Volunteer

Volunteer Orientation

Volunteers are a vital part of the work we do. FVHA has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, from behind-the-scenes work keeping a clean and healthy environment for the animals to working hands-on to socialize animals. We will be happy to help find the right position that suits you!

Volunteer Positions:

• Cat or Critter Cleaning – Keep a clean and healthy environment for the cats and critters.
• Laundry and Dishes – We do approximately 15 industrial-sized loads of laundry every day!
• Cat Socialization – Help frightened and shy cats acclimate to the shelter setting.
• Deck Hand – Introduce potential adopters to their best friend.
• Greeting – Welcome guests and friends to the shelter.
• Dog Walking – Provide exercise and socialization for the adoptable dogs.
• Therapy Dog Program – Volunteer in the community with your own certified therapy or CGC dog.
• Rover Done Over – This is a volunteer-driven, animal behavior training program for the dogs at FVHA.
• Foster an animal who needs extra TLC (separate application required).
• Photography – Take photos (and video, if able) of the adoptable animals.
• Special Events – Help at our special events – Tailgate, Bark in the Park, food drives, and more!
• Animal Bank program – Collect animal bank donations from locations throughout the community.

Get Started:

Step 1: Complete a volunteer application and submit by mail, email, or drop it off at the shelter.

Submit application online
OR
Download an application for print 

Step 2: Attend a new volunteer orientation. 

In order to attend orientation, applications must be submitted and approved by the volunteer coordinator at least ONE WEEK prior to orientation.  

*COMMUNITY SERVICE: WE DO NOT SIGN OFF FOR COURT-ORDERED OR SCHOOL REQUIRED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS!

All volunteers must be 18 years old to be an FVHA Adult Volunteer. For those between the ages of 13-17, please visit the Junior Opportunities page.

If you have any questions or concerns involving volunteering please contact Andrea Sword at volunteers@foxvalleypets.org

Fox Valley Humane Association is thrilled to offer a volunteer opportunity for teens ages 13-17 years old. The Junior Volunteer program offers responsible and energetic youth a chance to learn new skills and enhance their dedication to animal welfare. This program will allow these volunteers to make a difference in the lives of the animals at FVHA.

We are always welcome to new ideas or projects the Junior Volunteers are interested in. If you have suggestions, please let us know.

Want to volunteer with your family, friends or co-workers? FVHA has opportunities for you to work on together! If you have any additional ideas for how to help, please let us know!

Independent Projects:

• Donation Drive – Collect donations of food, pet supplies, cleaning supplies and more and bring them into the shelter.
• Hold a lemonade, baked goods, or rummage sale and donate the proceeds to FVHA. The sale ideas are endless!
• Make fleece cat beds or dog toys for the animals during their stay at FVHA.
  (instructions courtesy Dane County Humane Society)

Projects at the Shelter:

• Basic cleaning – Help to keep the shelter clean by sweeping, dusting, and scrubbing the lobby, main adoption hallway, and education room.
• Seasonal Yard Maintenance – Help with the weeding and general gardening care at the shelter.

Interested in volunteering with your group contact Kiyanna Johnston at 920-733-1717 ext. 115 or volunteers@foxvalleypets.org

There is an incredible need for foster homes for dogs in the Fox Valley area, especially dogs who don’t do well in a shelter environment or need one-on-one training. The love and individualized care a dog gets from a foster home environment greatly increase their adoptability. Our goal is to be able to recruit, train and support foster families for FVHA’s dogs in need of individualized care. In order to become a foster, we will do a background check and a home check to assure your home is suitable for a foster dog.

To Get Started:

Step 1: Complete an application online.  You may also download the application. 
Step 2: Set up a training session with a foster care coordinator.

The FVHA foster care program is crucial for rehabilitating and caring for animals that are not yet ready for adoption. During their time with you, the animals will be prepared for their permanent placement when they come back to the shelter.

Kittens are generally 2-10 weeks depending on their age range. You can plan on spending up to 8 hours a day on your fosters; the younger they are, the more attention they will need. Foster parents need to be patient and be able to provide and stable constant routine for their foster “children” as they work through their various needs.

Foster families provide a warm and caring home for our animals while they grow and become more confident. Being a foster can be one of the most difficult but rewarding volunteer experiences, and we are always here to share those with you.

 Get Started:

Step 1: Complete a foster care application.  
Step 2: Meet with the foster care coordinator.

In order to manage your information, volunteer hours, and send messages to the volunteer coordinator, you’re going to need to access Fox Valley Humane Association’s interactive volunteer information center.

Clicking the link below will open the login page in a new window.

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