Dane County Humane Society has many opportunities for our diverse volunteer base.  The majority of our need is regularly scheduled weekly shifts.  For those that can not make a regular commitment, we still have ways that you can help!

Gather a group of friends or co-workers who can work on a one-time project or sign up to do it yearly!  Check out the list of opportunities below and then submit a group application.  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.

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!

Group Ideas:        

Work together to make a difference directly at the shelter.

• Volunteer fuel for our Spay & Neuter Clinics.  Prepare homemade meals (check with us to reserve a lunch date) for approximately 15 volunteers who participate in our Spay Days.  Vegetarian options appreciated and family recipes preferred.

• Volunteer fuel for the holidays.  Supply food and beverages for volunteers and staff who spend their holidays at DCHS caring for our critters.

• Make cat or dog beds. (check with us for size and ideas)

• Make dog toys or cat toys. (check with us first to see which ones we recommend and can use here at the shelter).

• Make buckets of Laundry Detergent for our mounds of laundry!  We can provide the instructions and you can learn a handy way to make your own laundry detergent too! 

• 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 done the trails.  Yards need weeds pulled from along fence line and the building.

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

Independant fund raising - for general DCHS needs, target programs or specific items. 

• 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!

• Purchase gift cards from our online store.  DCHS receives 10-25% from the purchase of the card.  Give more bang for your buck?  Donate the card to DCHS! http://www.giveshelter.org/shop.html?vmcchk=1

Examples of targets programs:

• Help Me Heal Fund: http://www.giveshelter.org/help-me-heal-fund.html

• Sponsor an adoptable animal on our website: https://secure.giveshelter.org/sitemgr/sponsor

• F.I.T. Campaign:  funding our Felines in Treatment center - a nationally-recognized dermatophyte treatment center: http://www.giveshelter.org/felines-in-treatment-center.html

• Feline Friends Fund:  help us provide lifesaving donations directly to the homeless cats at DCHS. https://secure.giveshelter.org/sitemgr/feline_friends_funds

• Second Chances Fund: DCHS is partnering with Thompson Correctional Center to provide training and socialization skills to dogs needing a second chance: http://www.giveshelter.org/second-chances.html

Examples of specific needs:

• Bulk food bins  (Contact us for details)