Volunteer

Whether you can spare a few hours per week or work on a few projects throughout the year, the animals at WSHS can use your help!

The West Suburban Humane Society would not exist without the dedicated efforts of our volunteer staff. We depend on them to help with the care, feeding, and transportation of animals; temporary care of puppies, kittens and injured; clerical work; obedience training; humane education; fundraising and promotion.

All new volunteers must first attend a Volunteer Orientation session.  Saturday orientations start at 9:00 am, Wednesday orientations start at 7:00 pm and Sunday orientations start at 4:00 pm.  All orientations will last approximately 1 hour.  Registation is not required for your attendance.  Our next orientations are:

March 1st, 9th and 19th ♦ April 6th and 26th ♦ May 7th, 18th and 31st  

After orientation, you'll receive hands on training in the area of your choice, meet with the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your availability, and then begin your shift! We have many openings throughout the day, seven days a week.

WSHS requires all volunteers to be 16 years of age, however, volunteers between the ages of 12 and 16 may work a shift if accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

The process of becoming a new volunteer can take a few weeks, so please download a Volunteer Application form and call (630) 960-9600, ext. 45 today!

What type of volunteer work would you like to do?

Adoption Center Volunteer

Responsible for the care and feeding of animals, light cleaning, and help adopters choose their pet.

Animal Transporting

Daytime transportation of dogs and cats between the adoption center and area vet offices.

Building Maintenance

Maintenance of kennel buildings and grounds. Ranges from lawn work to painting to carpentry.

Fundraising

Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising efforts and events.

Humane Education Program

Demonstrate responsible pet ownership to school children and community groups.

Temporary Care

Care of a cat or dog that is not quite ready for adoption due to age, convalescence, obedience or overcrowding.