Our volunteers are the engine that keeps A.D.O.P.T. running.
Orientations are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at our shelter. All volunteers should complete the Volunteer Application prior to the orientation and will receive a copy of the Volunteer Manual at the orientation. RSVP for the orientation at 630-355-2299 is always appreciated. Please note, we are currently only accepting volunteers 18 years and older.
There are many opportunities for volunteer participation at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter. Bill Froese, Director of Resources & Development, oversees all volunteer activities, either directly or inderectly. For specific volunteer roles, activities and contacts are listed below:
Animal Care (Dogs and Cats)
Volunteer at the shelter caring for the animals. This includes providing animals with fresh food and water, cleaning the kennels/cages and dog runs, leash-walking dogs, grooming those animals in need, and providing ample love and attention to our shelter animals. Individuals can volunteer with cats, with dogs, or both.
Bill F. bill@adoptpetshelter.org
Foster Program
Dogs: Experienced fosters are needed to care for specific dogs requiring consistency in their routine or possibly special attention. In addition, fosters for litters of puppies are occasionally needed.
Cats: We are always on the lookout for foster homes that will open their doors to pregnant cats, cats with kittens, orphaned kittens, as well as special needs animals.
NOTE: All fosters will need to be licensed with the Illinois Department of Agriculture through A.D.O.P.T.. The annual fee for this license is $25.
Chris S. chris@adoptpetshelter.org
Data Entry
Volunteers will help with entering various pieces of information into our customized applications. We are seeking individuals who are detail-oriented and well organized.
Chris B. christine@adoptpetshelter.org.
Clerical (including Front Desk)
There are many and varied administrative/office needs at the shelter. Front Desk Coverage is also needed throughout the week and weekend. Front Desk Coverage involves answering phones and greeting shelter guests; exceptional customer service skills are necessary.
Bill F. bill@adoptpetshelter.org.
Facilities Maintenance
Throughout the year, help is often needed with various indoor tasks as well as outdoor projects. In addition, special projects involving computer and data technologies arise. If you would like to help the shelter with such projects, please contact Bill F.
Bill F. bill@adoptpetshelter.org.
Marketing & Public Relations
There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available in this area, including writing and posting press releases, assisting in promotion of services and events, & creating brochures and flyers as needed.
Bill F. bill@adoptpetshelter.org.
Fundraising
Volunteers are always needed to help with upcoming fundraising activities and events. Typically these events are posted on our website. If you are interested, we can use your help!
Sandy B. sandy@adoptpetshelter.org
A.D.O.P.T. Website and Social Media
Assistance is needed in keeping our website up-to-date, particularly in the posting of our animals available for adoption and removing those who have been adopted. We are also on the lookout for specialized IT talent with experience in Java Script, Flash, etc. Talented photographers are always needed as well. A picture is worth a thousand words!
Chris B. christine@adoptpetshelter.org.
Off-Site Activities
Particularly during the summer months, A.D.O.P.T. participates in many off-site events for the purposes of promoting our organization, showing our animals, and raising funds. Off-site activities include both regularly scheduled pet store meet-and-greets as well as on-time off-site events. Coin bank placement and collection is another part of our Off-Site Program.
Sharon G. srgreiner@comcast.net.
Humane Education
This program involves scheduled Day Camps, Birthday Parties at the shelter, Scout visits to the shelter and occasional visits to area schools. Volunteers are needed to help grow this program.
Sandy B. sandy@adoptpetshelter.org