We rely heavily on hundreds of hard-working volunteers to help the Dubuque Regional Humane Society (DRHS) to continue our efforts as a no-kill humane society committed to rescuing, supporting, educating and advocating for our companion animal friends!

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We would love for you to join our team. If you are 16 years or older, you can become a DRHS volunteer. If you are 12-15 years old or an individual over 16 years old who don’t meet independent volunteering criteria – you can still get involved! Just make sure to have a DRHS adult volunteer with you at all times.

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Check out the numerous ways you can get involved,  then fill out our application form to get started.

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PLEASE NOTE: Our community service program is completely separate from our volunteer program. If you are needing to complete community service hours, please call us at 563.582.6766.

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• Shelter Crew - New Volunteers complete 3 ‘Shelter Crew’ hours before becoming eligible to socialize animals. Shelter Crew volunteers assist our team with general building care and maintenance, kennel care, and ensuring healthy conditions for our animals. Volunteers may also aid in greeting all guests of the shelter and assist at the front desk.
   

• Office Administration - Help staff organize the Volunteer Lounge, put together acknowledgment letters, create informational materials for potential adopters, scan documents, enter data, and more.
   

• Green Team - Help keep the landscaping that surrounds the shelter looking beautiful by trimming or caring for greenery and keeping the grounds clear of waste.
   

• Trained Handler - Once 3 'Shelter Crew' hours have been completed, volunteers become eligible for additional handling training. The handler certification will allow volunteers to begin their service as Trained Handlers, giving adoptable animals individualized attention while out on a walk, in a visitation room, or outside in the play yard. Additional training sessions for bathing/grooming, morning walk crew, and photography are also available.
   

• Foster - Assist in the rehabilitation of an animal by providing a clean, safe, and loving environment in order to prepare them for adoption. 
   

• Humane Education- Under the supervision of the Outreach and Humane Education Coordinator, assist in educating the community about the importance of animal responsibility and safety at an area school or during Kids & Critters Summer Camp.
   

• Community Adoption/Information Event - Raise awareness of the DRHS and its services while helping our adoptable animals find a forever home.
   

• Special Events - Help the DRHS organize the ‘Birthday Bash’ and ‘Tails at Twilight’ annual fundraisers.
   

 

Join us for new volunteer orientation at the DRHS:​​

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• Thursday, June 8, 4:30-6:00pm

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To register for any of these orientation dates, please sign up on the portal once finishing your application.

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