Champaign County Humane Society - 1911 East Main Street, Urbana, IL, 61802 - 217-344-7297

Becoming a CCHS Volunteer

For more information contact 2.volunteer@cuhumane.org

Download Adult Volunteer Brochure (PDF)

Download Youth Volunteer Brochure (PDF)
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Orientations for the adult volunteer program will be held monthly, so so check the Calender or email 2.volunteer@cuhumane.org for the exact date and time. You don't need to sign up for an orientation ahead of time - just come on by. You'll hear a presentation about the many ways you can help, fill out an application and sign up for a time to come in for additional training. Volunteers should expect to spend ~20hrs of their time at CCHS before being trained as a socializing volunteer. Also, because it takes time and energy to train new volunteers, we ask that all volunteers be able to commit to at least 4 months of volunteering but expect that once they become a trained CCHS volunteer they’ll never want to leave!  Here's a brief description of current programs, but please attend and orientation to learn more.

Volunteers who are members of Facebook are invited to join the Champaign-County-Humane-Society-Volunteers.

Kennel Assistants
Dog, Cat, and Small Animal Kennel Assistants help ensure that the animals at CCHS have a safe, clean environment in which to live.  This project is a prerequisite to the Socializing projects. Requires one shift per week and applicants should be able to commit to at least 4 months of volunteering. Shifts: Dogs: 8:30-11, 2-5, 5-7; Cats & Small Animals: 8:30-11, 12-2

 Adoption Counselor
Adoption Counselors work at the CCHS front desk to greet potential adopters and help them select the right pet. Requires one three hour shift a week.

Shifts: M-F: 2-5, 5-8; Sat: 11-3; 3-7; Sun: 11-2, 2-5

 Fostering
Foster parents provide a temporary home for animals who need a little extra TLC. Some of them are sick, or scared, or pregnant. Some of them are too young to thrive in a shelter environment. To give them the best chance at finding a forever home we place these special needs animals with foster homes until they’re ready to come back to the shelter to be adopted.  For more information follow this link.
Small Animal Socializer
Small Animal Socializers help provide stimulation to the small animals to help increase their adoptability.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the Small Animal Kennel Assistant program. Requires one two hour shift a week. Shifts: 11-2, 4-6, 5-7		 Cat Socializer
Cat Socializers help provide stimulation and human socialization through positive interactions with the cats up for adoption at CCHS.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the Cat Kennel Assistant program. Requires one three hour shift a week. Shifts: 11-2, 4-6, 5-7		 Dog Socializer
Dog Socializers help provide physical and mental stimulation to the dogs up for adoption at CCHS.  There are three levels that volunteers may progress through in this program.  Dog Socializers gain valuable training experience, and our dogs get adopted faster!  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the Dog Kennel Assistant program. Requires one three hour shift a week. Shifts: 8-11, 9-12, 3-6, 4-7
Animal Training and Enrichment
Members of this program will provide mental stimulation through feeding and giving
treats with KONG toys. Volunteers in this program will help provide clean blankets
and toys to increase the adoptability of CCHS dogs and cats. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Animal Kennel Program. Shifts available upon request.  
 Medical Lab Program
Medical Lab Volunteers help maintain the heath of our animal population by performing a variety of duties including giving medical treatments and exams. Requires one four hour shift a week. Shifts: 8-12. 11-3, 12-4:40		 Humane Educator
Volunteer Humane Educators give tours of the Humane Society, assist with presentations in the community, and represent CCHS at education-based off-site events.  Educational engagements are scheduled for varying times, so Humane Educators volunteers work on an "as needed"  basis.
Special Events Volunteers represent CCHS at most off-site events.  These events help to bring awareness to CCHS as an organization which in turn helps our animals find forever homes.  These events are also excellent opportunities to educate the public about humane treatment of animals.  Special events are scheduled for varying times, so Special Events Volunteers work on an as needed  basis. 

CCHS Volunteer Opportunities for ages 16 & 17

The first step to becoming an on-site CCHS volunteer at the shelter is to attend a general orientation meeting. Volunteer orientations are held monthly at the Champaign Public library and to view upcoming orientation times/dates please visit the website calendar.

As with all of the CCHS volunteer programs, a minimum of 4 months of volunteering, twice per month, is required. Volunteers ages 16 & 17 are able to come to the shelter by themselves and help with miscellaneous cleaning tasks around the shelter. For the health and safety of the shelter animals and volunteers, additional training is required before volunteers are able to handle the cats and small critters. Volunteers under the age of 18 are not permitted to interact with the shelter dogs. To view more information about volunteer opportunities for 16 &17 year olds please download the Youth Brochure and we hope to see you at the next volunteer orientation! 
Art Department

Art Department Volunteers help us design posters, update printed materials, and keep the shelter looking beautiful. Photographers and volunteers with creative and artistic abilities are encouraged to apply. Hours are flexible.
 

Pet Pals Club for ages 10 - 15

Introducing a NEW program for youth ages 10 - 15!!!

CCHS is proud to announce the first ever Pet Pals Club! This club replaces the old youth volunteer program for ages 10 – 15 and is led by staff members to provide fun activities for youth interested in animals.

Club meetings are held at CCHS and are offered on the 2nd Tuesday of each month 4pm – 5:30pm. During the first portion of the program club members will get to attend a presentation and for the remainder of the time youth will be able to interact with animals around the shelter.  Supervision will be available so parents or mentors are not required to stay for the program.

The cost of a 3-month membership is $25 (includes free t-shirt) and pre-registration is required.  To enroll, please stop by the shelter or call the shelter (344-7297) to pay over the phone. 

The Pet Pals Club is currently FULL. Next enrollment begins Monday, Feb 27, 2012.

Something everyone can do - no experience necessary!

Fold Newspapers for the Shelter

Giant Garage Sale
Beginning with set up in mid May, continuing to the actual sale on the Fri and Sat of Memorial Day weekend, and finally the cleanup - this event is our oldest and biggest fundraiser and also single greatest need for volunteers. Whatever your skills, we can use you - unloading cars, cleaning, sorting, pricing, organizing, running cash registers, use of your vehicle to transport supplies to and from the shelter - the list is endless. Follow this link to learn more.

Location: Champaign County Fairgrounds
© 2010 - Champaign County Humane Society, 1911 East Main, Urbana, IL 61801 USA