Become a Volunteer

Humane Animal Partners is much more than just an animal shelter… It’s a place where dedicated professionals and volunteers share their commitment, passion, and talent to help shelter homeless animals in our community. With the dedication of our volunteers, Humane Animal Partners maintains high-quality care for the animals in our care at all three locations—Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach.

We have many volunteer needs such as supporting cattery and kennel staff with daily duties, cleaning kennels and cages, walking and exercising dogs, working our front desk, or helping with our outreach and community events! Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Please see the FAQ section below for more information.

Ready to volunteer?

Simply click the button below to create an online account on our Volunteer Portal, and specify your preferred location. The Volunteer Manager will then be in touch with next steps! Please allow up to 21 business days to process your application. Please leave a note on your volunteer account if you require a reasonable accommodation.

CAT VOLUNTEERS: As of October 14, 2025, we are onboarding new cattery volunteers at our Wilmington and Rehoboth locations! Our cattery volunteer needs at our Stanton location are presently met.

We will be scheduling new volunteer orientations in January 2026! While we wish we could onboard everyone right away, our small team is working hard to ensure all volunteers receive the proper training and support. Please make an account and fill out our volunteer profile below to be contacted!

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Thank you for your dedication to helping animals in need — we can’t wait to welcome you to our volunteer family as soon as possible!

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER

Volunteers Needed for Facilities Team

Have a passion for fixing things, in addition to your love of animals? HAP is currently seeking individuals with maintenance skills or experience! Click the button below for more information.

facilities team description

Group Volunteering

HAP welcomes community and corporate volunteer groups to get involved with our lifesaving mission. Gather your friends or colleagues and spend a Day of Service helping animals in need!

Group volunteer opportunities can be scheduled by emailing marketing@hapde.org and are based on the needs of HAP at that time, so availability may be limited. Our greatest need is morning help before we open our doors to the public.

Please review the HAP Day of Service Policy below. After reading, email marketing@hapde.org to inquire about scheduling your group’s visit. Group sizes are limited to 10 participants per location and sessions run approximately 2–3 hours.

HAP day of service policy

FAQs

How old do you have to be to volunteer with HAP?

Due to the nature of our work, volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer. Volunteers between the ages of 16-18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver, and attend Orientation with them before they start!

When can I volunteer?

Most of our volunteer opportunities happen between the times of 8 am-6 pm, 7 days a week! We are open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 12 pm-5 pm, and Tuesdays from 12 pm-7 pm, but staff and volunteers are on-site even when we are closed to the public on Mondays.

What is the time commitment associated with volunteering?

While there is no required time commitment, volunteers who commit to a regular shift tend to be the most satisfied with the development of their volunteer work and make the greatest impact at the shelter.

What volunteer opportunities does HAP have to offer? What is your biggest need?

You can do lots of different things here at HAP! Our biggest need is cleaning assistance during the opening and closing of our cattery and kennel in the mornings and afternoons. Volunteers can also help stock our pet food pantry, walk dogs, work our community events, transport supplies and animals, and more!

How can kids get involved at HAP?

There are ways that youth community members can support HAP and receive service hours if needed, such as organizing donation drives, making homemade treats for our dogs, toys for our cats, or other special projects! If interested, please email our Volunteer Manager at acleveland@hapde.org.

Can I complete court-ordered community service with HAP?

HAP accepts volunteers looking to complete court-ordered community service hours on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested, please email our Volunteer Manager at acleveland@hapde.org.

Other ways to volunteer: