Volunteer and foster with the Eau Claire County Humane Association

Outreach Programs

Make school presentations and take part in special events for the Eau Claire County Humane Association. If you are only available to help out on a limited basis, this is a perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

Education & Outreach Committee
To become more involved in ECCHA outreach programs, you can become a member of our Education & Outreach Committee. Focused on promoting the shelter and its mission within the community, this committee strives to bring light to issues like pet overpopulation and responsible pet ownership.

For more information on our Outreach Programs, contact our Executive Director at 715-839-4747 ext. 25 or email at .

Fundraiser Programs

Throughout the year we hold a variety of fundraisers and events that help us continue to accomplish our mission. We always appreciate excited, hardworking volunteers to help us plan for and host these events.

Fundraising volunteer opportunities include: a Silent Auction, our Fido & Friends Fun Run dog walk, raffles, our Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale, and our Santa Paws Ornaments sale, just to name a few.

Fundraising/Education Committee
The Fundraising/Education committee plans and organizes our fundraisers. They are constantly looking for new and creative ways to increase our revenue, so that we can continue to accomplish our mission. This committee meets once every 4-6 weeks at the shelter- a weekday evening. (no set day or time- usually either a tues or wed. around 6)

For more information on our Fundraising Programs, contact our Executive Director at 715-839-4747 ext. 25 or email at .

Saving a Life:

volunteering or fostering at ECCHA

You don't need to be an animal expert to help improve the lives of animals in our community. As a private non-profit organization, much of what we do is made possible by the help of volunteers. Volunteers help us provide the best possible care for the animals at all times, from playing with pets in our shelter, organizing outreach programs, to fostering abused or neglected pets.

Volunteering with ECCHA

There are a number of ways to get involved that require different time commitments, schedules, and focus. We ask our volunteers to make at least a three month commitment and there is a $10 orientation fee (which includes a free t–shirt.)

If you would like to volunteer with us we ask that you view our Volunteer Opportunities page, complete a Volunteer Application form, and attend an orientation prior to volunteering. Once you submit your completed application online, a notice will be sent to you via email confirming your submission. Within a week or less a notice will be sent to you via email regarding open orientation dates. If you would prefer to sign up for an orientation over the phone, please email or call our volunteer coordinator at 715-839-4747 Ext. 34.

Space is limited per session so please respond quickly. Applications and fees are only accepted at the time of orientation, so please fill them out and bring them with or plan on filling one out at the time of your orientation. At orientation, you will be taken on a tour of the shelter to get an insider’s look into the many efforts that go into animal care at the ECCHA. You will also learn more about our programs and policies, so you can start your volunteer work equipped with the information you need to successfully contribute to our mission.

We welcome all volunteers including service learning students, community service, and youth volunteers. We request that volunteers under the age of 18 have parental consent and come during normal business hours. All volunteers between the ages of 10-16 must be accompanied by a parent or adult who is also a volunteer and has attended an orientation. Volunteers under the age of 10 will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Fill out the volunteer application.

Some Volunteering areas include:

Special events (mailings, fundraisers, & education events)
Shelter or Kennel Greeter
Housekeeping Helper
Small Animal Handler
Dog Walkers and Socializers
Cat Companions or Comforters
Grounds Keeper/Maintenance
Morning Kennel Assistants
Laundry and Dishwashers
PetSmart Cat Caregivers and Dog Adoption Event Volunteers
Oakwood Mall Volunteers
Shelter and P.T.L.P.
Foster Parents
Pet Therapy Volunteers
Agriculture Caretakers (when applicable)
Office and Outreach Assistants
Group Volunteer Days

Got a special skill to share?
We are open to suggestions!

Upcoming Opportunities

We always have openings for volunteers. To learn more about how you can help out or for more information on one of the many opportunities listed above, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 715-839-4747 ext. 34 or .

Fostering a Pet

Unfortunately not every pet that comes into our shelter finds a home quickly. That's why we encourage the community to foster pets for short periods of time until we can find the perfect family for them. Whether you are looking to care for a kitten or puppy simply too small to exist on its own or hoping to give a pet some well deserved time away from the shelter, a temporary stay at your home can literally save an animal's life.

Becoming a Foster Home

Before fostering a pet from our shelter, you must fill out a foster care application; understand and agree with the foster program's goals; meet the ECCHA adoption standards; prove that pets you own are sterilized, vaccinated, and well cared for. We also request that all foster homes be open to a home inspection and display they can provide for the foster pet during the time of their stay. Further questions can be directed to the foster coordinator. email or call at (715) 839-4747, ext. 26.

Foster Parent Frequently asked Questions.

Submit an online application to foster.

Tips to Be a Successful Foster Parent

The thought of taking care of an adorable dog or playful cat for a short while may seem like a breeze. But we want to make sure each of our foster homestays are providing the comfort and care they should. The tips below will help prepare you to be a model foster parent.

1.	Give your foster animal lots of attention and affection. The animal may have lived a difficult life before coming to your home. Your love and attention will help to heal the animal's physical and psychological wounds.
2.	Learn as much as you can about pet care. Before you bring your foster animal home, learn as much as you can about caring for that animal. Read about feeding, grooming, and training; study the warning signs that may indicate the animal needs veterinary attention.
3.	Be prepared to make a financial commitment. Before volunteering to foster an animal, find out from the shelter what costs you will incur. Depending on your shelter's policies and resources, you may be asked to pay for food, supplies, and/or veterinary care.
4.	Make your home pet-friendly. Before you bring your foster animal home, make sure you "pet proof" your home. For example, remove poisonous plants and protect furnishings. Keep the animal's room warm and comfortable. Also, take steps to prevent the animal from escaping.
5.	Enjoy being a foster parent. Although fostering takes a great deal of time and commitment, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You are temporarily providing a needy animal with a loving home and helping that animal become more suitable for adoption into a responsible, lifelong family.

View tips on becoming a successful foster parent.