FAQs

Volunteer FAQ

How many hours do I have to volunteer each month?
We ask for a minimum of 4 hours per month.

How come I don't receive the emails that go out to other volunteers?
You may have accidentally or intentionally opted out of receiving these emails when setting up your account. To update your preferences, log into your volunteer account, go to Edit Profile, scroll down to Data and Communication Settings, select Manage My Preferences, and then turn Email Blasts back on.

Are you a no-kill shelter?
We follow a Responsible Sheltering Policy (see Responsible Sheltering Policy | Hinsdale Humane Society) which means we do not euthanize animals due to length of stay or space. We avoid using the term “no-kill” to support transparency and understanding among shelters.

Where do all the animals come from?
Animals arrive via:

• Transports
  
  

• Strays
  
  

• Owner Surrenders
  
  

What is the volunteer door code?
7901

What door should I enter through?

• Enter and exit through the front door for your shift.
  
  

• If walking a dog, use the side door to enter and exit when starting or ending the walk.
  
  

What do I do if I can’t make my scheduled shift?

• Please remove yourself from the shift on Sustain as soon as possible.
  
  

• If it’s less than 24 hours before your shift, email the Volunteer Program Manager to notify them.

How do I train in a new area?
Email volunteer@hinsdalehumanesociety.org to request training in a new area.

Can I get retrained or receive additional training if needed?
Absolutely! Email the Volunteer Manager anytime to schedule extra training. We want you to feel confident before starting any new tasks.

What areas qualify for court-mandated community service hours?

• Dog Kennel Cleaning
  
  

• Cat Kennel Cleaning
  
  

• Laundry/Dishes
  
  

• Shelter Maintenance

Is it possible to get a new volunteer T-shirt?
Yes! Gray and black shirts are available for $10. Just ask the Volunteer Manager.

What to do if you're not recieving emails?

How to Regain Access to Volunteer Emails & Notifications

If you’ve stopped receiving volunteer emails or notifications, follow the steps below to check and update your email preferences:

1. Log into Your Volunteer Dashboard
   Start by logging in to your account through the volunteer portal.

2. Select “Edit Profile”
   From your dashboard homepage, click on the “Edit Profile” button.

3. Scroll Down to Communication Settings
   On the right-hand side, look for a section titled “Data and Communication Settings.”

4. Click “Manage My Email Preferences”
   This will open a page where you can adjust your communication preferences.

5. Check Your Notification Settings
   Make sure the toggles for “Email Blasts” and “Volunteer Notifications” are switched ON.

   • If either is off, toggle it to the ON position.

6. Save Your Preferences
   Don’t forget to scroll down and click “Save” to update your settings.

Once these steps are completed, you should begin receiving emails and updates again. If issues persist, feel free to contact the Volunteer Manager for additional support.