Through their participation in this program, they gain invaluable experience while contributing to a greater cause.