Welcome!

We’re so glad you’re here and interested in volunteering with Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS) and our shelter pets! Volunteers are the heart of our life-saving work, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Our goal is to help you find a volunteer role that fits your skills, interests, and schedule, so you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

This page has all the information you need to start your volunteer journey, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Volunteer Director, Nicole, at nicole@ebhs.org.

How To Apply:

Volunteer Requirements For All Roles

Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 12 years old.
Junior Volunteers (Ages 12–15): Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all onboarding, training, and volunteer shifts.
Volunteers Ages 16–17: May volunteer independently with signed parental/guardian consent.
Dog Care Volunteers: Must be 18 years or older to work directly with dogs.
Time Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to one consistent two-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months.
Technology Use: Volunteers must have regular access to email and be able to navigate our online volunteer platform to receive communications and log hours.

How To Apply:

STEP 1: Watch New Volunteer Orientation: Part 1

Prior to completing the volunteer application, please watch New Volunteer Orientation: Part 1 to familiarize yourself with Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS).

New Volunteer Orientation: Part 1 (12 minutes)

STEP 2: Fill Out A Volunteer Application

Your completed application will aid us in assessing whether your interests and availability align with our current needs at the shelter. Our Volunteer Director will reach out to you within 1-2 weeks of receiving your application.

Volunteer Application

STEP 3: Attend New Volunteer Orientation & Shelter Tour

Option 1: Attend New Volunteer Orientation: Part 2 and Shelter Tour in-person.

Option 2: Attend New Volunteer Orientation: Part 2 virtually, complete a subsequent review AND attend Shelter Tour in-person

All new volunteers must complete the New Volunteer Orientation & Shelter Tour prior to participating in training for your specific activity.

STEP 4: Participate In Training Session (In-Person)

You will meet with a designated staff member or volunteer who will provide hands-on training in your new role and finalize your volunteer schedule. After these steps are completed, you’re ready to volunteer!

Please note that the entire process, including training, may take up to 1-2 months, depending on factors such as timing, the desired position, and other considerations. We appreciate your patience and thank you for expressing interest in joining our volunteer team!

See Current Volunteer Openings

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Group Volunteering

Are you part of a community-minded group? Gather your team of 10 or fewer and join us in making a difference! We tailor volunteer opportunities to suit a variety of groups, including animal lovers, students seeking unique experiences, and businesses interested in team-building activities.

We are not currently accepting Group Volunteer Requests – check back soon!

Community Service Volunteers

Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS) welcomes court-ordered Community Service volunteers on a limited basis for those needing to complete 20 hours or less.

Requirements:

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
Individuals with charges related to theft, abuse, or neglect of people or animals are not eligible.

To get started, please complete our volunteer application and select “Court-Ordered Community Service” under “What roles are you interested in?”

Wagfest

Held the first Saturday after Labor Day at Mitchell Park in Brookfield, WI, this one-day outdoor fundraiser is a celebration for the whole community—families, friends, and pets alike! It takes over 150 volunteers to make the day a success, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Interested in helping out? Reach out to our Volunteer Director, Nicole, at nicole@ebhs.org to get involved and be part of the excitement!

Fosters

Fosters are the heart of our work, providing love, comfort, and a safe space for animals who do best in a home environment. Every foster home makes a big difference—helping pets heal, grow, and thrive.

Curious? Visit our Foster page to see current needs and find out how you can open your home (and heart) to a furry friend!

Lure Course

From spring through fall, our Friday evening Lure Course at Elmbrook Humane Society is a highlight of the season! We need volunteers for everything from check-in to running the course machine—all hands on deck to make this FUNdraiser a success.

This is perfect for those who may not be able to commit weekly but have some summer evenings to spare.

Ready to join the fun? Submit a volunteer application and select “Lure Course” under “What roles are you interested in?”