VolunteerVolunteer in the Shelter

The Humane Society of Indianapolis Volunteer Program is for people at least 16 years of age looking for an ongoing volunteer opportunity. Looking for the chance to volunteer during the summer? Check out the new Summer Volunteer Program!

Volunteers are important to the animals at HSI. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the assistance of caring, animal-loving individuals with all of our programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

You can help homeless cats and dogs through many activities! While helping keep our shelter tidy and organized, Volunteers do everything from preparing animals for adoption, to spending quality time with our animals so that they gain training, social skills, and exercise, to helping with data entry. We have something for almost everyone who wants to help.

Before Signing Up

Age Requirement:
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for our Volunteer Program. Some of our opportunities require that you are at least 18 years old or 21 years old.

Fees: $15, due at Basic Training. Fee covers Volunteer t-shirt and program supplies.

When Volunteers are Needed/Time Requirement:
Volunteers are needed every day of the year at HSI. We have opportunities that allow volunteers to be in the building in between the hours of 8am - 8pm each day.
We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours weekly from our Volunteers.

Special Notes:

  • If you need to complete court-ordered community service hours and you are at least 18 years of age, you need to contact Ray Galyan or Anthony Harrington at 317.872.5650 x123.
  • If you need to complete court-ordered community service hours and you are a minor (under 18 years of age), you need to contact Shawna Sims at 317.872.5650 x106 or ssims@indyhumane.org.
  • If you need to complete service hours for a class or community group, please complete a Service Hours Application. Submission instructions are in the application.
  • If you are organizing a group volunteering opportunity, please complete a Group Volunteer Request Form. Submission instructions are given on the application.
  • If you have special needs that require you to have a mentor volunteer alongside you, the mentor that will volunteer with you is required to complete all steps of training with you as well.

Steps to Become a Volunteer

Please note: If you need to complete service hours, you're not required to complete these steps of training. A training program for service hour volunteers is set up once we receive your application.

  • Sign Up and Attend an Information Session
    • Information Sessions are held the 3rd Wednesday of every month, except in June and December, from 5:30 - 6:30pm. Sign up for an info session by sending your name, email address, and contact number to ssims@indyhumane.org or by leaving the requested info at 317.872.5650 x106.
    • If you are unable to attend an info session due to scheduling conflicts, we may make other arrangements.
    • Info Sessions are designed to give you information about our shelter and detailed information about our Volunteer Program.
    • Volunteer Applications are given out to those who attend an Info Session.
  • Sign Up and Complete a Basic Training Class
    • Basic Training Class schedules are sent to individuals who complete a Volunteer Application and turn it in after the Info Session.
    • Basic Training Classes are designed to give you detailed information about the workings of our shelter, disease prevention, and customer service. We also tour the facility.
  • Canine Training Class
    • Canine Training Classes are mandatory for most in-shelter Volunteers.
    • Canine Training Classes are designed to give you the tools you need to feel comfortable working with shelter dogs.
  • Shadow Day
    • During your Shadow Day, you will spend a volunteer shift with an experienced volunteer. This day will give you the experience you need to get started.

Once you have completed the steps to become a Volunteer at HSI, you are ready to start donating your time and love to the animals we care for.

We hope that you are able to join our Volunteer Program! Your help is needed and appreciated!
If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email to ssims@indyhumane.org or call 317.872.5650 x106.