The Humane Society of the United States, and its family of organizations, embraces volunteers as essential partners in our lifesaving work. We engage volunteers in supporting staff at every level to amplify our efforts to create a more humane society. We welcome and respect our volunteers' unique identities, diverse backgrounds and experiences to build an inclusive animal welfare movement. We believe everyone can help fight for all animals!
Learn some of the reasons people love to volunteer their time with us!
Animal Rescue Team volunteer
"I have thoroughly enjoyed serving with the HSUS. The staff are always supportive, the other volunteers are amazing – and the animals? Simply fantastic! This has been on my bucket list. So glad I get to help."
Phone banking volunteer
"Knowing that each person reached makes the passage of vital bills to end puppy mills, factory farming, animal testing and other abuses possible has truly given my life purpose!"
Humane Policy Volunteer Leader
"I'm thankful for finding community among compassionate role models helping innocent animals who are suffering and neglected."
We offer a wide range of ways to get involved, each with varying requirements, responsibilities and commitment levels, and we provide all of our volunteers with guidance and training as needed. To ensure the safety of the organization’s people and property, and the animals in our care, we conduct a background check of our volunteers’ criminal history.* Additional background check components will be included based on the scope of the volunteer work. The organization will consider volunteer applicants with a criminal record on a case by case basis. Typically, crimes against people or animals, or crimes of a more recent nature, may be cause for us to decline a volunteer application.
*Some volunteer roles do not require a background check.
