Be a Volunteer

HSS VOLUNTEERS

Hamster Society Singapore (HSS) is a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to the welfare of Singapore’s hamsters.

Our volunteers are the soul of HSS. Coming from various professional backgrounds, they have dedicated their precious time and skills to form who we are today.


Please note that:

  • All volunteers must be at least 21 years old.

  • As HSS uses WhatsApp as our main channel for communication, volunteers are expected to be able to use and communicate effectively via WhatsApp.

  • Our volunteers are representatives of HSS and are thus expected to advocate for humane hamster husbandry and adhere to the basic standard of care as per our Hamster Care Guidelines . All items used for any current hamsters under your care (your own or foster hamsters) must be safe and approved by HSS. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Housing a hamster in a species-appropriate cage - minimally 4500cm² (90x50cm) for dwarves and Syrians.

    • Using species-appropriate wheels, using unscented and dust-free bedding and sand.

    • Feeding a quality diet that is adequate and appropriate for the hamster.

 

VOLUNTEERING roles

Foster Team

Fosterers provide a loving home for our rescued hamsters, which may include medical care and visits to the vet, until the hamster is ready for adoption.

Requirements:

  • The minimum commitment period for fostering is 9 months - an initial trial period of 3 months + 6 months.

  • Fosterers must have had experience caring for a hamster before. Experience in providing medical care is preferred.

  • Fosterers should obtain the approval of their respective household members and/or landlord before fostering.

  • Fosterers should have or be willing to buy their own supplies (cages, wheels, bedding, food, sand, accessories, etc.).

  • Fosterers would need to be willing to travel to assist with rescues, e.g. picking up the rescued hamster from another volunteer.

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM

Social media volunteers create digital content for our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) to help spread awareness on hamster care and other HSS initiatives.

Requirements:

  • The minimum commitment period for volunteers under the Social Media Team is 4 months - an initial trial period of 2 months + 2 months.

  • Volunteers should have a customer service approach when responding to direct messages and questions via our social media platforms.

  • Volunteers should have experience in design or video editing and a good command of English.

DESIGN TEAM

Design volunteers create and design new merchandise and assist in the management of our current merchandise.

Requirements:

  • The minimum commitment period for volunteers under the Design Team is 2 months.

  • Digital artists are preferred.

  • Experience in making vector art is appreciated but not compulsory.

  • Please provide a portfolio of some of your previous works. Art of animals, more specifically hamster illustrations should be included for us to get a better idea of your art style.

TRANSPORT TEAM

Transport team members cater to the logistical needs of HSS. Transport needs arise on an ad-hoc basis, and this team ensures that hamsters in need are quickly attended to and secured.

Requirements:

  • Transporters will secure hamsters in own carriers/containers if possible during all transports

  • Transporters must be comfortable with handling hamsters. Rescuers must own gloves and pet-safe disinfectant e.g. F10, to prevent cross contamination of medical issues.

  • Transporters will communicate with foster team about pick up/drop off, before safely transporting rescues to location.

  • Transporters may be required to take photos and videos of rescue cases for reporting & documentation purposes.

Interested applicants can send an email (including name and contact number) to hamstersocietyfoster@gmail.com and our dedicated admins will contact you shortly.

EXTERNAL COLLABORATIONS

If you would like to collaborate with HSS for a short term fundraiser where you have autonomy over the designs, process, marketing and prices, please indicate your interest to join us as an external collaborator! We are open to all kinds of collaborations and our previous collaborators have produced stickers, tee shirts, hamster commissions and even hamster treats!

HSS will render advice in terms of marketing, designs and other logistical issues but the creative autonomy ultimately resides with you. We will also assist in promoting the collaboration on our social media pages :-)

*Please note that all external collaborators are required to abide by and align themselves with HSS’ hamster husbandry standard and that screening will be conducted.

If you would like to reach out to us, please drop us a message on our social media platforms or email hamstersocietyhelp@gmail.com

(Last updated: 13 March 2022)