Volunteer to Walk Dogs in Chicago | Shelters & How to Help
Where to volunteer with animals in Chicago
Want to walk shelter dogs, socialize cats, foster, or lend a hand? This is our working directory of Chicago animal shelters and rescues, plus a real guide to how volunteering actually works, from the professional dog walkers at Sparky Steps. We have cared for Chicago pets since 2016, and we put together this page to make it easy to start helping today.
Can you really volunteer to walk shelter dogs? Yes.
Most Chicago shelters and rescues rely on volunteers to walk, exercise, and socialize their dogs, and for many dogs those walks are the best part of their day. At some organizations, like Chicago Canine Rescue, volunteer walkers are described as the dogs' primary connection to the outside world.
Here is the honest version of how it works. You cannot usually walk in off the street and grab a leash on day one. Shelters protect both you and the animals, so nearly all of them ask you to complete a short application, attend an orientation or information session, and finish a little hands-on training before you walk a dog on your own. Once you are cleared, many shelters let you book walking shifts that fit your schedule. It is genuinely one of the most rewarding few hours you can give, and you do not need to be a professional to do it well.
New to dogs? That is fine. Good shelters pair first-time volunteers with calm, easygoing dogs and work you up from there. You bring reliability and kindness, they teach you the handling.
More than one way to help
Dog walking is the most requested, but it is far from the only way to make a difference. Pick what fits your time and comfort level.
Walk and exercise dogs
Take adoptable dogs on walks, give them enrichment, and help burn off shelter stress. The classic, and the most needed.
Socialize cats
Pet, play with, and comfort cats so they stay friendly and adoption ready. Often open to younger volunteers too.
Foster a pet
Open your home short term so an animal can heal and decompress out of the shelter. Most rescues provide the supplies.
Help at events
Staff adoption events, fundraisers, and vaccine clinics. Great if you want to help but prefer not to handle animals.
Behind the scenes
Laundry, photography, writing pet bios, admin, and enrichment crafts. Quiet but essential, and often available from home.
Donate or adopt
Not able to give time right now? A donation, a supply drive, or adopting your next best friend all change lives too.
What Chicago shelters usually require
Every organization sets its own rules, so always check the shelter's own volunteer page for the latest. That said, after years in this work we see the same handful of requirements almost everywhere.
- Be 18 to handle dogs. Most shelters require dog handlers to be 18+. Teens and kids usually have separate programs, often cat or family focused.
- Apply online first. Nearly every shelter starts with a short volunteer application before you can attend anything in person.
- Attend an orientation. A short info session or online orientation is standard, sometimes with a quick quiz or a small fee for a volunteer shirt and badge.
- Complete hands-on training. Expect a few mentored sessions or starter hours before you walk a dog solo. The city shelter asks for several training and mentoring sessions.
- Make a small time commitment. Many ask for roughly one shift a week or about 10 hours a month. Some animal care roles ask for a multi-month commitment so the animals see familiar faces.
- Pass a background check where required. Chicago Animal Care and Control, as a city facility, requires a fingerprint background check and suggests a current tetanus shot.
- Dress for the job. Closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes and long pants are commonly required. Leave the sandals at home.
- Be ready for any size or energy. Dog walking is physical. You may handle big, strong, or bouncy dogs, so reasonable mobility helps.
How to be a dog-walking volunteer they love
We walk dogs all over Chicago's North Side for a living. Here is what actually makes a shelter volunteer great, beyond just showing up.
Be reliable above all
Shelters plan their day around who shows up. Booking a shift you actually keep is worth more than big promises. Consistency is the whole job.
Let the dog set the pace
A shelter dog may be overstimulated, undersocialized, or just scared. Move slowly, let them sniff, and do not force greetings with people or other dogs.
Learn to read body language
A loose, wiggly body is happy. A stiff posture, whale eye, tucked tail, or hard stare means give space. Reading stress early keeps everyone safe.
Keep slack in the leash
A loose leash calms a dog down, a tight one winds them up. Never wrap the leash around your hand, and keep a wide bubble from other dogs and people.
Follow the shelter's protocol exactly
Harness and martingale collar, designated routes, equipment checks. These rules exist because a loose shelter dog is a worst-case scenario. No shortcuts.
Bring calm energy
Dogs read you instantly. A relaxed, upbeat handler makes a nervous dog braver, which makes that dog more adoptable. That is the real goal.
The Chicago shelters on a map
Nine in-city shelters and rescues, plotted across the North and South sides. Tap to load the interactive map, then tap any pin for the address and directions.
See the shelters on a map
9 Chicago shelters and rescues, mapped. Loads only when you tap, to keep the page fast.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Loads on tap to protect page speed.
Chicago animal shelters and rescues
Our running list of shelters and rescues across Chicagoland where you can volunteer, foster, donate, or adopt. We keep it current, but programs change, so always confirm details on each shelter's own volunteer page before you go.
Chicago
In-city shelters and rescues. The flagship dog-walking programs are detailed below.
Chicago Animal Care & Control
2741 S. Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60608
The city shelter, and one of the best places to walk dogs. Be 18+, pass a fingerprint background check, attend orientation, and commit to about one day a week or 10 hours a month. All experience levels welcome.
PAWS Chicago
1997 N. Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Volunteer programs for working with dogs and cats at several Chicago and North Shore locations. Junior volunteers ages 12 to 17 can help alongside a parent or guardian.
Anti-Cruelty Society
510 N. LaSalle St
Chicago, IL 60654
Chicago's oldest shelter, since 1899. Adult dog and cat care volunteers (18+) walk and socialize animals after orientation and a few starter hours. Teen, family, group, and at-home options too.
Chicago Canine Rescue
5272 N. Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
Volunteer dog walkers are the dogs' main link to the outside world. Be 18+ to handle a leash, wear closed-toe rubber-soled shoes, sign a waiver, then book shifts. You are paired with dogs that fit your experience.
One Tail at a Time
2144 N. Wood St
Chicago, IL 60614
By appointment
Volunteers must be 18+, able to lift about 30 lbs, and attend an orientation. Community service hours are welcome.
ALIVE Rescue
2227 W. Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
Volunteer and foster programs for dogs and cats. Check their site for current openings and orientation dates.
Tree House Humane Society
7225 N. Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60645
A cats-only organization. Volunteers help socialize and care for cats, with fostering options. See their site for orientation details.
Felines & Canines
6379 N. Paulina St
Chicago, IL 60660
Volunteer and foster opportunities for dogs and cats. Visit their site for the application and orientation schedule.
Red Door Animal Shelter
2406 W. Lunt Ave
Chicago, IL 60645
One of the few shelters caring for rabbits alongside dogs and cats. Volunteer and foster programs available, see their site to get started.
North & Northwest suburbs
Most of these run volunteer and foster programs too. Visit each shelter's Volunteer or Get Involved page for current requirements.
West suburbs
Visit each shelter's Volunteer or Get Involved page for current requirements and orientation dates.
West Suburban Humane Society
1901 W. Ogden Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
South & surrounding suburbs
Visit each shelter's Volunteer or Get Involved page for current requirements and orientation dates.
Greater Chicago Cage Bird Rescue
Villa Park, IL
By appointment
See site for details
How to start volunteering, in four steps
Pick a shelter near you
Use the directory above. Think about what you want to do, walk dogs, socialize cats, or foster, since not every shelter offers every role.
Read their volunteer page
Requirements vary by shelter. Check the minimum age, the time commitment, and when the next orientation or information session is held.
Apply and attend orientation
Submit the shelter's volunteer application, then attend the orientation, in person or online. Some shelters add a background check or a small fee.
Train, then book your first shift
Finish any mentored training hours, then sign up for a shift. From there, the most valuable thing you can give is showing up consistently.
Remember to #SparkAndBark 🐾
If you head to one of these shelters to walk dogs or lend a hand, snap a selfie and tag @sparkysteps. When we share each other's good work, more of these pets find their forever homes. Helping Chicago animals is the whole reason we do what we do.
Read more about our social missionVolunteering with Chicago animals, answered
Can I volunteer to walk dogs at animal shelters in Chicago?
Yes. Most Chicago shelters and rescues, including Chicago Animal Care and Control, the Anti-Cruelty Society, PAWS Chicago, and Chicago Canine Rescue, have volunteer programs that include walking and exercising dogs. You will usually complete an application, attend an orientation, and finish a short training before walking a dog on your own.
How old do you have to be to walk shelter dogs in Chicago?
Most shelters require dog handlers to be at least 18. Some, like Chicago Canine Rescue, allow younger volunteers only when accompanied by an adult. Teens and kids often have separate programs that focus on cats, events, or family volunteering, such as PAWS Chicago's junior volunteers for ages 12 to 17.
Do I need experience to volunteer as a dog walker?
No. Shelters welcome beginners and will train you. Many pair new volunteers with calm, easygoing dogs first and build up your skills from there. What matters most is reliability, patience, and following their handling rules.
Which Chicago shelters let you walk dogs?
Strong dog-walking volunteer programs in the city include Chicago Animal Care and Control, the Anti-Cruelty Society, PAWS Chicago, Chicago Canine Rescue, One Tail at a Time, and ALIVE Rescue. Always check each shelter's volunteer page for current openings.
Is there a time commitment to volunteer?
It varies. Many shelters ask for about one shift a week or roughly 10 hours a month, and some animal-care roles request a multi-month commitment so the animals see familiar handlers. Others, like the Anti-Cruelty Society, are flexible and only ask that you participate about once a month.
Can teens or kids volunteer with animals in Chicago?
Yes, through age-appropriate programs. PAWS Chicago offers junior volunteering for ages 12 to 17 alongside a parent or guardian, and several shelters have teen and family options that focus on cats, crafts, or events rather than dog handling.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Start on the shelter's volunteer page, submit their online application, and register for an orientation or information session. After orientation and any required training or background check, you can begin booking shifts.
Can I do court-ordered community service hours at a Chicago shelter?
Some shelters accept court-ordered community service, often in non-animal-handling roles. The Anti-Cruelty Society and One Tail at a Time, for example, can work with community service needs. Contact the shelter directly to confirm what they accept.
What should I wear to walk shelter dogs?
Closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes are almost always required, and long pants are commonly recommended. Dress in layers for Chicago weather, and skip sandals or anything without grip.
About this guide
This page is written and maintained by Michael Jaurigue and the team at Sparky Steps, a professional dog walking and pet care company that has served Chicago's North Side since 2016. We walk and care for dogs across the city every day, and we built this resource to help more people support local shelters.
Volunteer requirements are summarized from each shelter's own volunteer pages and were last reviewed in June 2026. Programs and rules change often, so please confirm the current details directly with any shelter before you visit. We are not affiliated with the shelters listed here, we simply admire their work.
