NEW VOLUNTEERS

We rely heavily on hundreds of hard-working volunteers to help the Dubuque Regional Humane Society (DRHS) to continue our efforts as a no-kill humane society committed to rescuing, supporting, educating and advocating for our companion animal friends!

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We would love for you to join our team. If you are 16 years or older, you can become a DRHS volunteer. If you are 12-15 years old or an individual over 16 years old who doesn’t meet independent volunteering criteria – you can still get involved! You'll just need to have an adult volunteer (parent or guardian) with you at all times, who has also gone through all necessary training.

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Check out the numerous ways you can get involved, then fill out our application form to get started. Once the online application has been completed, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to complete our virtual orientation process. If you have questions about this process, please reach out to our Director of Community Engagement via email at volunteer@dbqhumane.org. 

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PLEASE NOTE: Our community service program is completely separate from our volunteer program. If you are needing to complete community service hours, please call us at 563.239.9227 or email volunteer@dbqhumane.org.

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• Shelter Crew - All new volunteers start as Shelter Crew.  Shelter Crew volunteers assist our team with general building care and maintenance, kennel care, and ensuring healthy conditions for our animals. Volunteers must complete a minimum of 3 ‘Shelter Crew’ hours before becoming eligible to complete our training to socialize animals.

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• Trained Handler - Once 3 'Shelter Crew' hours have been completed, volunteers become eligible for additional handling training. The handler certification will allow volunteers to begin their service as Trained Handlers, giving adoptable animals individualized attention while out on a walk, in a visitation room, or outside in the play yard. Additional training sessions for bathing/grooming, morning walk crew, and photography are also available.
   

• Foster - Assist in the rehabilitation of an animal by providing a clean, safe, and loving environment in order to prepare them for adoption. The DRHS has a needs-based foster program. If you are interested in fostering for the DRHS, click here!

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• Community Adoption/Information Event - Raise awareness of the DRHS and its services while helping our adoptable animals find a forever home! 
   

• Special Events - Help the DRHS with various special events throughout the year, including our annual Pet Supply Sale, ‘Tails at Twilight’ gala, and more!​​​​​​​​

 

To complete orientation, fill out our online application form to receive an email with further instruction (check spam folders). If you have not received the automated email with further orientation instructions (usually within 24 hours of completing the online application), please reach out to our Director of Community Engagement at volunteer@dbqhumane.org.