Volunteer Program | Capital Humane Society

General volunteer program (available to 13 years of age or older)

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 (listed below)
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: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 1x a month. All sessions take place at Pieloch Pet Adoption Center 6500 S 70th St.

Upcoming sessions: 10/21/26 6-7:30pm-FULL, 11/18/26 6-7:30pm-FULL, 12/19/26 11-12:30pm-FULL

♦Click here to be notified when 2027 sessions are announced♦

Step 2: Submit An Application

At orientation you will receive a link to submit an 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 you will receive a link to schedule an onboarding phone call so we can discuss all volunteer opportunities available to you, set up a first day/training schedule, and answer questions. 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! 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.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES OF CHS VOLUNTEERS

To serve as a volunteer safely and effectively at Capital Humane Society, individuals need to possess the following basic physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.

Essential Capabilities for all roles:

Must not have strong allergies to animals or to chemicals, such as those used in cleaning
Ability to deal with strong and unpleasant odors and various temperatures
Ability to cope with a very loud environment.
No known concerns about tolerating exposure to zoonotic diseases such as ringworm
Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions and procedures
High level reading and communication skills (example: understand words such as ‘quarantine’)
Possess problem-solving capability
Ability to receive, incorporate and sustain instruction and feedback
Ability to cope with a highly emotionally charged environment and in the presence of animals who are homeless, abandoned, injured and/or abused.
Ability to understand Capital Humane Society’s policies and positions regarding companion animals, animal control, and other key animal welfare issues and an ability and willingness to appropriately and accurately represent those policies when interacting with the public or otherwise representing CHS