Volunteer
How volunteers make a difference
Volunteers are vital to keeping the Pet Adoption Center running smoothly 365 days a year. Here are some of the ways you can lend a hand:
- Walking dogs (must be 18 years or older).
- Cleaning cat rooms to ensure a healthy environment for our feline friends.
- Yard maintenance, such as mowing, trimming bushes, and tidying up after the dogs.
- Helping with laundry and dishes to keep our center clean and organized.
- Cleaning windows and office spaces to maintain a welcoming space for adopters.
- Brushing and socializing cats to help them feel loved and ready for adoption.
- Supporting special events, like fundraisers and community outreach programs.
Volunteer Info
Quick Links
PLEASE NOTE!!!
IF YOU ARE SEEKING TO COMPLETE COURT-MANDATED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AT OUR SHELTER, YOU DO NOT GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS. YOU MUST CALL US (309)-451-1000 TO SCHEDULE A TIME FOR TRAINING. THANKS!
Volunteer Guidelines
To make the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone:
- Children (ages 8-17) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (age 25 or older) while volunteering.
- Only adults (18 years and older) are permitted to work directly with dogs.
Every role matters, and every hour you spend with us helps provide a brighter future for our animals.
Organize a Service Project
We receive many requests from groups who like to perform a few hours of volunteer service as part of a class requirement, club service project, or as a bonding activity. To arrange an activity, we normally need at least two weeks’ notice to arrange publicity and a volunteer supervisor. Please send us an email and include the number of people in your group, the type of activities you’re interested in, and the timeframe to complete the project.
Supply Drive
Contact our supply drive chair to book a date and target group. Look at our wish lists to see what we need. The Supply Chair can also let you know which items are most needed based on current supply levels. Common items collected are laundry detergent, paper towels, bleach, stamps, Science Diet, etc.
Fundraiser
Hold a bake sale, car wash, or event that would be popular in your department or group and collect donations for the HSCI. Distribute information about the shelter at your event to help educate the public. To help publicize the event, please submit an event notification form as a first step in planning the event.
Awareness Event
A school or community-wide animal awareness week will help spread the message about kindness to animals. We have information in our lobby area available to use for class projects.
Eagle Scout or Class Projects
The HSCI has benefited from several Eagle Scout projects. For example, the project to enhance the landscape around the front of the building was completed in 2018, the dog pens project to put down landscaping fabric and pea gravel on the dog pen walkway was completed in 2021, and the project to design and construct cat scratching posts was completed in 2022.
Consider an Internship
The HSCI has had many interns from ISU and Heartland Community College. Typically internships are limited to 1 – 2 people per semester. Most interns work with our events and publicity efforts. If you are a student interested in an internship, we encourage you to:
- Contact your department for details on requirements
- Email us for an interview (3 – 5 months in advance suggested)
- Send us your resumé
Assignments vary considerably depending on department requirements, timing, and skill/interests. We appreciate any assistance in these areas.