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Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Humane Society of Sheboygan County!

Our volunteers are essential to everything we do. From caring for animals and keeping their spaces clean to supporting events, community outreach, marketing, and administrative projects, volunteers help make our mission possible every day.

Whether you’re looking to work directly with animals or prefer behind-the-scenes opportunities, there’s a place for you on our team.

Interested in Fostering?

Our Foster Program now operates separately from our Volunteer Program. Foster families provide temporary homes for animals who need extra care, recovery time, or a break from the shelter environment.

All supplies are provided, and even a short-term foster stay can make a life-changing difference.

Visit our dedicated Foster Program page to learn more.

Joining Our Volunteer Team


To help us match volunteers with current shelter needs, most volunteer opportunities have their own application and training process. Applications may be opened or closed throughout the year based on program needs, volunteer capacity, and shelter priorities.

Before applying, we encourage you to review the available volunteer opportunities and choose the role that best fits your interests, schedule, and availability.

Volunteer Expectations

To remain active in the volunteer program, volunteers are expected to:

  • Commit to at least 4 hours per month on a consistent basis.
  • Have reliable access to email for volunteer communications.
  • Follow shelter policies, procedures, and training guidelines.
  • Accurately log volunteer hours and scheduled shifts through our volunteer management system.
Please note: Volunteers who do not log any volunteer hours for three consecutive months may be moved to inactive status. Inactive volunteers are welcome to return after completing any required refresher training.
Age Requirements

Volunteer opportunities have different age requirements depending on the responsibilities involved.

  • Ages 13–15 may volunteer alongside a parent or guardian volunteer.
  • Ages 16–17 may volunteer independently in approved positions with parental consent.
  • Ages 18+ may volunteer independently in all eligible positions.
Training & Cross-Training

All volunteers receive training specific to the role they apply for. Most positions also require Essential Training before volunteers may begin serving independently.

Once volunteers have completed training and become established in their initial role, they are eligible to cross-train in additional volunteer opportunities if they meet the age, training, and program requirements for those positions.

Ready to Get Started?

Browse the volunteer opportunities below and apply for the role that interests you most. If you’re not sure where to begin, our General Volunteer Application is a great place to start. We look forward to welcoming you to the HSSC volunteer team!

Ages 13–15: Please do not complete the individual volunteer applications below. All volunteers ages 13–15 must apply through the Youth Volunteer Application, regardless of the volunteer role they are interested in. Parent/guardian information is collected within the same application, and youth volunteers must volunteer alongside their parent or guardian at all times.

Apply Now:

Help maintain a clean, healthy environment for the cats in our care. Volunteers clean litter boxes, refresh food and water, replace bedding and enrichment items, and monitor cats for potential health concerns. This role plays a critical part in the daily care and wellbeing of shelter cats.

Requirements:

  • Age 16+
  • Completion of Essential Training
  • Completion of Cat Cage Cleaning Training
  • Ability to commit to a regularly scheduled shift

Availability:

  • Sunday–Monday: 8:30–11:30 AM
  • Applications may only be available when additional volunteers are needed

Apply Here: Cat Cage Cleaning Volunteer Application

Care for adoptable cats at our PetSmart Adoption Centers in Sheboygan Falls and Grafton. Volunteers clean enclosures, provide food and water, monitor animal well-being, and help cats receive enrichment and socialization while they await adoption. In addition, volunteers at our PetSmart locations are trained in adoption processes.

Requirements:

  • Ages 13–15 with a parent/guardian volunteer (youth application needed)
  • Ages 18+ may volunteer independently
  • Completion of PetSmart Caregiver Training
  • Reliable transportation

Availability:

  • Varies by location and current adoption center needs

Apply Here: PetSmart Caregiver Volunteer Application

Individuals seeking volunteer hours for school, scholarships, court-ordered service, or other requirements must apply through the Community Service Volunteer Program.

Requirements:

  • Application approval required
  • Supervisor or agency contact information required
  • Hours are not guaranteed

Availability:

  • Scheduled based on shelter needs and available projects
  • Advance notice is strongly recommended

Apply Here: Community Service Volunteer Application

Young animal lovers can volunteer alongside a parent or guardian while gaining hands-on experience supporting shelter operations and animal care activities.

Requirements:

  • Ages 13–15
  • Parent or guardian must also complete the volunteer process (same application)
  • Parent/guardian and youth volunteer must attend training and volunteer together

Availability:

  • Varies by approved volunteer role

Apply Here: Youth Volunteer Application

Interested in helping but not sure where you fit best? Our General Volunteer Application covers a variety of important shelter support roles, including:

  • Shelter Upkeep & Laundry
  • Small Animal Enclosure Care
  • Small Animal Socialization
  • Office Support
  • Marketing Support
  • Community Events
  • Youth Programs
  • Grounds & Facilities Support

Requirements:

  • Age requirements vary by opportunity
  • Some positions require additional role-specific training
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 4 hours per month

Availability:

  • Opportunities are scheduled based on shelter needs and volunteer availability

Apply Here: General Volunteer Application

Help cats feel comfortable, confident, and adoption-ready through positive interaction and enrichment. Volunteers spend one-on-one time with cats through petting, brushing, playing, and other activities that help reduce stress and showcase each cat’s unique personality.

Requirements:

  • Age 16+
  • Completion of Essential Training
  • Completion of Cat Socialization Training

Availability:

  • Wednesday–Sunday: 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
  • Monday–Tuesday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Apply Here: Cat Cuddling Volunteer Application

Provide exercise, enrichment, training reinforcement, and companionship for shelter dogs. Volunteers help dogs build confidence and develop positive behaviors while they wait for adoption.

Requirements:

  • Ages 13–15 with a parent/guardian volunteer
  • Ages 16+ may volunteer independently
  • Completion of Essential Training
  • Completion of Dog Walking & Socialization Training

Availability:

  • Sunday–Monday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Apply Here: Dog Walking & Socialization Volunteer Application

Help keep our dogs comfortable by maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming kennel spaces. Volunteers assist with cleaning kennels, replacing bedding and toys, sanitizing dishes, and maintaining outdoor kennel areas.

Requirements:

  • Ages 13–15 with a parent/guardian volunteer
  • Ages 16+ may volunteer independently
  • Completion of Essential Training
  • Completion of Dog Kennel Cleaning Training

Availability:

  • Sunday–Monday: 8:30–10:30 AM
  • Additional shifts may be available based on shelter needs

Apply Here: Dog Kennel Cleaning Volunteer Application

Looking for a meaningful experience for your workplace, organization, school, scout troop, youth group, or family? HSSC offers group volunteer opportunities that combine service, education, and team building while supporting animals in need.

Group activities may include shelter upkeep projects, grounds work, donation projects, enrichment preparation, educational experiences, and other hands-on service opportunities based on current shelter needs.

Requirements:

  • Advance scheduling is required.
  • Group activities are assigned based on shelter needs and staff availability.
  • Animal socialization is generally not included in group volunteer experiences.
Adult Groups (18+)

For businesses, community organizations, clubs, and other adult groups.

On-Site Program Request: Adult Groups (18+)

Youth & Family Groups

For schools, scout troops, youth organizations, homeschool groups, and family groups.

On-Site Program Request: Youth/Family Programs

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Pre-Surgery Instructions
  • Cats/dogs over 4 months old: Do NOT feed after 10:00pm the night before surgery (limited water intake is OK) no food or water the day of surgery.
  • Kittens/puppies under 4 months old: DO NOT withhold food or water prior to surgery.
  • Dogs must arrive with a collar and on leash (no retractable leashes). Cats and rabbits must be in a carrier.
  • Pets must be dropped off between 8:00am – 8:30am the day of surgery at the Admissions Department. (South side of the building near garage, door is labeled)
Important Notices

*The Following animals and conditions are excluded from the SNAP program:

  • Any animal that is actively showing signs of illness
  • Any animal that is revealed to have a health condition during their pre-surgery exam (example: heart murmur)
  • Any animal over 7 years of age
  • Any animal that is deemed to be obese
  • Any animal weighing over 100lbs or under 2lbs
  • Any female that has given birth within the previous 6 weeks
  • Animals that are too fearful or aggressive to be handled safely.

 

  • We will spay female animals that are “in heat” at the time of surgery, but they are at a higher surgical risk for bleeding during surgery and post-operatively. It is strongly recommended that you reschedule the surgery for 4-6 weeks post-cycle.
  • SNAP is not a feral or barn cat program. If you have feral or barn cats to be spayed or neutered, please utilize a TNR / Return to Field application.
  • ALL FEES MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE. HSSC accepts cash and credit/debit cards only – NO personal checks. If you do not show up for your appointment at the scheduled time, you will forfeit the fees you paid. In the case of a shelter emergency, severe weather, or staff illness, we reserve the right to reschedule your appointment.
  • You MUST drop off and pick up your pet at the times scheduled. Your appointment will be cancelled if you do not drop off your pet during the allotted time. Boarding fees will be charged if you do not pick up your pet on time.
  • City of Sheboygan residents: You are required, by law to have your dog or cat licensed with the city. If your pet is not currently licensed, HSSC can assist you with licensure for an additional cost.
  • Applicants must supply all vaccination records for their pet, including licensing information, if current prior to service.
  • Our on-staff veterinarian performs the SNAP surgeries. No other surgical or medical services other than what is listed will be provided under the SNAP program. For follow-up preventive care or for services other than spay/neuter, please contact your primary veterinarian.
  • Animals brought in for surgery that have fleas will be charged $12.00 for flea treatment, plus an additional $12.00 for every other SNAP animal also on the schedule that day.
  • All spays/neuters will have a small tattoo placed near their incision to mark that they have been sterilized.
  • You are welcome to call to check up on your pet, but visits are not allowed.
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