Help All Shelter Guests

There are a number of ways that volunteers help animals through administrative projects, foster care and more. Each volunteer role helps the Wisconsin Humane Society save more lives by reaching further into the community. Consider one of the following volunteer opportunities:

Foster Care
Volunteer as a Foster Parent for dogs or cats in your home! Foster animals may be too young for adoption, may be recovering from an illness or minor injury, or may need behavioral training. This position involves working with the WHS Veterinary Department and requires a desire to nurture and train animals. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care for more information!

P.A.W.S.~ Public Arrivals Welcoming Service
Be the first friendly face our clients see when they come into the building! PAWS Volunteers help direct clients to appropriate areas, answer questions and more. This is a great way to meet new people! Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, friendly, outgoing and professional. This position has the greatest need on evenings and weekends. A commitment of at least two hours per week for a minimum of six months is required.

Animal Antics Retail Store
Volunteers assist clients with the purchase of appropriate items for their newly adopted companions! Volunteers perform cash handling, stock merchandise, clean and more. Prior retail experience is helpful, but is not required. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and possess excellent communication skills and dependability. Animal Antics volunteers report to the Retail Store Supervisor. A commitment of two hours or more per week for a minimum of six months is required. The store is open during regular adoption hours.

Adoption Teammate
As an Adoption Teammate volunteer, you will assist our adoption counseling department by working with adopters to finalize the adoption process. Teammates will work with clients to explain the adoption packet, process signed contracts and agreements, and release animals to their new families. Teammates may also assist in greeting visitors to the facility and basic administrative duties of the Adoption Counseling department. Shifts for this position are three hours in length and the greatest need is on evenings and weekends. The minimum age requirement is 18 years and older.

Canisters for Change
Rustle up pocket change for the Wisconsin Humane Society by taking responsibility for placing and collecting money from WHS canisters at your favorite neighborhood stop! Permission is sought from business owners for placing a canister at your chosen location and arrangements are then made regarding how often the money will be collected. This program collects thousands of dollars for the animals every year. Spare change can go a long way!

Special Events
Special Event Volunteers assist with local festivals, trade shows, radio and TV spots and more. Volunteers should be comfortable and poised with public speaking. This position requires a neat appearance and knowledge of the Wisconsin Humane Society mission along with a sincere willingness to learn. Positions are flexible and vary with events.

Visiting Companion
Share something very special, the love of your dog or cat, with individuals who can no longer have pets of their own. Visiting Companions make regular visits with their own pets to area nursing homes, group homes, and other facilities. This position requires a dedicated volunteer willing to make a long-term commitment. The residents eagerly anticipate every visit! All animals must be current on vaccinations and license. All dogs must pass a Canine Good Citizen test at WHS or be Therapy Dog International Certified. Cats must pass a Cat Evaluation at WHS. The minimum age requirement is 18 years old.

If you are interested in helping all of the shelter guests at the Wisconsin Humane Society, you can begin by submitting an online volunteer application.