Volunteer
let’s get started!
We’re so glad you’re interested in helping our animals! Please register using the button below to sign up for shifts through our volunteer website.
Note: Volunteers must be signed up in advance unless previously arranged. This ensures our staff knows who is coming and when — thank you!
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REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER by clicking here! ]
Dog Walking Volunteers
Love fresh air and four-legged friends? Dog walking might be the perfect way to give back.
What You’ll Do:
Walk 3–4 adoptable dogs per session (~2 hours)
Enjoy one-on-one time outdoors or in our indoor play areas
Receive some training on leash handling and walking protocols from CCR staff
Requirements:
Must be 18+ to walk dogs alone
Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian
Shelter Caregivers
Prefer helping behind the scenes? Our shelter team is always grateful for an extra pair of hands.
Tasks May Include:
Folding laundry
Washing dishes
Sweeping and mopping
Cleaning Kennels
The shelter can be noisy and a little smelly — but your help makes a big impact!
Doggy Day Out
Want to give a shelter dog a break from kennel life?
Join our Doggy Day Out program — take a pup on a short adventure for a few hours.
Ideas for Outings:
Grab a coffee
Go for a walk or hike
Relax in the park
These trips help dogs show off their personalities and improve their chances of adoption — outings make dogs 5× more likely to be adopted!
Our staff will choose the dog for your outing — we’ll match you with one who would benefit most from a break, based on the activity you have planned.
Please note: this isn’t always a family-friendly activity, as not all dogs are comfortable around children. If you plan to bring young kids along, please email us ahead of time so we can make sure it’s a good fit.
Photos and videos from your day out go a long way in helping them find their forever home.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Click below to get started. Whether you’re walking dogs, folding towels, or snapping pup selfies in the park — you’re making a real difference.
Community Service Volunteers
We are more than happy to accommodate volunteers looking to fulfill hours for court ordered or school-appointed community service. Please email our Volunteer Coordinator at donnalee@chicagocaninerescue.org with the details and hour requirements prior to signing up for a shift.
Volunteer Groups
Volunteer opportunities are available for groups of up to 10 people. Large groups will primarily be responsible for carrying out in-shelter custodial tasks, and staff members may assign special projects to be completed. Group volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator at donnalee@chicagocaninerescue.org

