Volunteer: ONLINE Cat Adoption TrainingLearn how to introduce CACC cats to potential adopters. This hour-long workshop will give you information and tips on determining which cats would be the best match for adopters and how to convey the information that they will need for their new cat. We will review the guidebook and answer questions. The link to the online TEAMS meeting will be sent out the day before the event. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Learn how to introduce CACC cats to potential adopters. This hour-long workshop will give you information and tips on determining which cats would be the best match for adopters and how to convey the information that they will need for their new cat. We will review the guidebook and answer questions. The link to the online TEAMS meeting will be sent out the day before the event. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Corporate/Community Volunteer Days 2026Visiting volunteer groups from companies and the community help promote awareness and support of CACC, Safe Humane and the animals we love! We usually need some help with dog handling, IKE and cat TLC. Feb 16 Heartland Animal Shelter Feb 20 Exelon/ComEd Feb 25 Tilden High School (CPS- Seniors) Feb 26 DoorDash Mar 5 Revantage Mar 10 Chicago Academy High School (CPS- Seniors) Mar 20 Exelon/ComEd Apr 17 Exelon/ComEd May 12 Manley HS (CPS- Sophomores) May 15 Exelon/ComEd Jun 19 Exelon/ComEd Jul 17 Exelon/ComEd Aug 21 Exelon/ComEd Sep 18 Exelon/ComEd Oct 16 Exelon/ComEd Nov 20 Exelon/ComEd Dec 18 Exelon/ComEd Program: Safe Humane Chicago Visiting volunteer groups from companies and the community help promote awareness and support of CACC, Safe Humane and the animals we love! We usually need some help with dog handling, IKE and cat TLC. Feb 16 Heartland Animal Shelter Feb 20 Exelon/ComEd Feb 25 Tilden High School (CPS- Seniors) Feb 26 DoorDash Mar 5 Revantage Mar 10 Chicago Academy High School (CPS- Seniors) Mar 20 Exelon/ComEd Apr 17 Exelon/ComEd May 12 Manley HS (CPS- Sophomores) May 15 Exelon/ComEd Jun 19 Exelon/ComEd Jul 17 Exelon/ComEd Aug 21 Exelon/ComEd Sep 18 Exelon/ComEd Oct 16 Exelon/ComEd Nov 20 Exelon/ComEd Dec 18 Exelon/ComEd Program: Safe Humane Chicago Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Offsite Adoption Event at the OEMC (Office of Emergency Management & COmmunications)Tuesday, March. 10th. 11:00 - 3:00. OEMC adoption event in the lobby of their office. Location: 1411 W. Madison Ave. We hope to bring four CACC dogs by van to the event taking place in their lobby and will need eight volunteers. All volunteers can meet the staff and dogs at the OEMC but you will need to find your own parking. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Tuesday, March. 10th. 11:00 - 3:00. OEMC adoption event in the lobby of their office. Location: 1411 W. Madison Ave. We hope to bring four CACC dogs by van to the event taking place in their lobby and will need eight volunteers. All volunteers can meet the staff and dogs at the OEMC but you will need to find your own parking. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On Mar 10, 2026 Zip Code: 60607 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Introduction to Dog Walking 2026Start the process to become an approved dog volunteer by attending an Introduction to Dog Walking class! Please note that any volunteer attending this seminar must have: Completed (and passed) the fingerprint and background check portion of the process Completed a short survey if the CACC Volunteer Team Uploaded proof of COVID vaccination to the City of Chicago Vaccine PortalThese classes are held IN PERSON in the CACC Auditorium 2741 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
Questions? Email caccvolunteer@cityofchicago.org Program: New Volunteer in Process Start the process to become an approved dog volunteer by attending an Introduction to Dog Walking class! Please note that any volunteer attending this seminar must have: Completed (and passed) the fingerprint and background check portion of the process Completed a short survey if the CACC Volunteer Team Uploaded proof of COVID vaccination to the City of Chicago Vaccine PortalThese classes are held IN PERSON in the CACC Auditorium 2741 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
Questions? Email caccvolunteer@cityofchicago.org Program: New Volunteer in Process Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Safe Humane Sunday AM ClassesThere is a Safe Humane class every Sunday at 10am, alternating between Manners Class and Canine Life and Social Skills. The signup links (previously separate) are now merged and the schedule of classes is detailed below. All current walkers welcome...no other experience necessary. SAFE HUMANE MANNERS - every other Sunday: 1/4/26, 1/18/25, 2/1/26, 2/15/26, 3/1/26, 3/16/26, 3/30/26, etc. Work with dogs on their social skills, give them a chance to de-stress and/or engage with puzzles or other enrichment. We provide a list of dogs OR you can spend some extended quality time with dogs you choose. SAFE HUMANE CANINE LIFE AND SOCIAL SKILLS (C.L.A.S.S.) - every other Sunday: 12/28/26, 1/11/26, 1/25/26, 2/8/26, 2/22/26, 3/8/26, 3/22/26, etc. Work in a fun group atmosphere before walking hours begin. Work with dogs on basic training and skills, tailored to individual dogs' needs, with the guidance of a Safe Humane trainer. We provide a list of dogs or you can suggest others who may benefit. Program: Safe Humane Chicago There is a Safe Humane class every Sunday at 10am, alternating between Manners Class and Canine Life and Social Skills. The signup links (previously separate) are now merged and the schedule of classes is detailed below. All current walkers welcome...no other experience necessary. SAFE HUMANE MANNERS - every other Sunday: 1/4/26, 1/18/25, 2/1/26, 2/15/26, 3/1/26, 3/16/26, 3/30/26, etc. Work with dogs on their social skills, give them a chance to de-stress and/or engage with puzzles or other enrichment. We provide a list of dogs OR you can spend some extended quality time with dogs you choose. SAFE HUMANE CANINE LIFE AND SOCIAL SKILLS (C.L.A.S.S.) - every other Sunday: 12/28/26, 1/11/26, 1/25/26, 2/8/26, 2/22/26, 3/8/26, 3/22/26, etc. Work in a fun group atmosphere before walking hours begin. Work with dogs on basic training and skills, tailored to individual dogs' needs, with the guidance of a Safe Humane trainer. We provide a list of dogs or you can suggest others who may benefit. Program: Safe Humane Chicago Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: IKE Group with Safe HumaneWe are restarting Safe Humane's popular IKE program! Thursday evening IKE Group sessions will include dogs (and sometimes cats) and will focus on easy and impactful activities like Click for Calm and TLC, along with other forms of enrichment that can help provide positive social and mental engagement for animals in their kennels. There is no experience necessary and this program is open to all active volunteers, as well as volunteers who are in-process. Program: Safe Humane Chicago We are restarting Safe Humane's popular IKE program! Thursday evening IKE Group sessions will include dogs (and sometimes cats) and will focus on easy and impactful activities like Click for Calm and TLC, along with other forms of enrichment that can help provide positive social and mental engagement for animals in their kennels. There is no experience necessary and this program is open to all active volunteers, as well as volunteers who are in-process. Program: Safe Humane Chicago Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Playgroups 2026Help with playgroups by running dogs back and forth from pavilions. Dog experience is necessary. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Help with playgroups by running dogs back and forth from pavilions. Dog experience is necessary. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Agility and Nose work Sessions 2026Get some of our most stressed out dogs a challenging physical and mental workout! This is one of the most effective ways to help our neediest dogs maintain their sanity and get some needed physical and mental exercise - so they can find the homes they deserve! P.S. No experience is necessary. If this is your first time, you can shadow one of our more experienced agility volunteers who have already trained with Kristina. Meet Agility Squad Volunteer Lead, Ed Wang, near the back door in the south hallway at 9:55 to get paired up with an agility volunteer mentor. Thanks! Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Get some of our most stressed out dogs a challenging physical and mental workout! This is one of the most effective ways to help our neediest dogs maintain their sanity and get some needed physical and mental exercise - so they can find the homes they deserve! P.S. No experience is necessary. If this is your first time, you can shadow one of our more experienced agility volunteers who have already trained with Kristina. Meet Agility Squad Volunteer Lead, Ed Wang, near the back door in the south hallway at 9:55 to get paired up with an agility volunteer mentor. Thanks! Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Friends and Family IKE EventOnce every six weeks, active dog or cat volunteers may bring friends and family to participate in an afternoon of In-Kennel Enrichment (IKE) with dogs...and cats, if you'd like. What is IKE? We provide positive social experience and mental enrichment (clicker training) to the dogs (and/or cats!) in their kennels. We also do whatever we can to make each animal’s kennel environment as pleasant as it can be (spot clean, rinse and freshen water bowls, provide clean blankets, etc). The impact of providing quality interaction and engagement in the kennel is enormous, especially when their experiences outside the kennel are limited. Safe Humane will provide the supplies and guidance for you to enjoy this activity with your guests. Safe Humane will contact each of you directly to get a guest count and provide you with the necessary waivers for them. Program: Safe Humane Chicago Once every six weeks, active dog or cat volunteers may bring friends and family to participate in an afternoon of In-Kennel Enrichment (IKE) with dogs...and cats, if you'd like. What is IKE? We provide positive social experience and mental enrichment (clicker training) to the dogs (and/or cats!) in their kennels. We also do whatever we can to make each animal’s kennel environment as pleasant as it can be (spot clean, rinse and freshen water bowls, provide clean blankets, etc). The impact of providing quality interaction and engagement in the kennel is enormous, especially when their experiences outside the kennel are limited. Safe Humane will provide the supplies and guidance for you to enjoy this activity with your guests. Safe Humane will contact each of you directly to get a guest count and provide you with the necessary waivers for them. Program: Safe Humane Chicago Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60637 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dog In Kennel Enrichment - 2026Spend time with the dogs in the pavilions giving them a little TLC through the bars. You can distribute Kongs, do a little click for calm, spot clean, give treats, etc. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Spend time with the dogs in the pavilions giving them a little TLC through the bars. You can distribute Kongs, do a little click for calm, spot clean, give treats, etc. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Saturday Morning Pavilion Outing - 2026Dog walking shift prior to the shelter opening where the dogs get extended time out. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Dog walking shift prior to the shelter opening where the dogs get extended time out. Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: New Dog Volunteer Mentor Sessions - 2026Mentor Session for New Dog Volunteers that have completed an New Volunteer Information Session, have been fingerprinted and prints have cleared, have completed an interview with CACC Staff, and have completed an Introduction to Dog Walking Session.
Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Mentor Session for New Dog Volunteers that have completed an New Volunteer Information Session, have been fingerprinted and prints have cleared, have completed an interview with CACC Staff, and have completed an Introduction to Dog Walking Session.
Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: New Cat Volunteer Mentor Sessions - 2026Mentor Session for New Cat Volunteers that have completed an New Volunteer Information Session, have been fingerprinted and prints have cleared, and have completed an interview with CACC Staff.
Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Mentor Session for New Cat Volunteers that have completed an New Volunteer Information Session, have been fingerprinted and prints have cleared, and have completed an interview with CACC Staff.
Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Sorting deliveries and donations - administrative helpThe CACC Community Services Representative, Sarah needs 2 or 3 interested volunteers who could help out with some of the following tasks one or two hours per week (perhaps coming in early before a dog walking shift around 11a.) - Sorting through deliveries and incoming/outgoing donations at the shelter - Helping to maintain, inventory and organize the Chicago Animal Care Helpful Essentials (CACHE) storage container in the north parking lot. - Meeting donors at the door to help collect their items when needed. , Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control The CACC Community Services Representative, Sarah needs 2 or 3 interested volunteers who could help out with some of the following tasks one or two hours per week (perhaps coming in early before a dog walking shift around 11a.) - Sorting through deliveries and incoming/outgoing donations at the shelter - Helping to maintain, inventory and organize the Chicago Animal Care Helpful Essentials (CACHE) storage container in the north parking lot. - Meeting donors at the door to help collect their items when needed. , Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Cat TLC and Enrichment - 2026Volunteers are able to sign up for all cat opportunities daily - an overview of the shifts is listed below! Daily 12:00 - 3:00 pm 3:00 - 5:00 pm 5:00 - 7:00 pm Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Volunteers are able to sign up for all cat opportunities daily - an overview of the shifts is listed below! Daily 12:00 - 3:00 pm 3:00 - 5:00 pm 5:00 - 7:00 pm Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dog Walking Shifts - 2026Daily dog walking shifts: 12:00pm - 3:00pm (8 shifts) 2:00pm - 5:00pm (8 shifts) 4:00pm - 6:00pm (8 shifts) 4:00pm - 7:00pm (8 shifts) 5:00pm - 7:00pm (10 shifts) **12:00pm - 4:00pm on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day** Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Daily dog walking shifts: 12:00pm - 3:00pm (8 shifts) 2:00pm - 5:00pm (8 shifts) 4:00pm - 6:00pm (8 shifts) 4:00pm - 7:00pm (8 shifts) 5:00pm - 7:00pm (10 shifts) **12:00pm - 4:00pm on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day** Program: Chicago Animal Care & Control Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: CACC New Volunteer Information Sessions
Make a big difference in the life of a homeless animal. Become a CACC volunteer!
**THESE MEETINGS TAKE PLACE LIVE AT THE SHELTER, LOCATED AT 2741 S. WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO 60608.
We are often asked how to best help the animals in our care - volunteering is one of the best ways, and we are so excited to be able to invite new people to the shelter again to help our amazing animals! Volunteers work to introduce families to pets who will treasure them for life; improve life at the shelter by providing enrichment, exercise, and TLC; prepare pets for their new homes through training and socialization; and inspire others to adopt, foster, volunteer, and donate. Volunteers go home knowing they made a difference in the life of a shelter animal and their new people. You can volunteer at the shelter between the hours of 12:00PM to 7:00PM almost any day of the year! 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 & marketingRequirements 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 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) yearsProgram: Become a CACC Volunteer!
Make a big difference in the life of a homeless animal. Become a CACC volunteer!
**THESE MEETINGS TAKE PLACE LIVE AT THE SHELTER, LOCATED AT 2741 S. WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO 60608.
We are often asked how to best help the animals in our care - volunteering is one of the best ways, and we are so excited to be able to invite new people to the shelter again to help our amazing animals! Volunteers work to introduce families to pets who will treasure them for life; improve life at the shelter by providing enrichment, exercise, and TLC; prepare pets for their new homes through training and socialization; and inspire others to adopt, foster, volunteer, and donate. Volunteers go home knowing they made a difference in the life of a shelter animal and their new people. You can volunteer at the shelter between the hours of 12:00PM to 7:00PM almost any day of the year! 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 & marketingRequirements 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 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) yearsProgram: Become a CACC Volunteer! Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 60608 Allow Groups: No |