Volunteer Program

The Dubuque Regional Humane Society is always recruiting new volunteers to help with the care of the animals in our shelter, as well as to assist in providing our many services to the community. The volunteers also assist in our fundraising activities. Fundraising events, with vast volunteer support, have raised thousands of dollars to keep the Dubuque Regional Humane Society active and viable in the community. Orientations are held on the first Saturday of each month (second Saturday for February only) from 9:30 to 10:30 am, and on the third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.  Applications are available at the Volunteer Zone (click on the red paw print at the bottom of this page).

Click here for some Volunteer Photos!


PET EXERCISE & SOCIALIZATION Providing companionship to the shelter animals awaiting adoption. (Walking, brushing, combing, etc. - requires adult accompaniment for youth under 16 years old.)
NURSING HOME VISITS/PET THERAPY Providing pet visitation for confined children and adults in our community (i.e. retirement homes, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.)
BATHING/GROOMING Many times our staff needs assistance with bathing and grooming animals. Volunteers are welcome to assist with bathing and or grooming.
HEAD START DOG-IN-TRAINING PROGRAM Certified volunteer trainers help to increase the likelihood of adoption of good dogs who demonstrate behavior problems, by providing daily, individual, focused training sessions for each dog (student) in the program. Volunteers typically commit to 30-45 minutes per week for this program.
SPECIAL EVENTS & FUND-RAISERS
Assisting in activities to raise money for the Dubuque Regional Humane Society projects. Some activities include a spring garage sale (last Friday & Saturday in March), annual pledged dog walk "Grand Pet Excursion" (June), a fall dinner/auction event (September) and the annual Christmas appeal, along with other miscellaneous events throughout the year. Help is also needed occasionally for bulk mail preparation.

Want to become a volunteer? Click here to find out about more about upcoming events and how you can help!