We Welcome Volunteers!

Our volunteers are valued members of the HSJC team who help with the many tasks required to facilitate operations at the shelter to provide services for the benefit of the shelter animals.

Click the following links for an online copy of our volunteer application and cover letter, or stop in at the shelter to complete a Volunteer Application, or contact us by phone or e-mail and request that an application be sent to you. (Please note that HSJC reserves the right to refuse or terminate an individual’s volunteer status, depending on suitability and conduct.)  The Volunteer Coordinator is in the shelter on 

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00-6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and will review your application and contact you during those times. We will discuss your availability and your areas of interest as they pertain to volunteer opportunities. Volunteer opportunities include the following:

SHELTER HELP: Each morning of every day of the year, the shelter staff cleans and disinfects all kennels and cages, washes hundreds of food and water bowls, does a minimum of 16 loads of laundry, cleans the office, and tends to the feeding and care of our animal guests. It’s a big job, and volunteers who lend a hand are greatly appreciated! This is definitely one way to help out in a very “hands-on” way.

VET TRANSPORTS: The goal at the HSJC is that animals will be spayed or neutered before going to their new adoptive homes. Volunteers provide much needed assistance in this endeavor by transporting shelter animals to and from one of the local veterinary clinics for surgery. You can be a part of the solution to animal overpopulation, while at the same time directly benefiting individual animals.

SATELLITE ADOPTION BOOTHS: PetSmart West in Madison and PETCO in Delafield are the locations for the HSJC’s satellite adoption booths. Volunteers spend part of a Saturday manning a table at these venues, providing information to the stores’ customers about the shelter and about adoption. You may sign up to cover as many or as few Saturdays as is convenient for your schedule. In addition, PetSmart West also houses cats who are available for adoption from the HSJC. Volunteers are needed to stop in and “spot clean” cages, as well as socialize with the cats.

OFFICE ASSISTANT/COMPUTER ENTRY: If you have office experience, we can put it to good use. Volunteers perform copying, collating and other clerical tasks in the office; computer knowledge is a plus!

SPECIAL EVENTS/FUNDRAISING: Throughout the year, the HSJC participates in various community events and activities with an eye toward publicity for the shelter, as well as fundraising. From walking in a parade to helping out at one of our Rabies Clinics, these special events are an important part of our ongoing mission, and we’d be very happy to have your help.

FOSTER CARE: Approved volunteer applicants may provide temporary foster care to shelter animals, predominantly kittens and mother cats with litters.