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 and continues our life-saving work. We have locations in 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.

*Important July 2024 update:*

Wilmington (Riverfront): Our Wilmington location is currently treating several dogs for an upper respiratory virus. For this reason, dog adoption & intake are closed, and new volunteer Orientation for dog volunteers is postponed until further notice. If you are interested in volunteering with our cats, please email Ashton Cleveland at acleveland@hapde.org.

Stanton/Christiana: HAP Stanton/Christiana is not currently accepting new volunteers while under construction. Renovations are estimated to be complete by the end of summer.

Ready to volunteer?

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

click here to apply!

Group Volunteering

HAP welcomes community groups or business groups with an opportunity to get involved with our lifesaving mission. Gather your friends or colleagues for a day of service with HAP! Group opportunities can be scheduled with Keith Hassett and are dependent on what we need and may be limited. Morning help is our greatest need before we open our doors to the public at 12pm!

Please read over the HAP Corporate Group Volunteer Day of Service Policy below, and then email Keith Hassett if you are interested in scheduling a day of service. Group numbers are typically kept to no more than 10 people and are scheduled for 2-3 hours.

HAP Corporate Group volunteer day of service policy

FAQ’s

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 independently. People 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: