Volunteer Stats
We're proud to have a dedicated volunteer base. Here are our volunteer program stats for 2023.
900+
dedicated volunteers
We have an active volunteer base of over nine-hundred community members dedicated to helping the homeless animals of Hamilton County!
27,000
volunteer hours logged
Our volunteers have logged over twenty-seven thousand hours last year. This is the equivalent of 14 extra full-time staff members!
700+
training hours logged
We encourage our volunteers to continue their training to their ability and comfort level! In 2023, our volunteers attended 700 hours worth of continuing education in dog handling, cat care, and adoption support.
Join our incredible team of volunteers and make a positive impact in Hamilton County
Volunteers are a crucial part of any animal shelter and Cincinnati Animal CARE is no different! We are the only public stray intake shelter in Hamilton County and it takes a village to care for all the homeless animals in our community. As a volunteer, you will join a team of supportive and passionate individuals who are dedicated to improving the lives of the animals in our care.
Flexible Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you're a dedicated animal welfare warrior or just have a few hours to volunteer a month – CAC's volunteer program has opportunities for you to contribute your time and skills!
Long-term Volunteering
Looking to contribute regular volunteer service? Consider joining any of our long-term volunteer programs!
Corporate Group Volunteering
Looking for a fun team-building activity for a corporate or community group? Schedule a one day visit with us!
Volunteer from Home!
Not able to volunteer at the shelter? Check out our additional volunteer resources to support us from home!
Community Service
On a case-by-case basis, Cincinnati Animal CARE can occasionally accept volunteer hours for court-ordered service. Please check the requirements linked below to see if you may qualify. Volunteers who are interested in community service for school requirements are encouraged to check out our Long-Term Volunteer program!
Benefits of Volunteering
Meet fellow animal lovers
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for animals. Volunteering at the shelter is a great way to make new friends and become part of a caring community.
Make an impact in your community
Contribute to the well-being of your local community by helping homeless animals. Your efforts support the shelter’s mission and improve the lives of countless animals in need.
Improve Animal Quality of Life
Enhance the daily lives of shelter animals by providing enrichment, exercise, and socialization. Your involvement ensures they stay healthy, happy, and ready for adoption.
Give hope to homeless animals
Provide love, care, and attention to animals waiting for their forever homes. Your compassion and dedication offer these animals a second chance at life.
What our volunteers have to say:
"I have discovered that I am, at heart, a dog person and I love the pit bulls! Also the community at the shelter-deepest respect for the staff and other volunteers. I am a retired person, and this is what I want to be doing now. I'm also learning my limitations as I'm not as strong as I used to be, but I do what I can."
Ruth S.
"I’ve grown a lot and learned so much about these amazing animals, especially pitbulls which I had never been around or volunteered at a shelter in my lifetime. I am so grateful to have found some of the best most kind people that care so much. There are so many volunteers and staff willing to help when you are new or anytime really!"
Kristen H.
Youth Volunteering
We have volunteer opportunities for those under the age of 18 (see our age policy below). In order to sign up to volunteer, a parent must make an account and then add a child account. Click the link to get started!
Youth Volunteering & Age Policy
We take safety very seriously at CAC. In an effort to do so, we prohibit minors from partaking in select volunteer opportunities. However, there are still many other activities within CAC that minors can get involved in, but please understand that no one under the age of 18 is permitted to handle dogs on their own.
- Ages 13-15: Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (who is also an approved and onboarded volunteer) at all times for any volunteer shift.
- Ages 16-17: May volunteer on their own, but a parent or guardian must sign their release of liability waiver onsite with the minor at the time of their first volunteer shift. Those volunteers under 18 may not handle dogs on their own, unless accompanied by an adult who is handling the dog.
- Ages 18+: May handle dogs on site at the shelter or at any off-site events permitted if they have completed the appropriate training.
