Anderson Animal Shelter could not provide such outstanding care for its animals without the help of its dedicated volunteer force. AAS volunteers are involved in almost all aspects of the shelter - providing hands-on care to the shelter animals and helping to keep the shelter clean, participating in events and fundraisers, and even fostering animals in their own homes. Our extensive volunteer program enables individuals or groups to become involved in helping the shelter according to their own personal interests and talents. The Junior Volunteer program, for teens age 13-17, and the Adult Volunteer program for ages 18+ offer individuals the opportunity to work on behalf of the shelter’s animals to make a positive impact in our community.  Through the shelter’s Kids N Kritters Programs children 9-12 can also work on behalf of the animals we serve.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, just complete these four simple steps:

1. Submit a Volunteer Application. You can get the application at the shelter, or download it here:  

2. Read through the Volunteer Handbook (available at the shelter)

3. Register for and attend a Volunteer Orientation (to register for your orientation, call 847-697-2880, ext. 51)

4. Complete your first hour of service/training with an approved Volunteer Mentor.

Dog Walking and Cat Socialization

Do you think dogs are divine? Do you fancy felines? If you like working one-on-one with companion animals, then our Dog Walking or Cat Socialization programs may be for you. The shelter can be a stressful environment for animals, and one of the best ways to ease their stress is to give them love, attention, and praise.

Dog walking volunteers work one-on-one with dogs and puppies, taking them outside for exercise and training, and giving them all the love they need to thrive in the unusual atmosphere. The Shelter can be a noisy and stressful place for dogs that have been lost or given up by their owners. Interaction with people is their best therapy. The Dog Walking Program gives the dogs this essential quality time with people who care about them. Weekday dog walking hours are 7 am - 6 pm and Saturday hours are 8 am - 4 pm. Sunday hours are 8 am - 4 pm.  Dog walkers must be 16 years old or older.

Cat socialization volunteers perform a similar task, by holding, petting, and brushing the shelter’s hundreds of felines, allowing them to relax in the shelter and to understand that while there may be a number of strange smells and noises, Anderson Animal Shelter is a place that they can find love and attention.  The Cat Socialization Program allows volunteers to interact with Kitty Country and Kitty City cats to help alleviate the animal's stress, thereby enabling the cat to become more friendly and calm when approached by a potential adopter.  Weekday socialization hours are between 7 am and 6 pm. Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 am to 4 pm.  Cat socializers must be 13 years old or older.


Fundraising and Events Volunteering

It costs in excess of $1 million dollars to provide care to the shelter’s animals each and every year. Through events and fundraisers, AAS is able to raise awareness in the community of the crisis of pet overpopulation in Kane County. Fundraisers are also critical to the financial stability of the organization, and ensure that the animals in our care will be safe for years to come. In addition to a number of small events and fundraisers, the shelter participates in Tag Days events twice per year, the week-long Swedish Days Festival in Geneva, Illinois, and the Annual Dinner and Auction.

Clinics

Volunteers help out during the week at AAS’s low-cost spay/neuter clinic and on the second Saturday of each month at the low cost Vaccination Clinic.  If you have an interest in helping out with the medical component of Anderson Animal Shelter, consider volunteering for clinics.  To volunteer at a clinic you must be 16 years old or older.

In-House Care

In addition to the direct care and attention that volunteers give to animals, they also have the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of shelter animals through helping with our in-house activities.  Animals need a lot more than friendly pats on the head and walks outdoors – they also need a clean environment, plenty of food and fresh water, and a well-groomed coat.  Volunteers can help to provide shelter animals with all of these things.  Our Kennel Staff has a morning routine of cleaning and feeding that lasts all day long.  Volunteers are always invited to help out with this routine:  cages often need to be “spot cleaned” in the afternoons, runs need to be mopped out, newspaper lining needs to be changed, fresh water needs to be poured, etc.  From time to time the animals will also need to be given a bath.  In-House Care volunteers must be 13 years old or older.
 

Questions? Call Anna Friedman at 847-697-2880, or email afriedman@andersonanimalshelter.org.