Thank you for your interest in volunteering!
Dakin Humane Society is home to over 500 volunteers who make it possible to serve thousands of animals and their families every year. Volunteers can be found in all departments from hands-on work with shelter animals and foster care to duties in our administrative offices and events.
How do I become a Dakin volunteer?
Start here to review our essential volunteer capabilities. Most volunteer opportunities require volunteers to be 18 or older. A limited number of roles are available for volunteers ages 16–17.
We place volunteer team members depending on the specific needs of the program, the availability of positions, and the alignment of skills and qualifications of our candidates.
Please keep in mind that most opportunities require a weekly commitment on-site at Dakin in Springfield. Volunteer opportunities tend to increase during the warmer months, when more animals are in our care.
Due to the large amount of interest in our volunteer program, we are not able to place every applicant in a volunteer position. Volunteer placements are based on suitability for the specific shifts and roles, not on the order in which applications are received.
Volunteer Opportunities
Helping Cats
Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting cats by working alongside staff to create a safe and positive environment. They assist with daily care, enrichment activities, and cleaning practices that keep shelter cats healthy and comfortable. Volunteers also pay close attention to each cat’s well-being and offer extra care for those who need a little more patience and support. If you enjoy working hands-on with cats, are eager to learn, and have a solid understanding of cat body language, our volunteer opportunities helping cats may be right for you (purrs included).
Helping Dogs
Volunteers support Dakin dogs by working alongside staff to provide a safe, positive environment, helping with daily care, enrichment, and cleaning practices that keep dogs healthy and comfortable. Volunteers also pay extra attention to dogs who need a little more patience or support, and they help track progress along the way. If you enjoy working hands-on with dogs, are eager to learn, and have a solid foundation of dog body language, our volunteer opportunities helping dogs may be right for you (tail wags included).
Helping People
Dakin offers meaningful opportunities to support both animals and the people who love them. Volunteers help welcome visitors to Dakin, offering a warm presence and helping community members connect with the right resources. Volunteers may also assist with the daily operations of our clinics, providing support to help things run smoothly for staff, clients, and animals. Behind the scenes, volunteers lend a hand with administrative tasks that keep our daily operations moving. If you enjoy talking with people, staying organized, and making days a little easier for both animals and people, our volunteer opportunities helping clients may be the right match for you.
Seasonal volunteer opportunities
Volunteer opportunities at the shelter are available more frequently during the warmer months, when the number of animals coming in tends to rise. During this busy season, volunteers are especially needed to help with daily care, enrichment activities, and supporting staff with shelter operations. In the winter, animal intake usually slows down, which can mean fewer volunteer roles are available.
Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you will be contacted by email for any next steps.
Unable to commit to a specific schedule? You can still help!
Learn more about other ways to support Dakin.
More Ways to Get Involved
> Helping animals at home - becoming a Foster Caregiver
> Host a supply drive to collect needed items on our wish lists
> Create a DIY fundraiser to raise funds that support Dakin's programs