Volunteers


Join Our Community of Caring! Volunteer at The Anti-Cruelty Society.

The Anti-Cruelty Society has provided shelter and medical care for thousands of animals since 1899. Volunteers make our success possible by helping in our shelter and veterinary clinic and with special events. If you love animals, you will be volunteering at the right place!

Volunteer at Anti-CrueltySteps to becoming an Anti-Cruelty Society volunteer:

  1. Register for an upcoming new volunteer orientation. Orientations are held in our Education & Training Center, 169 W. Grand Avenue on a monthly basis. Orientations fill up quickly, and we do not have a waitlist at this time. Please be patient as you await an opening.
  2. After attending the Volunteer Orientation you will be provided with a unique log-in to access our Online Training Curriculum.  This training can be done on your own time from home. Individuals without access to the internet  may complete this portion of their training from the shelter.
  3.  After attending orientation and completing the Online Training, the volunteer attends an In-Shelter Training session for their specific program. These in-depth sessions are led by our experienced Volunteer Trainers who show the day to day procedures of volunteering.

Please contact the Volunteer Services Coordinator, Lydia Krupinski, with any questions you may have, by e-mail at lkrupinski@anticruelty.org, or by phone at (312) 644.8338, ext. 330.

Requirements to Volunteer

  1. Must be at least 18 years of age. (If you are under 18 years of age, click here for information about volunteering opportunities for students.)

  2. Volunteer at least 5 hours per month and remain active for 1 year.

  3. Complete all orientation and training.
  4. Purchase volunteer t-shirt ($13). 
  5. Have an infectious enthusiasm to share your passion for animals.

Volunteer Benefits:

  • Spending time with animals who need love and attention
  • Continuing education lectures by staff members and field experts
  • Career experience
  • Meet other animal lovers
  • Seasonal parties and gatherings
  • 10% discount in The Anti-Cruelty Society Boutique on all merchandise.
  • Discount on training classes.

Volunteer Programs:

  • Busy Fingers
    This sewing circle was created by a small group of volunteers to make fleece beds for cats in the adoption room. Production has grown to also include dog bandannas for adoption room canines and covers for cat carriers used in the Spay/Neuter Clinic. No previous handcraft experience is necessary to participate in the workshops. Tasks include machine sewing, obtaining and cutting fabric, assembly, trimming, finishing and marking.
  • VolunteerCat Adopts
    Assist cats with their adoption and placement into loving homes. Help handle and interact with cats, answer visitors questions, help with adoption applications, and provide cats with as much love as possible while they are residing at The Society.
  • Cat Socialization
    Experienced Cat Adoption volunteers provide additional care, love and human interaction to our feline friends, in effort to help alleviate their stress and maintain their health and sociability while at The Society.
  • Clean & Preen
    By helping to bathe, groom and play with the animals, volunteers can keep the dogs and cats healthy, happy, clean and smelling nice.
  • Dog Adopts
    Provide care to our canine companions. Walk, handle and play with the dogs, answer questions from visitors, assist with adoption applications and help place the dogs into good homes in the community.
  • Foster Parenting
    Provide a loving home to an animal that is too young or sick to be adopted immediately and allow them the opportunity to become strong and healthy and then be available for adoption. Note: It is not necessary to attend a volunteer orientation to foster.
  • Finishing School 
    Experienced volunteers work with our dog population to alleviate the stress and boredom that they feel in the shelter. Dogs then have a better chance of being adopted as a result of their polite behavior. Volunteers learn tricks and techniques from the Animal Behavior and Training (AB&T) staff.
  • Pet Finder
    Promote the adoption of The Anti-Cruelty Society's dogs and cats via the petfinder.com web site by taking photos of animals and writing bios for animals available for adoption.
  • Pet VisitationPet Visitation
    Volunteers and their dogs visit with an organization in the community such as a retirement or children’s foster home and share their dog’s love and affection with others. All dogs must be Canine Good Citizen Certified to participate.
  • Physical Exam
    Working in the clinic, volunteers assist veterinarians as they conduct physical exams of animals, prior to their approval for adoption.
  • Surgical Recovery
    Experienced volunteers assist with the post surgical recovery in the spay/neuter clinic.

  • SAFE Program
    The Short Term Accommodations for Emergencies (SAFE) Program offer crisis foster care for families and individuals experiencing temporary emergency or crisis situations such as house fires, domestic violence, surgery or medical treatment.

  • Special Events
    Throughout the year The Anti-Cruelty Society sponsors and participates in events all around the Chicago area including Bark in the Park, It’s Raining Cats & Dogs, Dog Wash, off-site adoption events, and other community events. We rely on volunteers to help plan, implement, an staff these events.