Become a Volunteer

Orientation:

All volunteers must go through an annual volunteer orientation. Currently, volunteer orientation is held on the second Saturday of each month. You must register for the orientation in advance by calling the shelter at 217-425-4508. You can expect this orientation to last about 30 minutes. You will learn our basic rules/guidelines and receive a tour of the facility.

Dog Handling:

You must complete the Orientation class before registering for Dog Handling. This class aims to provide basic dog handling skills. There is a certain way in which the shelter dogs should be walked and trained. The goal is to be consistent with the shelter dogs in order to promote good walking and behavior skills. These skills will be helpful in getting the dogs adopted! Currently, the class is held on the third Saturday of each month. You must register for the class by calling the shelter at 217-425-4508.

How Do I Get Started?

Call Macon County Animal Control and Care Center at 217-425-4508 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to sign up! Once you have completed the required training, you are free to come and go within the animal shelter volunteer hours between 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Volunteers age 18 and older may volunteer on their own. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times. All volunteers will need to complete the volunteer waiver and complete orientation. If you have already completed the volunteer orientation prior to 2020, you will need to complete the current volunteer orientation since our procedures have changed.