Volunteer
Please register for a time slot below. Unless previously arranged for a special reason, we do require that you are signed up in order to volunteer – this ensures our staff knows who is coming in to help out and when! We love our volunteers at Chicago Canine Rescue so we want to make volunteering easy – no obligations to fulfil specific hours, just sign up for your desired shifts and show up!
Dog Walking Volunteers:
Volunteer walkers are the primary lifeline to the outside world for the dogs in our care at CCR. So much of what we do day-to-day is only possible due to the generosity of community members who offer their time to ensure our dogs receive adequate levels of exercise and enrichment.
Typically, when walking for CCR for the first time we’ll ask about your experience and pair you with a dog that fits your comfort level.
Volunteers typically walk 3 to 4 dogs per session (for about 2 hours total), but this can vary depending on outstanding factors such as weather and the number of available dogs. We often have dogs available for 1-on-1 indoor playtime as well.
Volunteers must adhere to the walking protocol as laid out by CCR staff upon arrival to volunteer shifts.
Must be at least 18+ years of age, unless accompanied by an adult.
In Shelter Volunteers:
There’s hardly a dull moment at CCR and the kennel staff is always on their feet to ensure not only that the dogs are receiving necessary care, but that the facility itself is properly maintained. It can be difficult for the staff to balance everything that needs to be done each day, so we rely heavily on volunteers to assist with some of the basic cleaning and maintenance of the facility.
When volunteering inside the shelter you’ll be responsible for cleaning and folding laundry, dishes, sweeping/mopping, and other custodial tasks as requested by CCR staff. We try to keep the grossest chores limited to the staff, but please be aware that the shelter environment is inherently loud and smelly!
Must be at least 18+ years of age, unless accompanied by an adult.
Event Volunteer
Are you looking for opportunities to get more puppy cuddles in your life? Maybe you feel like spending your Friday night on a roof top enjoying good company or maybe you love planning! Regardless of why you’re getting involved in events, we have a job for you! Email Nicole at nicole@chicagocaninerescue.org for specific inquiries and if you’re already all in, sign up for offsite events through our volunteer page on Galaxy!
Volunteer Waiver:
All volunteers need to complete a waiver before coming in! Complete the form here! and link it to our volunteer waiver like it is above in the description on this tab!
Community Service Volunteers
We are more than happy to accommodate volunteers looking to fulfill hours for court ordered or school-appointed community service. Please email our Shelter Manager at abby@chicagocaninerescue.org with the details and hour requirements prior to signing up for a shift.
Volunteer Groups
Volunteer opportunities are available for groups of up to 10 people. Large groups will primarily be responsible for carrying out in-shelter custodial tasks, and staff members may assign special projects to be completed. Group volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance by contacting our Assistant Shelter Manager, Nicole, at nicole@chicagocaninerescue.org