Volunteer at Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago
Anti-Cruelty has cared for animals in Chicago since 1899, and volunteers remain a major part of that work. More than 650 volunteers contribute over 50,000 hours each year, helping with animal care, adoption support, shelter projects, community programs and other work that keeps the organization running.
Anti-Cruelty’s main campus and adoption center are in River North. Volunteers can work directly with dogs and cats, help prospective adopters, contribute behind the scenes or participate through separate teen, family and group programs.
What Adult Volunteers Can Do
Adult volunteers can choose from several structured programs. Some focus on direct animal care and enrichment while others involve helping visitors meet animals and make adoption decisions.
Dog Care
Dog Care volunteers help provide grooming, socialization and additional attention for shelter dogs. Volunteers also learn positive-reinforcement techniques that can help dogs practice manners and basic life skills while they wait for adoption.
Dog Adopts
Dog Adopts volunteers help visitors meet available dogs, answer questions and support successful adoption matches. The role combines animal handling with direct interaction with prospective adopters.
Cat Care
Cat Care volunteers provide grooming, socialization and individual attention that can help reduce stress and support the well-being of cats in the adoption program.
Cat Adopts
Cat Adopts volunteers help visitors interact with available cats, answer questions and support the early stages of the adoption process.
Why Volunteer Time Matters
For an animal living in a shelter, individual attention can make a meaningful difference. Time spent walking, playing, grooming or simply interacting with a dog or cat gives that animal another positive experience with people and can make the shelter environment easier to manage.
Volunteer work also extends beyond direct animal care. People who help visitors meet pets, prepare enrichment, assist with projects or support programs give staff more capacity to focus on the animals and services that need them most.
Getting Started
How Adult Volunteer Onboarding Works
Regular on-site adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old. New volunteers begin by submitting an application and then attending an in-person orientation at Anti-Cruelty’s River North facility.
After orientation, volunteers complete two hours of CORE activities. CORE work can include laundry, courtyard duties or other tasks assigned according to current shelter needs. Once those hours are complete, volunteers become eligible for Level I program training such as Dog Care, Dog Adopts, Cat Care or Cat Adopts.
Anti-Cruelty currently charges a $20 orientation fee that covers a volunteer T-shirt and name badge. Financial assistance is available for volunteers who need it.
How Much Time Do Volunteers Commit?
Anti-Cruelty generally asks adult volunteers to participate at least once each month. Individual programs may have additional expectations, so volunteers should review the requirements for the role they want before committing.
The Level I animal program currently asks volunteers to contribute five hours per month for a one-year commitment. Volunteers schedule their shifts in advance and can train for additional programs after meeting the requirements for each role.
Ways to Help Beyond Animal Handling
Not every volunteer opportunity requires handling dogs or cats. Anti-Cruelty also uses volunteers for enrichment projects, shelter tasks, administrative assistance and other work that supports animals and staff behind the scenes.
Some projects can be completed from home, and separate opportunities are available for corporate teams, schools and community groups. Group activities vary according to current organizational needs and are arranged in advance.
For Younger Volunteers
Teen, Youth and Family Volunteer Programs
People under 18 do not use the regular adult volunteer program, but Anti-Cruelty offers several separate ways for young people and families to participate.
Teens Who Care gives teens ages 13–17 opportunities to help across different areas of the organization. Activities can include cleaning, enrichment construction, office assistance, special events, plant care and animal socialization while participants earn service hours and learn more about animal welfare.
Additional youth and family programs include shelter service projects, animal-related activities and opportunities that families can complete together. Age requirements vary by program.
Community Service and Group Volunteering
Anti-Cruelty may accept some court-ordered community service requests, although not every request can be accommodated. Court-mandated service is completed through non-animal-handling activities, and participants should contact the volunteer team before making plans.
Corporate teams, schools and other organized groups have a separate volunteer pathway. Projects depend on current needs, so groups should arrange their participation with Anti-Cruelty in advance.
Adult Volunteer Program
Apply to Volunteer at Anti-Cruelty
Adults who are ready to begin can submit Anti-Cruelty’s volunteer application online. After applying, volunteers receive information about orientation and the next steps in the onboarding and training process.
If you have questions before applying, call Anti-Cruelty at (312) 644-8338.
More About Anti-Cruelty
Help Animals at a Downtown Chicago Shelter
Whether you want to spend time caring for dogs, help people meet adoptable animals, contribute behind the scenes or participate through a youth or group program, Anti-Cruelty offers several ways to turn volunteer time into practical help.
Learn more about its adoption program, services and animals looking for homes on our Anti-Cruelty page.