Volunteer
Why Become a Volunteer
By choosing to volunteer with us, you:
- Help change animal lives and support shelter operations every day.
- Gain valuable skills and experience that enrich your personal and professional growth.
- Strengthen your connection to your community and fellow animal lovers.
- Take part in a fulfilling experience that promotes well-being, joy, and purpose.
Everyone can make a difference—your heart and willingness to help are all it takes to start changing lives.
How to Become a Volunteer
1
Submit Your Interest Form
Fill out our Interest Form to get started and tell us what inspires you to serve.
2
Connect with Our Volunteer Team
Once we receive your form, a member of our team will respond to discuss opportunities that match your skills and schedule.
3
Attend Orientation and Training
Orientation is completed online and specific to your interests. Training will be provided onsite to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
4
Start Making a Difference
Sign up for volunteer experiences that fit your availability— most opportunities are available Monday through Sunday.
One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
Not everyone can commit to a recurring schedule, and we welcome that too. Our One-Time Volunteer Opportunities allow you to step in and help when it works best for you.
( *People between 14 and 18 can only volunteer with a parent or guardian.)
Keep Them Fed
Keep Them Warm
Come prepare bags of straw that will shield dogs and cats from the elements this winter. Available December through March.
Give Them Love
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” -Elizabeth Andrew
Home Deliveries Volunteer Program
Deliver care. Remove barriers. Keep pets with the families who love them.
Group Volunteering
Program
Serve together. Strengthen teamwork. Create impact for animals.
Community Service Opportunities
Complete your community service hours while helping animals and families in need at Michigan Humane. Volunteers can assist with shelter support, pet food distribution, community events, and more. Flexible opportunities are available to fit different schedules and service hour requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Volunteer?
There are many benefits to volunteering for Michigan Humane. By volunteering with us, you will:
- Help change animal lives.
- Assist the shelter staff by lending a hand and spreading the message of responsible pet guardianship and animal protection.
- Help Michigan Humane save and earn money: Volunteer time is worth $19.51 an hour, and logging your volunteer hours helps us attain grant money.
- Gain skills and expertise: Employers and college admissions personnel look favorably on time spent in volunteer service.
- Help yourself! Volunteering makes you healthier and provides physical and mental rewards such as reducing stress. Feelings of optimism, joy, and having control over one’s fate strengthen the immune system!
Is there anything that I should consider before taking the next step to become a Volunteer?
Michigan Humane needs volunteers who are self-motivated, mature, sensitive, and dependable. In addition, below is a list of questions that you should ask yourself to make sure that volunteering is a good fit for you:
- Are you over the age of 18? (Alternately, volunteers ages 14-17 may be accompanied by an adult over 25 years old who is also a volunteer, and must perform the same tasks.)
- Do you have consistent, reliable transportation?
- Do you have the weekly availability to work at our shelters or off-site locations (usually 2-4 hour shifts) and/or availability to assist with at least 2 events a year?
- Are you able to make at least a 4-month commitment to volunteering for Michigan Humane?
- Do you have reliable access to the internet for obtaining information about volunteer positions, signing up for events, and logging your volunteer hours?
If you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, the Michigan Humane Volunteer Program may not be the best fit for you. Please feel free to call and discuss any of the above questions or your concerns further with the Volunteer Department.
Is there anything that children under the age of 14 can do to help the animals at Michigan Humane?
Absolutely! There are crafts that kids can make and donate to be used by our shelter animals, or ideas of how children can become involved in fundraising.
What volunteer roles are available?
We have all sorts of volunteer positions available, such as walking dogs, socializing cats, administrative assistants, wildlife volunteers, foster caregivers, photo team members, donations collectors, and special events volunteers. Most help working directly with animals requires a weekly commitment.
Why can’t I just come and play with the kittens or puppies?
All of our volunteer roles are structured so that the volunteer is doing something to either make the animal’s environment less stressful or helping to make the animal more adoptable. Of course there is some socialization and play involved in this, but there are other responsibilities as well such as teaching proper behaviors (no mouthing, jumping, etc.), or cleaning up any accidents that the animal might have. We also want volunteers to know- or be willing to learn- about basic animal body language and communication for their safety.
Are there any fees involved in volunteering for Michigan Humane?
We do provide a volunteer shirt at your initial training session, and more volunteer gear can be purchased through our volunteer portal.
What are my next steps to becoming a volunteer?
If you meet the requirements listed above, your next step is to apply online here