Each semester, a handful of students join BHS as intern. Whether they work in Adoptions, the Clinic, or Administration, they all walk away having gained valuable work experience!

“My internship experience has done nothing but exceed my expectations! Not only was I welcomed with open arms by everyone at the clinic, but I was also immediately thrown into the chaos. Every day is different since interns are constantly rotating positions throughout the clinic in order to gain experience. I am learning new things all the time and I have the opportunity to practice and perfect my new skills. Whether it be helping run vaccine appointments, helping prep, monitor, or recover for surgery, or helping give a simple exam the experiences have been priceless. I look forward to continuing work with the Butte Humane Society clinic to further my education and long-term career goals.” – Taylor, Clinic Intern Summer extending into Fall 2023

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity I have had to intern at Butte Humane Society Clinic. Working alongside the wonderful staff has been a true privilege, and has provided me invaluable experience that will better prepare me for my journey towards veterinary school. Throughout the course of my internship, I was able to refine technical skills such as animal handling and vaccine administration. Additionally, I had the opportunity to practice effective communication with both clients and colleagues in order to provide the best care possible. I highly recommend this internship to those that are just getting started in the field of vet med to gain experience and build your confidence in the field!” – Malia, Clinic Intern Summer extending into Fall 2023

“Working as an administrative intern was an amazing experience. From the very first day working here, all the staff were very welcoming. The environment was calming and relaxed. All the staff were inclusive, kind and willing to help you out in anything. When I first applied for the internship I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone in administration helped me learn and gain experience in everything. It was great to be able to experience the behind the scenes of a non-profit organization. Not only was I helping with administrative tasks, but I also got the opportunity to socialize with cats and dogs at the shelter. Interning at Butte Humane Society gave me the opportunity to learn more about administrative work which in turn led me to getting a job here as the receptionist/administrative assistant.” Kana, Admin Intern 2023

“My experience as the Social Media and Public Relations intern at Butte Humane Society has been nothing short of fulfilling. The environment was always warm and welcoming, and helped me learn a lot about what I want in my future career endeavors. Working for a nonprofit was also a very rewarding experience, as I felt I was directly contributing to finding homes for our wonderful animals. All of the administrative staff were always very helpful and supportive when getting work done, and it was never boring! As a Communication Studies student, this was directly applicable to my academic and professional skills. I learned so much throughout the duration of the semester, and my involvement with BHS was everything I could have wanted in an internship!” – Cassie, Social Media & Public Relations Intern 2018

Hannah D. only joined BHS in the beginning of July, but already she has won every one of us over. She volunteers in multiple departments, including Dogs, Cats, Clinic, Warehouse, and Special Events. She even stepped up, without hesitation, to be our Petsmart Liaison who monitors the comfort and cleanliness of the cats we have up for adoption at Petsmart. She’s already volunteered over 25 hours this month. Did I mention that she’s only 16! Cats love her. Dogs love her. Staff and Volunteers love her.

This month, we’re shining the Volunteer Spotlight on Nicole M.!

Our Dog Intake Coordinator, Shannon, had nothing but wonderful things to say about Nicole. “She’s always smiling, and she’s willing to work on value life skills with Hudson – skills like being calm, walking politely on leash, how to sit and stay. Nicole is accountable and friendly!”

When asked about volunteering at BHS, Nicole said: “I absolutely love spending time volunteering with the dogs. I initially started because I missed having a dog of my own, and can’t have one due to being a renter. I figured I would give my time, as I am a big supporter of rescues, after our family adopted a pittie through a rescue. I was able to get my dog ‘fix’ while being able to give back to the community and the pups. I love that I get to spend time with them, and work with them to get them out of the kennel and have some fun. While I also enjoy it personally, and feel so rewarded after spending each time with the pups and they always put a smile on my face.”

We are so lucky to have an amazing volunteer like her. We appreciate you, Nicole!

Not many volunteers feel comfortable with the complicated closing routines of feeding, cleaning, and administering medications, but Brooke T. sticks around until the last minute of the work day, working alongside staff to get the kitties ready for bed.

Brooke isn’t timid about going above and beyond normal volunteer tasks, but rather looks for more “extracurricular” activities. She gives life to the office with the little things like creating birthday graphics for some of our special cats. She helps instigate those little shenanigans that a workplace needs to keep spirits up on those emotionally stressful days that are all too common in the shelter world.

Thank you Brooke, for bringing such joy to the cats and the humans who care for them.

Although only starting at the end of February, Maegan E. has quickly become such an incredible part of our team! She has been extremely dedicated and passionate towards our organization for the past two months and has already accumulated close to 45 hours.

Originally from Southern California, Maegan joined us in Chico once starting school here in the fall. Back home she was an active volunteer at the animal shelter in her town, but she said she never volunteered nearly as much as she does now. She has become very attached to many of the dogs here and seeing them happy makes her happy. When speaking with her, her love and passion was radiating off of her! It is a fulfilling and stress reliving way to spend her time and she doesn’t know what she would do without BHS.

Maegan loves all parts of volunteering, but especially loves being able to take the dogs out of the shelter for the day, bringing them on hikes and adventures with her. Her favorite dog is Diego and she is really hoping that he gets adopted on May 5^th at our empty the shelter event. Not only does Maegan put in her time working with the dogs, but also helps us table at Thursday markets talking with the public and promoting events.

We are very lucky to have you Maegan, and we appreciate all of the time you dedicate to us!