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!

[🔗 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