Volunteer with KHS

Make a difference in the lives of shelter animals
Mahalo for your interest in volunteering with the Kaua’i Humane Society. As Kauai’s only open-intake animal shelter, we rely on our volunteers to help the thousands of animals who come through our doors every year get the care and attention they deserve.

How to Get Started:

Please review the information on this page and when you’re ready, click the button below to fill out an application.

Why Volunteer with Us?

With flexible opportunities and a variety of roles, volunteers can help care for dogs and cats in need, support animal welfare efforts, and build lasting connections within the community—all while making a positive impact.

“I like that it’s a flexible opportunity— between laundry, cleaning kennels, and doing enrichment activities with the dogs.” – Laurel, KHS Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

There's a role for everyone!

Volunteer Onsite – Help with kennel cleaning, routine feedings, play with our dogs in their exercise yards, play with our cats in their kennels, dishes, laundry, donation sorting, and other vital shelter tasks.

*For the safety of our volunteers, staff, and shelter dogs, we require 40 hours of supervised volunteer work before volunteers can leash handle dogs without supervision in the shelter.

Volunteer Offsite – Assist with adoption events, fundraisers, or community outreach events.

Foster – Help shelter animals from the comfort of your home and prepare them for adoption. Learn more about our foster program here.

Specialized Volunteer Roles

Photography Volunteer – Capture quality photos of shelter animals to increase their chances of adoption. Photography experience is preferred.

Videography Volunteer – Produce short videos showcasing adoptable pets and shelter activities. Filming and editing experience preferred.

Social Media Volunteer – Manage and create engaging posts to grow our shelter’s online presence. Ideal for social media savvy volunteers.

Maintenance Volunteer – Assist with pressure washing, landscaping, and general shelter upkeep to keep the facility safe and clean.

Veterinarian Volunteer – Help prepare medical supplies and support the vet team, great experience for those interested in the veterinary field.

Email volunteers@kauaihumane.org if you are interested in any of these specific volunteer roles.

Hear From Our Volunteers

“I’ve always wanted to help both people and animals–volunteering at KHS gives me the chance to do that.– Ciara, KHS Teen Volunteer

“I know many people are busy with work and other things that they need to do to live here. But you can help your community by volunteering just a couple hours.” – TJ, KHS Volunteer

“Photographing the cats brings me so much joy, and it makes me happy to think I’m helping them find homes.” – Jason, KHS Photography Volunteer

Volunteer FAQs

What can I expect as a volunteer?

Volunteering looks different every day. The beauty of working with animals is that everything is constantly changing. Animals are constantly coming into and leaving the shelter. Staff are constantly learning how to improve processes to make working with the animals safer, more efficient, and most importantly less stressful on the animals.

What you can expect is to get dirty. We have jobs for everyone and every skill set which doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to get dirty, but it’s safe to plan on it, just in case.

KHS priorities the safety and wellbeing of our animals and people. As long as you come with an open mindset and a willingness to work, you’ll leave your volunteer shift with a lighter step knowing you made a difference.

What are the requirements to volunteer?

  1. All volunteers must go through an orientation deemed appropriate by the Volunteer Coordinator. This is for the safety and wellbeing of the volunteer, KHS staff, and animals.
  2. All volunteers must sign a volunteer waiver.
  3. All volunteers must wear a volunteer shirt during their shift.
  4. All volunteers must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Can I volunteer if I'm just visiting Kaua'i?

Yes, but it depends on how long you’ll be on Kaua‘i. If you’re only visiting for a few days or weeks, we recommend joining our Field Trips for Shelter Dogs program—a great way to help out for a day while enjoying the island.

If you’re staying for a longer period (at least 4–6 weeks), you’re welcome to become an onsite volunteer. In that case, we’ll get you started with a Volunteer Orientation led by our Volunteer Coordinator, Bethany, which is required before volunteering at the shelter. The first step in applying to become a volunteer here.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteer Age Guidelines:

  • Volunteers must be at least 12 years old.

  • Ages 12–15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during their entire shift.

  • Ages 16–17 may volunteer on their own with a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.

  • Have a child under 12 who wants to volunteer? Consider fostering a shelter animal and including them in the experience—it’s a great way for younger kids to learn how to humanely care for animals from home!

What do I wear?

We require all volunteers to wear long pants, preferably no leggings, and closed-toe shoes. This is for your safety.

KHS requires all volunteer to wear a volunteer shirt which can be purchased for $10. This is so staff and the public can easily locate all volunteers.

We recommend you wear clothes and shoes, or boots, which can get dirty, but are comfortable to work in.

Do I need to have experience with animals?

No experience is necessary—you’ll learn as you go! Our Volunteer Coordinator will guide you through orientation and match you with tasks that fit your comfort level and the shelter’s needs. Many of our volunteers help with important duties that don’t involve direct contact with animals, but still make a big difference in the care we provide.

Can I volunteer with my family or a group?

Yes! The Kaua‘i Humane Society welcomes volunteer groups of all kinds—families, businesses, nonprofits, youth and teen groups, and more—who want to give back together. Please note that our volunteer age requirements still apply, and all group visits must be coordinated in advance with our Volunteer Coordinator.

To set up a meaningful day of service at the shelter, contact Bethany at volunteers@kauaihumane.org. We’d love to help your pack make a difference!

Getting Here & Hours of Operation

KHS is open to volunteers seven days a week during regular business hours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. KHS is closed to the public on Thursdays, but staff are still working and volunteers are welcome to come as long as staff are aware to expect volunteers.

OUR LOCATION

The Kaua’i Humane Society is located just west of Puhi:

Street Address: 3-825 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766

Short on Time?

You can still help! Whether you’re visiting or a resident with limited time, here are easy ways to get involved—no volunteer orientation or onboarding required:

SHELTER FULL: Local adoption fees are $25 through October!

X