Help Animals in Jackson, Michigan
More than 5,000 animals are helped at Cascades Humane Society each year. Volunteers make that number possible. Whether you have a few hours a month or a full schedule to offer, there's a role at CHS that fits.
Three Ways to Get Involved with CHS
Volunteer, Foster, or Join Our Team
There are three paths into CHS, and each one makes a direct difference for animals in our care. Whether you're looking for a regular commitment, a temporary caregiving role, or a career in animal welfare, here's where to start.
Volunteer
CHS volunteers serve in more than 13 roles — animal care, dog walking, event support, administrative assistance, and more. Submit the online application in under five minutes and our team will match you with a role that fits your schedule and interests.
Employment
CHS occasionally has open staff positions for people who want to make animal welfare their work. Current openings and application details are listed on our Employment page.
Foster
Foster families provide temporary homes for animals who aren't yet ready for adoption, giving them the stability and care they need to get there. Every foster placement leads directly to a permanent one — every goodbye from your home is a hello to a forever family.
Even One Saturday Makes a Difference
No Experience Required — Just a Willingness to Show Up
The most common reason people don't volunteer at CHS is that they assume they don't have enough time or the right skills. Neither is true. Some volunteers come in weekly. Others show up for a single event and call it their contribution for the year. Both matter. Animal care experience is helpful but never required — we train every volunteer for their specific role. What we need most is people in Jackson County who care about animals and are willing to show up.
- CHS volunteer roles range from one-time event support with no ongoing commitment to regular weekly shifts in animal care and socialization
- No prior animal handling experience is required for most volunteer roles — training is provided for every position at the shelter
- For prospective fosters, CHS provides support, guidance, and supplies throughout the placement to make the experience manageable and rewarding
Get Involved Questions, Answered
What People Ask Before They Reach Out
How do I volunteer at Cascades Humane Society?
Start by visiting our Volunteer page and submitting the online application — it takes under five minutes to complete. From there, our team will follow up to match you with a role that fits your availability, interests, and skill set. CHS volunteers serve in 13+ roles, so there's a genuine range of options regardless of your background. You don't need prior animal care experience to apply.
Can I volunteer at an animal shelter in Jackson, Michigan if I only have a few hours a month?
Absolutely. CHS has volunteer roles that accommodate a wide range of availability, including one-time event support with no ongoing commitment. If your schedule is limited, let us know when you apply and we'll find a role that works. Even a single shift contributes directly to the animals in our care.
How do I foster a pet from CHS in Jackson, Michigan?
Visit our Foster page to learn how the program works and submit an application. CHS provides support, guidance, and supplies throughout the foster placement — you won't be on your own. Foster families provide temporary care for animals who aren't yet ready for adoption, and every successful foster placement leads directly to a permanent one.
Do I need experience working with animals to volunteer at CHS?
No. Most volunteer roles at CHS do not require prior animal handling experience. Training is provided for every position, and our team will make sure you feel prepared before you start. What matters most is that you show up and care about the work — we'll handle the rest.
Does CHS have paid employment opportunities?
CHS occasionally has open staff positions for people looking to work in animal welfare. Current openings are listed on our Employment page. If nothing is currently available, volunteering or fostering is a great way to get involved in the meantime and demonstrate your commitment to the mission.