Volunteer at CACC!

Together we can make a big difference in the lives of homeless animals.

About CACC:

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), the largest open admission animal shelter in Chicago and in the Midwest. Thousands of animals arrive at CACC each year. That is why we are always in need of dedicated volunteers like you.

We at CACC seek to provide an enriching and rewarding experience for volunteers. In assisting with Chicago’s neediest animals, volunteers work hands on with dogs, cats, and small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and more!) alike to provide exercise, mental and physical enrichment, matchmaking, networking, event planning, marketing and more. Volunteer opportunities at CACC may change depending on needs at the shelter.

Volunteer opportunities at CACC may change and evolve depending on the needs at the shelter. At your general orientation, you will be provided with a list of current opportunities.

Given your incredibly important role here, we believe you will find that as much as you give back your time and dedication to the animals, you will be given much more in return. 

CACC’s Mission Statement:

Chicago Animal Care and Control protects public safety and ensures the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education, and animal law enforcement.

General Volunteer Information:

No matter what your experience level is, you will have the opportunities to provide hands-on care for the animals at CACC as well as other ways to help including:

• Walk, socialize, and show dogs available for adoption
• Socialize, exercise, and show cats available for adoption
• Adoption counselling
• Off-site events (adoptions, vaccine and microchip clinics, etc.)
• Social media & marketing

Requirements to volunteer at CACC:

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Complete a fingerprint background check conducted by the City of Chicago
• Attend a CACC New Volunteer Information Session
• A minimum commitment of ten (10) hours per month but preferably one (1) day per week
  • Some volunteer opportunities may require weekly time commitments in order to participate
  • CACC reserves the right to limit the number of hours you volunteer at the facility and in some cases, we may be legally obligated to do so.
• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• We strongly suggest that you have a current tetanus shot (within the last five (5) years

Attend a New Volunteer Information Session: Interested candidates should plan to attend a Volunteer Information Session to:

• Learn how the shelter operates
• Review our volunteer opportunities
• Tour the shelter
• Receive information on how to complete the application process
• Information sessions are normally held in the auditorium at CACC but due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are currently hosting them virtually
• RSVP for the next CACC New Volunteer Information Session HERE!

Application Process:

• Attend a CACC New Volunteer Information Session
• Watch for an email with a link to the volunteer application and other required documents
• Fill out the application and any other required documents
• Watch for an email regarding the fingerprint background check information
• Complete the fingerprint process
• Watch for an email with information to set up a short interview
• Complete a short interview
• Watch for an email with details about registering in the volunteer database, training, and other opportunities you can do while waiting for your background check to be completed
• Complete training and learn about our programs via shadowing opportunities
• Watch for an email to confirm your clearance and a link to the City of Chicago's vaccination portal to upload your COVID-19 vaccination information
• Watch for an email about next steps to begin volunteering as an Active CACC Volunteer

We hope to see you volunteering at the shelter soon!