Becoming a WHS Volunteer

The Wisconsin Humane Society has several volunteer opportunities available and a variety of ways you can make a difference in the lives of animals!  Our program consists of three different areas: the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Companion Animal Program, and General Opportunities that help all animals. 

Our Companion Animal Program gives individuals the opportunity to work hands-on with our cats, dogs, rabbits and other small animals.  This program is based on a level system. All volunteers start at Level I and remain at this level for five weeks. The Level I phase allows volunteers time to become comfortable with our facility and staff while assisting with various cleaning and maintenance duties. 

After completing the first five weeks and receiving the appropriate Level II training, volunteers can then become a Dog Walker, Dog Bather, Animal Care Assistant, or Cat or Rabbit Socializer. This is the point where the hands-on animal care begins.

From there, volunteers interested in becoming "experts" can advance to Level III to assist in the Vet Services Department or socialize with cats and dogs who need additional support prior to being adopted. Advancement throughout the volunteer program is based upon additional training that ensures the volunteer is ready for greater responsibility in handling animals.

In addition to the hands-on opportunities, we have several other exciting opportunities. This includes being a foster parent, working in the Animal Antics retail store, greeting the public, visiting nursing homes and other community centers with a certified animal, or collecting money from canisters located at local businesses. There are also a number of positions in the Wildlife Center including Wildlife Animal Care, Wildlife Rescue, Telephone Counseling and Orphan Bird Care.

Volunteers are a valuable part of the lifesaving work being done every day at the Wisconsin Humane Society! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, fill out the online volunteer application. If you have questions, email or call our Volunteer Coordinator, at (414) 431-6103.