All Paws on Deck

Get involved!

Help an animal in need by getting involved and volunteering at the Eau Claire Community Humane Association (ECCHA). Make a difference in the lives of the animals that are in need of care, attention and love. Become a voice for the voiceless and a trusted companion. Whether it’s taking pups for a walk, playing with cats or simply helping with other simple animal care tasks – you can contribute to the well-being of animals by providing them with the care they need during such a critical time in their lives.
Apply to volunteer

Types of Volunteers Needed

  • Shelter or Kennel Greeter
  • Housekeeping Helper
  • Small Animal Handler
  • Dog Walkers and Socializers
  • Groundskeeper/Maintenance
  • Morning Kennel Assistants
  • Mailings, Fundraisers and Education Events
  • Laundry and Dishwashers
  • Oakwood Mall Volunteers
  • Foster Parents
  • Pet Therapy Volunteers
  • Office and Outreach Assistants
  • Group Volunteer Days
  • Agriculture Caretakers (when applicable)

Volunteer Today

Help an Animal in Need

Make a difference in an animal’s life by volunteering. Your time and dedication can help provide socialization, exercise, cleaning and care – ultimately increasing their chances of being adopted into loving homes.

Make a Paw-sitive Impact

By volunteering your time and energy to help animals in need, you will inspire others to do the same while raising awareness around animal welfare. You’ll meet like-minded people who share your passion for animals, and will form new friendships with both people and pets.

Gain Valuable Skills & Experience

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to gain new skills and experiences that will benefit you in the future. You’ll learn about animal behavior, communication, compassion and teamwork, and will sharpen both your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Service Learning Opportunities

ECCHA offers unique service-learning opportunities through UW-Eau Claire and CVTC. Service learning makes education a collaborative effort; students benefit society by exercising the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Ready to make an impact?

Volunteer today

Fostering a Pet Leads to the Ultimate Slumber Paw-ty!

Fostering pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those who are passionate about animal welfare. By opening up your home to a foster animal, you provide them with a safe and loving environment while they wait for their fur-ever home. Fostering also helps to free up space in the shelter, allowing us to take in more animals in need.

Not ready to foster? Participate in Doggy Daycations! This form of fostering is aimed at giving shelter dogs a break, as well as a nice comfy couch to lie on and a pillow to drool on.

Learn more

Community Groups

ECCHA welcomes community groups of any size and age to come into the shelter to help for a few hours! In many instances, we will set aside special projects where your group may not need to go through volunteer orientation. Groups who have come in the past include:

  • Scouts
  • YMCA Summer Camps
  • Countless Businesses for a “Day of Giving”
  • School Groups

Please email our volunteer coordinator for more information: volunteer@eccha.org

Contact the Coordinators

Volunteer

Name: Tracey Newhouse
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Email: volunteer@eccha.org
Phone: (715) 839-4747, ext 1024

Foster

Raven Johnson

foster@eccha.org
Foster Coordinator
Phone: (715) 839-4747, ext. 1026

FAQs

Check out our list of frequently asked questions. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us.
View all FAQs
Can I foster animals if I have other animals in my home?
Yes! Our foster coordinator will work with you to find the best fit for your home.
Do I get to choose what animal I foster?
Not all animals are good foster candidates, but our foster coordinator will take your preferences into consideration when finding the perfect temporary pet!
Why does an animal have to go to foster?
There are many reasons why animals go to foster. The main reasons are: medical, they need socialization or work on their manners, or they generally do not do well in the shelter as it is a very stressful environment.
Why do you euthanize animals?
“At the Eau Claire County Humane Association we have an open admission philosophy — we accept every animal regardless of health, age, breed, or temperament. We feel open admission is essential to providing shelter and care to the thousands of animals who otherwise have no safe refuge. ECCHA is committed to reducing euthanasia. We believe every animal deserves an opportunity. Our goal is to serve animals throughout their lives, and our programs focus on ending homelessness and addressing the needs of animals. We strive to do the greatest good, given limited resources, to help the greatest number of animals. In balancing the welfare of the animals with our responsibility to the public, we recognize not all animals are suitable for adoption. This difficult decision is made ONLY when all other options have been exhausted, including working with other shelters, raising funds to provide for medical care, and utilizing our network of foster homes.”

Contact Us

Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer or simply want to chat about your love for animals, we’re all ears (and paws). Contact us today!
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