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Volunteering

Human volunteer smiling hugging a dogVolunteering at DuPage County Animal Services

DuPage County Animal Services welcomes volunteers who support our mission and desire to make a contribution to the welfare of animals in our community. Volunteers at Animal Services play a crucial role in helping to care for the animals, as well as provide enrichment, training, and socialization for the animals in our care. 

Group volunteer opportunities - Animal Services is not able to accommodate groups for one-time volunteer opportunities.

The majority of volunteer opportunities are Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00-4:30. 

Please review the requirements and open positions. Information on upcoming orientations can be found below the position listings. 

Requirements:

  • Volunteers must be 18 years old to volunteer on their own.
  • Children must be a minimum of 10 years old. Any children between the ages of 10-17 must volunteer with a parent or legal guardian.
  • Volunteers commit to a weekly time-slot.
  • Adult volunteers commit to 6 months of volunteering.
  • Children between the ages of 10-17 commit to 3 months of volunteering.
  • Volunteers must complete all required training prior to volunteering. 

Open Volunteer Positions

Special Events Volunteer
Seeking outgoing, social individuals with excellent communication skills to represent DCAS at special events out in the community. Special Event Volunteers answer questions about the shelter, play games and interact with community members, and assist staff with special activities. Being an outreach volunteer is a great way to get involved without committing to a set weekly schedule. No animal handling experience required! Volunteer must be able to follow instructions given by DCAS staff. Patience and a positive attitude are a must! 

  • Must be 18 and over
  • Scheduled as needed for events throughout the year
  • Special event volunteers will assist with setting up and breaking down display area, interacting with the public, and promoting a positive image of the shelter to the general public.
  • To learn more, contact the Education Team: 630-407-2808 or email laura.winnie@dupagecounty.gov

Clean Freak
Clean and sanitized items are essential to maintaining the health and well-being of the animals in our care. Volunteers was and sanitize dishes, litter boxes, toys/enrichment items and carriers.

  • Saturdays 10 AM - alternating weeks

Rabbit Pen Cleaning
Seeking individuals with prior rabbit handling experience to clean rabbit pens. This is a weekly position and includes cleaning rabbit pens/cages, as well as providing fresh hay, pellets and daily greens. Volunteers will have direct contact with shelter rabbits. A basic understanding of rabbit handling, body language and behavior is required. 

  • Saturdays 8 AM

Orange Paw Dog Volunteer
Experienced Medium-Large Dog Handling Volunteers help staff increase adoptability and sociability, reduce anxiety, work through moderate behavior issues, implement moderate behavior modification, and provide calming enrichment activities. Staff may not have formally evaluated Orange Paw dogs yet, but have determined the dogs do not have any severe behavior issues or safety concerns. Orange Paw Volunteers should be comfortable handling large dogs. 

  • Must be 18 and over
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Orange Paw Dog Volunteers are required to have one of the following credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDTKA), Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPACTP), Canine Training Center (CTC) or Animal Behavior College (ABCDT) OR 2+yrs of volunteer experience in an open admission shelter.

Volunteer Orientation and Onboarding
If you are available for one of the above positions, please email the appropriate volunteer coordinator by clicking one of the following links: 

DCAS continues to welcome new foster volunteers. More information on becoming a foster volunteer

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