989 Little Mountain Road  • Columbus, NC 28722 • Phone: (828) 863-4444 • FAX (828) 863-2122Directions Email

"The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”

. . . Charles Darwin

Volunteer Opportunities

Foothill’s depends heavily on volunteers. There are many opportunities to help, and here are a few of the things that you can do to help.

Foothills Fosters

Many animal’s’ needs cannot be met in the shelter. Some require additional care for their survival and/or eventual adoption. Orphaned kittens and puppies, nursing mothers, animals recovering from major surgery or those that simply need someone to spend some time with them to train or socialize them all are at risk. Without our fabulous Foothills Fosters, these animals would not have a chance. Our Fosters also provide a “safety valve” when our small shelter gets too full, allowing us to continue our adoption and rescue efforts on behalf of these animals. They allow us to move animals awaiting transport to rescue organizations and to provide another “room at the inn,” saving lives and giving hope to the new animals arriving at our door.

The time and expertise required for fostering depends on the situation, but most just need what any committed pet owner can provide: food, shelter, affection and a willingness to help. Interested in being a lifesaver? Call us or send an email and learn how you can make the difference.
Click here for a foster application.

Foothills’ “Terrific Transporters”

Many of our rescue animals need transportation to get to their new homes. This is vital to making the rescue work. If you would be willing to occasionally drive an animal for an hour or two, or will be traveling and could give a dog or cat a lift to a new life, call our Animal Placement Coordinator, Dana Mayer.

Work with the Animals

We need people at the Shelter working with socializing, training and exercising animals, cleaning pens, working at the Clinics and transporting animals to vets and foster homes. Getting the animals out to be seen and socialized is an important part of FHS’ adoption efforts. Our On the Road volunteers take the animals to meet and greet, and hopefully capture a heart. This is a fun, happy group that really makes a difference. Working at the Clinics helps us take care of the community’s animals to prevent unwanted litters and reduce disease. We would love your help.