Volunteer Process

The first step to becoming a volunteer is to fill out a volunteer application. The Volunteer Coordinator or a Board Member will review your information and contact you via email.

If you are accepted into the program, we require a $25 donation to the Humane Society of Aurora prior to attending orientation. This is to help offset the costs of the uniform t-shirts and other administrative costs. Students and Senior Citizens receive a reduced rate of $12 with appropriate documentation. You can inquire about the reduced rate after approval to the program.

Once you've made your payment, you will be scheduled for a Volunteer Orientation. During this orientation, you will receive a Volunteer Handbook and a uniform t-shirt. Other volunteer training requirements (for safety and consistency) include: dog orientation, cat orientation and/or special event training. Handling dogs & cats require a minimum of six hours of training with experienced volunteers. Handling animals at events require additional training.

Due to not having onsite supervision at all time to monitor volunteer hours, we do not accept volunteers for community service hours.

All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Volunteer hours at the Aurora Animal Control & Care shelter are: Mondays through Saturdays 8:00-4:30 and most Sundays 8:00-12:00.

    Apply here!

    The Humane Society of Aurora (HSA) is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization. The information provided to the HSA by completing this Volunteer Application will enable us to direct you towards an appropriate, rewarding experience.  Please complete our online application to begin the volunteer process.  
    Personal Information
    Employment Information  (If currently unemployed, enter DNA.)
    Medical Information
    A tetanus vaccine is not required but strongly recommended for anyone who works with the animals. 
    Medical Insurance is required to volunteer with The Humane Society of Aurora.
    Emergency Contact Information
    Interests and Experience
    References
    Please provide us with three references.  Only one can be related to you.
    Confidentiality Agreement 
    Information concerning the management, staff and operation of both The Humane Society of Aurora (HSA) and Aurora Animal Control & Care (AACC) is generally not known to the public and should be kept confidential. 
    Guidelines for protecting confidentiality 
    It is important that we diligently protect the confidentiality of information. The following guidelines have been developed for this purpose: 
    • Confidential information should be shared only with those inside the HSA whose jobs require them to have access to the information or when the law requires or protects the release of such information. 
    • Board Members, Employees, or Volunteers should not disclose sensitive or non-public information to people outside the HSA or discuss it in public places. When information is disclosed to individuals having a business relationship with the HSA that requires such disclosure, it should be done with the understanding that the information will be kept in confidence, and only the minimum amount of information necessary to accomplish the function should be disclosed. 
    • Documents containing sensitive information - including information stored on computer systems - should be handled carefully and must be properly stored. 
    • Discussions between the HSA and its lawyers are usually privileged and should be kept confidential. Any disclosure of those discussions to a third party my result in a waiver of the attorney-client privilege and possible harm to the HSA's interests. This point is especially important due to the nature of prosecuting animal cruelty cases
    Volunteer Waiver
    I hereby agree to accept a position as a volunteer worker for The Humane Society of Aurora (herein after referred to as the HSA), and in doing so, 
    • I agree to comply with all of the rules and regulations which may be established from time to time by the HSA, and I understand that failure to do so may result in my immediate termination as a volunteer. 
    • I acknowledge that my services are provided strictly on a volunteer basis, without any pay of any kind, and without liability of any nature on behalf of the HSA or Aurora Animal Control & Care (herein after referred to as AACC). All services will be performed at my own risk. 
    • I recognize that in handling animals and performing other volunteer tasks there exists a risk of injury, exposure to zoonotic diseases (i.e. ringworm, giardia, rabies, etc) and physical harm caused by the animals. 
    On behalf of myself, my heirs, personal representatives, and executors, I hereby release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the HSA and AACC, its agents, servants, and employees from any and all claims, causes of action, or demands, of any nature or cause, including costs and attorney’s fees incurred or sustained by me in any way connected with my services for the HSA and AACC, including but not limited to animal bites, accidents or injuries.
    All volunteer applications are reviewed by a Coordinator or Board Member.  Selected applicants are contacted with orientation dates.  Selection of volunteers is based on the interests and skills of the volunteer, ability to demonstrate a commitment to the volunteer program, and current needs of the organization.