Volunteer Now
The Hinsdale Humane Society has a very active volunteer group that is vital to shelter operations, and we invite you to join it. All parties interested in volunteering must attend our orientation program, including the children and adults that will be volunteering together. There is a $25 application fee if you decide to join our team.

Our next volunteer orientation meeting will be held Monday, September 13th.

Our scheduled orientations start promptly at 7:00 pm and last until approximately 8:00 pm. At the meeting, we will review the various volunteer positions available, answer any questions and have you fill out a volunteer application, if you are interested in joining our group of dedicated volunteers. The meetings will be held at the Hinsdale Youth Center which is the building directly south of the Humane Society. The entrance to the Youth Center is on the west side of the building.

Volunteers, between the ages of 12 to 15, must be accompanied by an adult, who will volunteer with them and may only work with the cats. Young adults, aged 16 or 17, can volunteer by themselves, with their parent's permission, to work with cats and some of our dogs. Volunteers 18 and older may participate in any of our programs without limitations.

If you have any questions, please email one of the volunteer coordinators: Laura Donohue or Mary Grayson, or leave a message at 630.323.5630 ext 7. Read on to learn about our volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Dog Walking
You can take a hike - with the shelter dogs. They love the exercise and companionship, and of course, a happy dog is a healthy dog. You do them a world of good, and if you include a nice brushing session that's a plus, too! Our Advanced Dog Handlers offer special training to dogs that need extra work to bring out their potential.

Cat Socializing
Our fabulous felines love the attention they get from our socializers! You can brush, play with, cuddle, cajole, and pamper our bewhiskered buddies to your heart's content.

Reception
Our friendly volunteers help greet the public in person and on the telephone on weekends and Tuesdays. It's a way to sit at the shelter's nerve center - and really make a difference in helping animals find new homes!

Pet Therapy
We offer two Pet Therapy programs:
Our Pet-a-Pet program is simply volunteers and their own staff-approved pets visiting with residents of the area's nursing homes and retirement communities. Implemented in 1982, the program has grown to include 20 facilities. These regularly scheduled weekday visits bring residents more than just a temporary respite from the routine of institutional living. On numerous occasions, staff and volunteers have been amazed to witness communication breakthroughs facilitated by visiting animals.

Our second program, P.A.L.S. is newer, started in 2006. In this program, volunteers and their own Delta-certified dogs visit schools and libraries where children read to them. Children, who may be intimidated learning to read around people, relax and can really make progress working with an animal. For more information on these programs, go to HHS Pet a Pet Therapy Programs

Foster Care
Each year we receive animals that are too young to be placed for adoption, pregnant cats or dogs, sick or injured animals, and adult dogs in need of socializing or acclimation to a home environment. The temporary, but so important, care and attention that you would give our homeless animals will enable them to eventually find new forever homes. This is a great way, too, to experience the fun of caring for animals without the 15 to 20 year commitment of ownership!

Special Events & Fund Raising
Help with fun-filled events like Pet Walk. We need lots of man (and woman) power for these events and it's a great way to meet the best people - animal lovers! We also are always looking for help publicizing our shelter's good works and great animals.

Humane Education
Do you have a background in teaching or simply love working with kids? Our Humane Educator could use your help when visiting schools, conducting our popular summer camp, and giving shelter tours.

Website/Computer
Calling all geeks! We update the adoptable pets on our website one or more times a week. These photos are so important - often people see a pet online and come in specifically for that animal. We also need help updating our databases from time to time.

Vet Transportation
Take a one-way trip to a local veterinarian with adopted animals for spay or neuter surgery. Driving our shelter van or your own vehicle, if you prefer, you pick them up at the shelter and drop them off at the veterinary clinic. Pretty simple and very helpful! Trips are usually scheduled for early morning.

Food Pantry Deliveries
Deliver pet foods and supplies to the local food pantry for those who need a little extra help in providing for a pet, that otherwise they couldn’t keep.

Gardening
We like to keep our shelter looking good outside as well as inside, so if gardening is your special passion we can sure use your help! Simple weeding, planting, and watering needs are ongoing.

Custom
Design your own volunteer opportunity. Do you have a special talent, such as photography or art? Tell us about it and we may be able to put it to good use.