Volunteer at Animal House Shelter

Giving a few hours of your time can make the wait for a home safer, healthier and a little more comfortable for the animals at Animal House Shelter. Volunteers help dogs get outside, enjoy individual attention and build positive experiences with people while shelter staff focus on the many animals who need daily care.

Animal House Shelter is located in Huntley, Illinois near I-90. Volunteers are needed at the shelter seven days a week, and there are also ways to help with events, transportation, fundraising and projects that can be completed outside the facility.

Help Animals Feel Seen and Cared For

Shelter life can be busy, especially for a dog who is used to a home or still learning to trust new people. A walk, a bath or a quiet visit with a volunteer can give that dog a welcome break and help more of their personality come through.

Volunteers may walk and socialize dogs, help with grooming or spend one-on-one time teaching simple skills and offering companionship. That attention does more than brighten a dog’s day. It can also give the shelter useful insight into the dog’s personality, interests and comfort level around people.

• Walk and socialize dogs
• Bathe and groom animals
• Spend individual time helping animals become more comfortable
• Assist with animal transportation and veterinary appointments
• Help with adoption events and shelter fundraisers
• Support donation pickups, administrative work and shelter projects

More Ways to Use Your Time and Skills

Not every volunteer role involves walking dogs. Animal House Shelter also needs people who can help with marketing, social media, photography, animal biographies, fundraising, donation drives, newsletters and community outreach.

People with maintenance or construction experience may be able to assist with painting, gardening, fence repairs and other facility projects. Volunteers can also help prepare adoption materials, organize supplies or support annual events such as Pawfest and Dash for the Dogs.

Groups from businesses, schools, scouts and community organizations may also be able to arrange volunteer projects with the shelter. Animal House Shelter asks groups to contact the organization ahead of time so an appropriate activity can be planned.

What to Know Before Volunteering

Volunteers age 16 and older may participate independently. Anyone younger than 18 must bring a parent-signed waiver each day they volunteer, while children under 16 must remain with a parent. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for working with animals, cleaning and spending time outdoors.

Volunteer shifts are available throughout the week. Because schedules and current needs may change, volunteers should use Animal House Shelter’s official sign-up system before arriving.

Animal House Shelter can also provide community service opportunities. Anyone completing court-ordered service should contact the shelter first because additional conditions may apply.

Make a Difference at Animal House Shelter

There is no single perfect way to volunteer. Some people feel most useful walking dogs, while others would rather help at an event, transport an animal or put a professional skill to work. Each role contributes to the same goal: giving homeless animals better care and a stronger chance of finding families of their own.

Learn more about the shelter, its adoption work and current dogs on our Animal House Shelter page.