VOLUNTEER

Central Dakota Humane Society recognizes that our work would be impossible without the dedicated team of volunteers who donate their time and resources to the animals in our care. CDHS welcomes volunteers from all walks of life, and we recognize that every individual can make a positive contribution to our mission. If you have the time and inclination to become physically involved, we welcome you with open arms!

Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@cdhs.net.

Interested in helping homeless pets find their forever families?

Help us fill the following roles:

Critter Companions
Critter Companions socialize and provide valuable enrichment to the animals in our care.

Cat Critter Companion Requirements:
• Minimum age is 13 years old.
• Volunteers without a valid driver’s license must always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another Cat Critter Companion with a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to understand information and instructions about the animals in our care.
• Must be able to communicate with staff and other volunteers about the animals in our care.
• Must be able to physically handle animals in our care that may have unpredictable behaviors.
• Must complete the Cat Critter Companion Orientation
• Must commit a minimum of 10 volunteer hours in one year (or college year).


Dog Critter Companion Requirements:
• Minimum age is 16 years old.
• MUST have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to communicate and complete coursework online (via computer, tablet, or smartphone).
• Must be able to understand information and instructions about the animals in our care.
• Must be able to communicate with staff and other volunteers about the animals in our care.
• Must be able to physically handle animals in our care that may have unpredictable behaviors.
• Must complete a 10-hour volunteer apprenticeship within 2 months of completing the initial orientation.
• Must commit a minimum of 2 hours every other week OR 4 hours per month for one year (or college year).


Event Volunteer
Event volunteers are the backbone of all our event fundraising efforts, which include events like Bene-Pet, Shaggy Shuffle, Dog Days Deals Rummage Sale, and Santa Paws. They assist staff on-site or remotely as we plan, organize, set up, attend, and break down all our fundraising events throughout the year. Event Volunteers are called to assist on an as-needed basis, and there is no orientation required.


Special Projects and Resources Volunteers
Special Projects and Resources volunteers assist staff on-site or remotely with special projects, administrative tasks, or miscellaneous duties throughout the year. Special projects, tasks and miscellaneous duties include bagging and distributing food for Buddy's Bowl, collecting and transporting cans for Cans for Cats and Canines, landscaping, stuffing envelopes, distributing newsletters and baking. Special projects and resources volunteers are called to assist on an as-needed basis, and there is no orientation required.


Kitten Foster
Kitten fosters provide a safe, comfortable, and loving environment for kittens who are not ready for adoption. Foster parents must feed, clean, and monitor the health of kittens and be able to communicate with our staff regarding their health regularly. If you are interested in becoming a Kitten Foster, please call 701-667-2020 or email volunteers@cdhs.net to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator.

We Need You!

It doesn't take a lot of time to make a big difference in the lives of homeless animals. You get to meet lots of new people too! If you have the time and want to help, we definitely need you. You can socialize and enrich the cats and exercise, enrich, and socialize with the dogs. So much important work to do to help our shelter pets find their homes! Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, at 701-667-2020 or volunteers@cdhs.net for more information. THANK YOU!

Volunteer Application
Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer Requirements

  • Length of Commitment: Cat and Dog Critter Companion programs have minimum volunteer requirements which you should review prior to applying. Events, Special Projects and Resources Volunteers may be called throughout the year on an as-needed basis.
  • Sign-In Procedure: Your volunteer hours are valuable to us! When volunteering on-site, please record your name and arrival time legibly on the Volunteer Sign-In Sheet, located in the lobby of the dog building and the Volunteer Coordinator’s office in the cat building. Don’t forget to sign out before you leave. Students looking to fulfill community service hours must sign-in at the shelter. If you do not complete volunteer hours on-site you may be asked to sign-in at an event location or tally your total hours at the end of the month and submit them to the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Cat & Dog Critter Companions: The safety of our animals, staff, and volunteers is our number one priority. If you fail to encourage a safe environment through your interactions with the animals by not adhering to CDHS protocols and procedures, volunteer privileges may be revoked at the discretion of any CDHS staff member at any time.
  • Honor students or hours needed for college or high school credits: CDHS welcomes students looking to complete community volunteer hours, and we strongly encourage them to volunteer for the shelter's ongoing need with fundraising events and special tasks. Students who fulfill volunteer event or special task hours can request a staff signature immediately after their shift is complete. Honor student applications for Critter Companion programs will be accepted from April through December only, and only if all program requirements can be met. Staff signatures for critter companion volunteer hours will not be given unless program hour requirements are met.
  • Court Ordered Community Service Hours: CDHS does not have a program for Court Ordered Community Service Hours.
  • Dress Code: Dress with your duties (and weather!) in mind. Dog Critter Companions are required to have appropriate closed toe footwear. NO flipflops or sandals.
  • Off-Limit Areas: All quarantine areas are off limits to volunteers. Please read all kennel signs before interacting with an animal.
  • Volunteer Release Form: Each volunteer is asked to sign a release form waiver of liability for insurance purposes prior to beginning at CDHS. Minors must have a signed volunteer release by a parent or guardian prior to attending an orientation.
  • Age Requirements: Please see program requirements for Cat and Dog Critter Companions. Minors without a valid driver’s license must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Contact Information: Please provide a legible email address on your volunteer application as volunteer updates and calls for events and special projects will be made through email. If you are fulfilling volunteer responsibilities off-site or walking dogs, always carry your cell phone and have CDHS's phone number of 701-667-2020 programmed into your contacts. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.