Programs
See our opportunities below! If you have any questions or want to inquire, you can also send an email to donate@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com.
Do you know who loves to hear you read? Our dogs and cats! Our Book Buddy program allows you to bring books and practice your reading skills with our shelter stars. Dogs and cats are excellent reading partners since they offer a judgment-free experience for the reader! We will go through a brief training at the beginning of your 1st volunteer reading session, where we will learn about animal behavior and appropriate ways to approach kennels of both dogs and cats. The next sessions will be all about reading to the animals!
Want to be a Book Buddy? A new session will be starting on June 4, 2026. Call (605)-664-4244 for more information!
Love dogs but cannot have one in your home due to renting, being a college student on campus, or family situation? Maybe you want to spend an afternoon away from the house and want company. Doggy Day Out is made for you! We have dogs that would love to spend a morning or afternoon away from the shelter. What you guys do together is up to you…with a few teeny tiny rules you need to follow!
Ready to take a dog out to the park, on a hike, car ride, or coffee shop? Call 605-664-4244 to set it up!
Interested in scheduling an educational onsite visit, field trip or in-person visit? Contact Abi at 605-664-4244 Extension 11 for more information and scheduling, or complete our online form and she will contact you.
Program Topics:
Community Helpers: Jobs at an Animal Shelter
Animal shelters help communities in many ways. We care for pets during emergencies, help homeless animals find new families, and provide programs that help keep pets safe, healthy, and with the people who love them.
Animal Behavior, Body Language & Bite Prevention
Dogs and cats can’t tell us how they are feeling with words, so they communicate through body language. Kids will learn how to recognize important signals, safely interact with animals, and know what to do when they encounter an unfamiliar dog. Understanding animal body language can help prevent bites and other injuries.
What Do Pets Need?
Pets depend on their people for food, shelter, medical care, exercise, attention, and more. Kids will learn what responsible pet ownership looks like and create a plan for caring for their own pet—or an imaginary one!
Ready to Meet?
Chat with our team to discover how you can make the biggest impact.
