Get Involved

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS 13 YEARS OF AGE OF OLDER:

• An active email address is required
• Volunteers between 13-15 years old must have a parent or guardian present at all times
• Volunteers must meet the Essential Capabilities of Volunteers requirements
• Volunteers agree to a minimum of 4 service hours per month for a minimum of 3 months (some positions require more)
• Volunteers agree to assist with general cleaning duties as needed
• Volunteers cannot have a documented history of neglect or abuse towards animals
• Volunteers must demonstrate behavior that aligns with CHS's Workplace Culture Agreement

Step 1: Click to attend a New Volunteer Orientation Session

At orientation you'll get a chance to learn about the history and mission of Capital Humane Society as well as the programs and services we offer to the community.  We cover information regarding volunteer positions available, what to expect from the training process, and additional ways you can support the people and pets of our community.  The presentation is followed by a tour of the facility as well as a Q&A session.  Orientations are limited to 25 people, last between 80-90 minutes, and occur 2x a month. ***Starting in September 2024 orientations will move to 1x per month with a max capacity of 35 people****

Upcoming sessions: 6/15, 6/25, 7/14, 7/31, 8/18, 8/28, 9/29

Step 2: Submit An Application

After attending orientation you will receive a link to submit a formal application which will allow us to collect important demographic information, learn about your availability and the volunteer positions you are interested in so that we can match you to the ideal available opportunity! 

Step 3: Application Review & Onboarding Call

Once your application has been submitted it will be reviewed by our team to find the optimal opportunity available to you.  You will receive a follow up email with a link to schedule an onboarding phone call so we can discuss details of the position/s offered and set up a first day/training schedule.  This call will allow us to connect with you on a one-on-one level so that we can ensure your volunteer experience is as satisfying and beneficial as possible!  Applications are reviewed 2x a week, most applicants receive a follow up email within 5 business days of submission.  Onboarding calls typically last between 10-20 minutes.

Step 4: Training

Depending on the volunteer position you are matched with training may take place during one shift or over the course of several shifts.  Trainings may be facilitated by mentor volunteers or staff.  After 3 months of at least 4 hours of service per month, volunteers are able to cross train in other volunteer positions to allow them to help in a variety of capacities.

Click to view additional detail and an FAQ about the

Read To A Shelter Pet Program!!

QUALIFICATIONS FOR READ TO A SHELTER PET VOLUNTEERS (7-12 YEARS OF AGE)

• Parent or guardian is required to have an active email address

• Junior volunteers must be between 7-12 years of age
• All Junior Volunteers must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian at all times
• The adult to child ratio for Junior Volunteers must be 1:1 (one adult to one child)
• The parent/legal guardian is responsible for attending all required training with and/or on behalf of the Junior Volunteer
• The parent/legal guardian is responsible for following all policies and procedures, and ensuring the Junior Volunteer is following the rules set forth by the organization
• All volunteer onboarding, and paperwork, must be completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian of the Junior Volunteer.
• The parent/legal guardian must meet the Essential Capabilities of Volunteers requirements
• The parent/legal guardian cannot have a documented history of neglect or abuse towards animals
• The parent/legal guardian must successfully complete a Volunteer Release of Liability

Step 1: Click to attend the Read To A Shelter Pet Orientation Session

At orientation you'll get a chance to learn about the history and mission of Capital Humane Society as well as the programs and services we offer to the community.  We cover important information regarding the purpose of our "Read To Shelter Pet" program and the impact it can have for the kitties and kiddos of our community!  You'll receive training on how to sign up for shifts, where to find supplies during your time at the shelter, and all the "do's and don'ts" to ensure everyone stays safe while enriching the lives of the cats in our care.  The presentation is followed by a tour of the facility as well as a Q&A session.  Orientations are limited to 15 people, last 60 minutes, and occur 1x a month.

Step 2: Submit An Application & Complete All Paperwork

After attending orientation you will receive a link to submit a formal application which will allow us to collect important personal and demographic information as well as give you access to required waivers! 

Step 3: Sign Up For Shifts!

Once your application has been submitted it will be reviewed by our team and accepted.  You will receive a follow up email with a link to the Read To A Shelter Pet calendar.  Using this calendar you will be able to see the available shifts and sign up whenever works with your schedule!  There is no minimum time commitment, however, if you are inactive for longer than 6 months you will need to attend the orientation again before you are able to sign up for more shifts.

We are so grateful to have such a giving community that support our mission!

Each year we are able to provide a limited number of on-site group volunteer projects to business and clubs, primarily during the warmer months.

Groups typically help with outdoor projects at both of our facilities.  The projects include assisting us with landscaping/yard work, picking up trash around our dog walking trails, mulching our dog play yards, etc.

Groups who complete these projects are offered the opportunity to play with an animal selected by staff towards the end of their scheduled time but groups are not eligible for activities like dog walking or animal socializing due to the significant training that is required.

To request a group volunteer opportunity please click this link.  We are absolutely open to any suggestions or ideas from groups for other service activities they would like to provide to Capital Humane Society.  Please feel free to add these suggestions at the end of the form.

Volunteers 7-12 years of age are eligible to take part in our "Read to A Shelter Pet" program.  This program invites kids (and their parent/guardian) to practice their reading skills on our resident cats!  This enriches our feline's experience at the shelter and allows a safe way for younger kids to make an impact in animal welfare.

Volunteers 13-15 years of age with a parent/guardian are eligible to take part in our standard volunteer program.  There are a variety of volunteer roles to choose from.

Volunteers 16 years of age and up are eligible to volunteer independently.

Attend a new volunteer orientation.

Submit an application.

Complete a volunteer onboarding call to learn details about the opportunities available to you specifically based on your availability, interests, and experience.  Set up a first day and training schedule.

Train in your volunteer role.

We've decided to introduce an "orientation before application" onboarding approach because of our commitment to delivering an exceptional volunteer experience. Our aim is to ensure both our team members and animals receive the best support possible. While we acknowledge this might seem like a hurdle for some prospective volunteers, our priority is to foster a sense of mission and organizational connection before focusing on service specifics. Our trials with the orientation process have shown that volunteers who attend orientation beforehand feel more integrated with staff and peers, grasp their potential impact better, and generally have a more fulfilling experience. Our intent is to invest time in providing comprehensive education, training, and mentorship to all volunteers, ensuring their unique talents are utilized to the fullest and they feel fully supported in their volunteer endeavors.

Certain on-site volunteer roles, especially those that involve direct handling of the dogs, require a significant amount of training and therefore to be considered for these roles we ask for a commitment of at least 6 months of volunteer work with a dedicated weekly shift. Many of the other available on-site volunteer roles are more flexible and require a minimum commitment of at least 3 months of 4 hours of service.

After completing an orientation you will receive a link to submit an application and all job descriptions for available roles.  These job descriptions include time the time required commitment for each role. 

Yes, but there are some restrictions based on the offense.  Please visit our Required Community Service section on this page.

We are unable to accommodate one time volunteer opportunities for individuals.

We do offer one time group volunteer projects for local companies and clubs.  Please view the "on-site group projects" link above.

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to carry their own insurance. Volunteers are not covered by workers’ compensation nor insured by Capital Humane Society during the performance of their volunteer duties and tasks, including when driving a vehicle or transporting an animal. Volunteers are responsible for their own medical, liability, and auto insurance during their volunteer service.

Volunteers at our adoption center are typically at the shelter between the hours of 8AM-7PM Tuesday through Friday and 8AM-5PM on Saturday through Monday.

Volunteers at our intake center are typically at the shelter between the hours of 8AM-5PM Monday through Friday and 8AM-4PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Volunteers should plan to wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes (no sandals, flip-flops or slip-ons), long pants or jeans free from holes or tears, and a t-shirt that covers the shoulders, midsection and back. Volunteer attire must include a Capital Humane Society volunteer uniform shirt or an appropriate t-shirt accompanied by volunteer name tag, must be worn at all times while actively giving service to Capital Humane Society.

Volunteers who give service outdoors should plan appropriately for anticipated weather, including sunscreen, cooling cloths, jackets, coats, gloves, etc.

We are able to accommodate a limited number of job shadowing opportunities each school year.  Job shadow students observe and interact with our Animal Welfare staff as they complete direct care duties to the animal at the shelter including cleaning, feeding, medicating, facilities cleaning, etc.  Job shadowing often does not include direct interaction with animals.

For job shadow or work experience requests please call 4024414483.

Although we are unable to offer on-site volunteer opportunities for kids under 7 years of age, we always encourage interested individuals to consider hosting fundraisers and donation drives outside of the shelter environment as a great way to support the people and pets of Lincoln!

Please check out the "At home projects" link above for some fun and easy ideas or consider getting a group together for a Humane Education presentation where you can learn more about being a good advocate for all animals.

At this time the only volunteer opportunity that we are able to offer to kids 7-12 years of age is our Read To A Shelter Pet Program.  In the future we plan to developed additional volunteer roles for this age range!