Join us as a volunteer to support our mission

"Helping People Help Animals"

There are a number of ways to get involved that require different time commitments, schedules, and focus. We look forward to working with you to find a volunteer role that matches your skills, interests, and schedule to our shelter's needs so that you can make a big difference in the lives of animals in need.

 We are currently recruiting for the following volunteer positions:

• Administrative Assistant (all areas)
• Adoption Counselors (one-year commitment required)
• Animal Medical Services (AMS) Assistant
• Animal Medical Services (AMS) Ringworm-Annex Assistant - CRITICAL NEED!
• Bathers and Groomer (2 years professional experience required)
• Building Maintenance & Grounds Assistant
• Canine Companion (late morning and afternoon shifts)
• Carestaff Assistant
• Companion Animal Foster Parent
• Critter Cuddler (Weekday a.m. shifts only at main shelter - Must be 18 years or older for a.m. shifts)
• Feline Friend - Main shelter, Adoption Center - West, Mounds Janesville (new - opening soon)
• Mt Horeb Clinic Maintenance Assistant - New position
• Mt Horeb Clinic Transport Assistant - New position
• Mt Horeb Clinic Spay/Neuter Assistant - New position (Wednesday shifts currently available)
• Reception Assistant - Accepting Applications Again
• Stable Hand (accepting applications, but not currently recruiting)
• West Adoption Center (Cats and smaller critters)
• Wildlife Caretaker - CRITICAL NEED!
• Wildlife Receptionist - weekends CRITICAL NEED!

Getting Started

Step 1: Submit a VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

Please review and consider the many volunteer opportunities that are available in the space above. Complete a volunteer application, and mail, fax , e-mail or drop it off at DCHS. We'll then compare your application with our available volunteer opportunities and if we find that your application matches our needs, we will invite you to a Volunteer Orientation. If a match is not made, we'll ask that you continue to review our website and reapply when our volunteer needs have changed.

Download a Volunteer Application - it's now a writeable PDF!  Print when complete, sign and initial page 2 before submitting.

Step 2: Attend a VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION for new volunteers.

At an orientation, you will be taken on a tour of the shelter to get an insider's look into the many efforts that go into animal care at Dane County Humane Society. You'll also learn more about our programs and policies so you can start your volunteer work equipped with the information you need to successfully contribute to our mission. 

At the end of the orientation, if you decide we are the right fit for you, we will collect a $20 volunteer fee for each individual who will be volunteering with us, which includes both adult and youth volunteers.  The $20 fee is for administrative processing and materials/supplies necessary for your orientation and training as a volunteer at DCHS.  This fee helps to ensure that the vast majority of our funding is spent directly on animal welfare. You will receive an I.D. name badge, an official DCHS volunteer t-shirt, a DCHS folder for your orientation, and role-specific training packets.  The packets include DCHS staff contact information and shelter hours for your reference. Financial hardship scholarships may be available on a case-by-case basis.  In addition, if you would like to become a new DCHS member for an additional $35 you will receive $5 off of the volunteer fee – only $50 for your volunteer materials and a DCHS membership! (We are unable to offer a scholarship for or reduction of membership fees). 

Step 3: Attend TRAINING for your volunteer position.

You will meet with a designated staff member or volunteer who will train you in your new role and finalize your volunteer schedule.

After these three steps are completed, you're ready to volunteer! Please be aware that this process can take up to a month, depending on timing, position desired and other factors, so we appreciate your patience and hope that your commitment to volunteering remains strong. Thank you for your interest in becoming part of our volunteer team!

Group Opportunities

All potential groups must submit a completed application and speak with a designated Dane County Humane Society representative regarding available volunteer opportunities prior to placement. We may also ask that all volunteers participate in position specific training as a part of their work experience. If your group or organization supports our mission, and is able to put forth the time to be trained, we encourage you to complete the following application. The information submitted on this form will help us to find the most satisfying, rewarding, and appropriate position for you and your group.

Please click on the following link to visit our 'Group Volunteer Opportunities' page.

Youth Opportunities

The minimum age to volunteer at Dane County Humane Society is 8 years old. Any volunteer under the age of 18 needs a parent or guardian's permission to volunteer at the shelter or at any of our satellite locations.

All youth ages 8 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all training sessions. Volunteers aged 13 to 15 may volunteer for certain Critter Cuddler shifts at the main shelter on their own; teens ages 16 and 17 have additional opportunities to volunteer solo. 

Please click on the following link to visit our 'Youth Volunteer Opportunities' page.