Dane County Humane Society has many opportunities for our diverse volunteer base.  The majority of our need is regularly scheduled weekly shifts.  For those who can not make a regular commitment, we still have ways that you can help!  These projects do not include hands-on contact with the animals in our care, but they are ALL very important aspects of helping animals in need.

Work together to make a difference directly at the shelter.  Gather a group of friends or co-workers who can work on a one-time project or sign up to do it yearly! We have opportunities that require an application prior to you donating your time and others where you can gather a group on your own and deliver the results of your efforts to us after you are done having fun!

Independant Group Projects (no group application required) 

• Build weatherproof benches for resting with dogs.  We can never have too many of these!

• Make cat beds.  Please use the following links only.  If you have other ideas, please check with us first to see if we can use them here at the shelter. 

No Sew Cat Bed - Click here for instructions

• Make buckets of Laundry Detergent for our mounds of laundry!  Click here for recipe

• Create your own donation drive.  Use our wish list: http://www.giveshelter.org/our-wish-list.html

• Recycle aluminum cans.  Collect soda or pop tabs and donate them to DCHS.

• Have a coin drive, with benefits going to DCHS.

• Have a sale and donate the proceeds to DCHS.  Bake sale, garage sale, craft sale, you name it!

• Volunteer food for the holidays.  Supply food and beverages for volunteers and staff who spend their holidays at DCHS caring for our critters. Check with Patty Zehl, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve a holiday.

• Volunteer food for the Mount Horeb Spay/Neuter Clinic.  Prepare homemade meals for approximately 15 volunteers who participate in our Spay Days.  Vegetarian options appreciated and family recipies preferred.  Check with Jennifer Pratt, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve a date. 

Guided Group Projects (group application IS required)

Once we receive your application we will review what upcoming opportunities are available.  A designated Dane County Humane Society representative will contact your group leader with the activities available.

Please apply at least one month prior to the date you are requesting to volunteer.  Keep in mind that not all dates will be available.

To apply for a group opportunity that would take place at DCHS fill out an online application at:

Download a Group Volunteer Application 245.93 Kb - it's now a writeable PDF!

• Seasonal trail and yard maintenance.  

Trails need over hanging tree foliage and bushes cut back so that there is a wide clearance for the dogs and volunteers walking them on the paths.  Trimming the foliage also improves long distance vision down the trails. 

Yards need weeds pulled from along fence line and the building to keep them in good condition and so we know where repair is needed before our escape artists do!  

*Note:  Volunteers need to bring their own tools click here for tool guide and the minimum age of the participant is 12 years old with adult guardian.