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BE THERE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Volunteer with Anderson Humane

Give your time and talents to help animals, support people, care for wildlife and build a stronger, more compassionate community.

Life as a volunteer

Experience Volunteering at Anderson Humane

Hear from the people who show up for animals every day.

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Anderson Humane’s Volunteer Program is supported by

Before you register

Volunteer roles are for ages 16+. All opportunities require a $35 membership fee and Virtual Safety & Protocols training. Animal care roles ask for a commitment of at least six months.

VOLUNTEER WITH US
Dog Care
Cat Care
Wildlife
Shelter Support
Clinic Support
Social Media
School Service
At-Home Projects
Other Ways to Help

Volunteer Login

Dog Care

Help shelter dogs feel their best through walks, socialization and basic manners practice. Your time reduces stress and helps them prepare for loving homes.

Commitment: At least 40 hours over 6 months, with weekly or every-other-week shifts.
Locations: South Elgin or Bloomingdale Petco.

Cat Care

Help shelter cats feel comfortable and cared for through feeding, cleaning, socialization, dishes and laundry. Your care provides comfort and enrichment while they wait for loving homes.

Commitment: At least 40 hours over 6 months, with weekly or every-other-week shifts.
Locations: South Elgin, Bloomingdale Petco, Algonquin Petco or Geneva Petco.

Wildlife

Applications are currently closed. Check back for opportunities next season.

Support injured and orphaned wildlife through cleaning, feeding, laundry and general care. Your help supports their recovery and return to the wild. Volunteers must be comfortable around a variety of native species.

Commitment: At least 8 hours per month throughout the April–October season.
Location: Elburn Forest Preserve

Shelter Support

Keep daily operations running smoothly through adoption events, dog feeding, dishes, laundry and short-distance animal transports. This flexible role lets you lend a hand where it’s needed most.

Commitment: At least 2 shifts per month and 15 hours over 3 months.
Locations: South Elgin, Bloomingdale Petco, St. Charles Office or Elburn Forest Preserve.

Not eligible for court-ordered service hours. For traffic offenses, apply through our Court-Ordered Community Service program.

Clinic Support

Currently full. Check back for future opportunities.

Support our veterinary team with surgical prep and recovery, vaccines, administrative tasks, cleaning and laundry. Your help keeps animals comfortable and cared for.

Requirements: Age 18+ and Fear Free Certification.
Commitment: At least 4–6-hour shifts weekly for 3 months.
Location: South Elgin Clinic.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm, plus occasional Saturdays.

Social Media

Bring our animals’ stories to life through photos, videos and short-form social content featuring adoptable pets, events and campaigns. Visit the shelter weekly to capture content for Marketing team review and approval before posting.

Requirements: Fear Free Training; additional Animal Care Training may be needed.
Commitment: At least 40 hours over 6 months, with weekly or every-other-week shifts.
Location: Primarily South Elgin, with occasional opportunities at other sites.

School Service Hours

Earn your school service hours while helping animals at Anderson Humane. Choose a role that fits your interests and schedule.

Cat Care

Help with feeding, cleaning, socializing, dishes, and laundry.

40 hours in 6 months · 6 hours/month minimum

Dog Care

Walk and socialize shelter dogs and help reinforce basic manners.

40 hours in 6 months · 6 hours/month minimum

Shelter Support

Help at events and with feeding, dishes, laundry, and other shelter tasks.

25 hours in 6 months · 4 hours/month minimum

All roles follow the attendance policy and require a school service agreement signed by a parent and teacher.

At-Home Projects

Help animals on your own schedule with projects you can complete at home. A great option for anyone under 16 or unable to volunteer in person. Drop off finished items in South Elgin or Bloomingdale.

Explore projects

Other Ways to Volunteer

Anderson Humane foster volunteer with an animal

Open your home

Fostering

Give an animal a safe place to land while they prepare for their next chapter. Foster dogs, cats, kittens, or small animals for a short stay or a longer stretch.

Pick up: South Elgin

Explore fostering

Healing Paws volunteer team visiting with children and a dog

Volunteer with your pet

Healing Paws Comfort Animal

Bring comfort and connection to people across the community with your pet. Volunteer teams visit schools, libraries, care facilities, and local organizations.

Where: Kane County · Preferred: 2 hours/month

Explore Healing Paws