Animal Care League
708-848-8155
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Hours and Information
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Our Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Job Opportunities
    • Contact Us
  • Adoptions
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    • Small & Furry Animals
  • Volunteer
    • Current Volunteer Login
  • Supporting ACL
    • Monthly Giving
    • Membership
    • Medical Fund
    • Planned Giving
    • Wish List
    • Donate to 2nd Chance Shop
    • Economy Shop
    • Matching Gifts
    • More Ways to Give
  • Chatka Ruggiero Spay/Neuter Clinic
    • Pre/Post Appointment Info
  • Dog Training Program
  • Events
    • Spring for the Animals Luncheon
    • Mutt Strut Virtual 5k
  • 2nd Chance Shop
  • Foster Program
  • Resources
  • Lost Pets
  • Sign Up For Emails

We could not continue our life-saving work without our volunteers! Thank you for considering to volunteer for the Animal Care League.
We’re thrilled that you’re ready to help us serve the homeless animals of our community.   Please continue reading for more information on our COVID-19 protocols, FAQs, and more.

We’re working hard to ensure that our volunteers feel comfortable and safe while volunteering with us. Here’s what we’re doing to protect our volunteers, staff, and community:
  1. All volunteer training, orientations, and interviews (with the exception of one-on-one mentorship training) will be conducted online
  2. All 2nd Chance Shop donations and merchandise are thoroughly sanitized 
  3. There are disinfecting wipes and sprays, and hand sanitizer throughout the shelter and 2nd Chance Shop
  4. We’re frequently sanitizing our shelter and 2nd Chance Shop
  5. Contactless temperature checks are required at the beginning of adoption appointments and during one-on-one mentorship training
  6. Adoptions and meet-and-greets are appointment-only
  7. Masks are required at all times while in and around the shelter
  8. Only 1 volunteer per room
  9. Only 1 volunteer per shift (with the exception of Dog Walking)
  10. Volunteers must self-schedule prior to their shift
Please note that we are currently accepting new volunteer applications, however due to our current COVID-19 protocols are only recruiting for specific roles.  Those roles may require a specific skill set or qualification.  For example, we are currently in need of strong dog walkers with previous training, shelter experience and/or animal handling.  

For a listing of the positions that we are currently recruiting volunteers for,
please visit our Volunteer Match page


To apply to become a volunteer, please fill out our New Volunteer Application. If we have positions available that suit your experience, skill set, and availability you’ll be contacted to set up an interview.  Please allow 3-5 days for a response to your application.

Please note the current minimal application requirements: 
Must be at least 17 years of age, must be able to complete your own volunteer application, Must be able to commit to at least 15 hours of volunteer service per quarter (3 months).  For Dog Walkers: must successfully complete our training programs, and be able to volunteer at least once per week.

We understand these are difficult times.  If you are not comfortable volunteering in person or our current opportunities do not match with your interests, there are still some great ways to get involved!

  1. Sign up to foster
  2. Donate dog/cat food to our Pets and People Support Program (PPSP)
  3. Begin your own virtual food and resource drive for our PPSP (contact volunteer@animalcareleague.org for more information)
  4. Consider adoption
  5. Donate to our shelter pets via our Amazon Wishlist
  6. Create a Facebook fundraiser on behalf of the Animal Care League
  7. Sign-up to make a recurring monthly donation to ACL
  8. Donate items to our 2nd Chance Thrift Shop​
  9. Include ACL while you shop on Amazon through Amazon Smile's charity program
  10. Participate in ACL events​

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@animalcareleague.org 

Animal Care League, 1011 Garfield, Oak Park, IL  60304; 708-848-8155

Contact Us