Can Volunteering Make You Healthier?

The health benefits of volunteering have been reported before, but much is still unknown about the causal relationship between giving time and personal health. Does volunteering make you healthier, or do healthier people volunteer? Should service be prescribed for those with cancer or chronic illness? Are there health benefits to volunteering that working for pay cannot provide?

That picture is a little clearer thanks to a report VolunteerMatch released with UnitedHealthcare. The new UnitedHealthcare/VolunteerMatch Do Good. Live Well. Survey provides compelling evidence that volunteering not only enhances volunteers' physical and mental health but also strengthens relationships between employers and employees.

Among the key findings:

• More than 68% of those who volunteered in the past year report that volunteering made them feel physically healthier.
• 29% of volunteers who suffer from a chronic condition say that volunteering has helped them manage their chronic illness.
• 89% of volunteers agree that volunteering improved their sense of well-being.
• 73% of volunteers feel that volunteering lowered their stress levels.
• 92% of volunteers agree that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life.

Interested in volunteering for us?

Click Here for a Volunteer Application and register for Orientation!

If you've already filed an application, please email the Volunteer Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule Orientation.  Orientation is required for all Volunteer positions.  Orientation classes last 90 minutes and are scheduled:

• The first Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m.
• The third Wednesday of the month 6 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We are so happy that you want to spend your time volunteering with the animals! Volunteering with the Kearney Area Humane Society can be a mutually rewarding experience for the animals as well as for you. It is a commitment that will benefit our community, our shelter and our animals! Because volunteering can be “one more thing” in our already busy lives, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need before making the commitment to help the animals.

Q. How old do I have to be to volunteer?
A volunteer must be 15 years of age to give of their time to our organization. Children under the age of 15 may volunteer when accompanied by a parent/guardian who is a registered volunteer.

Q. What are some of the basic requirements to become a volunteer? 
Volunteer Orientation is required of ALL volunteers. This class is 90 minutes long and is offered twice a month at the Morris Animal Shelter on the 1st Tuesday at 11 am and the third Wednesday at 6 pm. Due to staffing limitations, individual sessions are not offered.

Q. I have a limited schedule, how many hours are required of volunteers? 
Please consider your schedule and time availability before you choose to volunteer to help the animals. There is a 90 minute new volunteer orientation that is involved before you get started with your volunteer experience. After the initial orientation we would like to see people commit to at least a few hours a month – this allows everyone to get the most out of their volunteer experience. However, we have no minimum required commitment other than volunteering at least once every six months. We understand that schedules can vary and we will work with you to find the right job for your availability and need.

Q. When can I volunteer?
Volunteers are needed every day. Generally, volunteers can work from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Q. I have a college project that requires only 6 hours of volunteer time. Can I take part in your volunteer program? 
Yes! Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator and we will work with you to make the most of your project.

Q. I have community service hours that have been court ordered. Can I volunteer at the Kearney Area Humane Society?
In order to fulfill your court ordered community service hours with us you must fit all of the criteria below before contacting us to inquire.

1. Your conviction must NOT involve a violent crime, theft, drugs, or assault.

2. You must not have a law enforcement history with the Kearney Area Humane Society.

3. Must be willing to provide all of the information regarding the court order and/or probation officer information for follow up by our organization.