Volunteer
Help animals as a volunteer in our animal shelter in The Hague
Do you want to help animals and make a difference for The Hague? Become a volunteer at the Haags Dierencentrum. Our animal center is a shelter for dogs and cats in need. Due to various circumstances, they are temporarily without a home. With your presence, loving care, and extra attention, you help shelter animals flourish again. This way, our shelter animals build confidence and prepare for a new owner.
Volunteers are essential for the daily work in the animal shelter. Together, you ensure a safe, clean environment and give animals the attention they need. Anyone who loves dogs or cats can make a difference here.
What do you do as a volunteer at the Haags Dierencentrum?
Tasks vary by department. With the dogs, you help clean dog kennels and corridors, feed them, and assist with care. Afterward, you can walk a dog, play with them, or give them a brushing. This way, you become a trusted buddy for some animals.
With the cats, the work consists of cleaning the cages, feeding, caring, and playing. For example, you help more fearful cats get used to people. With love, you see fearful cats relax step by step. Kittens also need a lot of attention and care.
Additionally, we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for other activities, for example as a hostess or at events when there are vacancies. You welcome visitors and children and provide support where needed. Do you have a green thumb or other talents and knowledge? Let us know; your talents can always be put to good use.
Want to get a better picture of the daily work? Also read what a volunteer at an animal shelter does.
Why are volunteers so important?
Volunteer work in animal centers is crucial for animal welfare. Animal centers run on many big-hearted volunteers. They give animals extra attention and care alongside basic care and help them on their way to a new home.
Elsewhere in The Hague and South Holland, volunteer efforts are also indispensable. At the Dierenhospitaal and Dierenambulance Den Haag, volunteers care for approximately 1,600 sick and injured animals annually. The Dierenambulance receives about 50,000 reports per year and offers 24/7 help to animals in need. Without volunteers, the Dierenambulance cannot function.
The Dierenbescherming has various roles in the Netherlands and an overview of current volunteer vacancies. In nine out of ten cases, they succeed in quickly giving animals a new home. Dierenopvangcentrum Westland also works with volunteers in their shelter.
What do we ask of volunteers?
Become a volunteer if you want to be hands-on and can take responsibility. The following conditions apply for volunteer work at the Haags Dierencentrum:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are available for at least one half-day session per week.
- You can perform physically demanding work.
- You can work independently and know when you need help.
- You have a strong affinity for animals and animal welfare.
- You have good communication skills; proficiency in Dutch or English is often required in animal shelters.
A volunteer works independently on a task once it has been properly explained, but we do it all together. Are you looking for flexible volunteer work? Please note that HDC requires at least one fixed half-day session per week. This is primarily for a morning. Which day is possible, for example Monday or during the weekend, depends on current vacancies. At the Dierenbescherming, roles may require approximately 2 to 8 hours per week.
How you can become a volunteer
Do you want to help? You can sign up via the online registration form. After your message, we will contact you. You will then receive a message with the next steps. Introduction days or introduction moments are common for new volunteers; at HDC, you will receive an explanation about the work, the animals, safety, and the daily routine.
Afterward, you will discover which department and tasks suit you. Become a volunteer and help with cleaning, care, playing, and attention. It feels good to see an animal grow in confidence or leave for a new owner.
Other ways to help animals
Not everyone can work in the shelter every week. Therefore, look at other ways to help. Sometimes host families are needed for foster care, for example for kittens that temporarily need extra rest. Check our foster care section to see if host families are being sought. Help can also be welcome at events.
Those looking for other volunteer work can also look at the Dierenbescherming, the Dierenhospitaal, or local organizations. Volunteer work in animal shelters is often unpaid, but the contribution, the social aspect, and the difference you make are valuable. One of our volunteers greatly enjoys the contact with animals and people and working together with others.
Become a volunteer and help out
Do you want to dedicate your time and love to dogs and cats that need help? Become a volunteer at the Haags Dierencentrum. Help give animals a safe shelter, good care, and a new chance.
This is why volunteers love working here
Frequently asked questions about the Haags Dierencentrum
How can I become a volunteer at an animal shelter?
Find an animal shelter in The Hague, check the conditions, and sign up. At the Haags Dierencentrum, you must be at least 18 years old and available for at least one morning per week. An introduction follows your application.
What do you do as a volunteer at an animal shelter?
You help with care, feeding, cleaning, and giving attention. Depending on the department, you can let dogs play, walk a dog, care for cats, or help fearful cats get used to people. Contact with visitors can also be part of the work.
Can you work at an animal shelter?
You help with care, feeding, cleaning, and giving attention. Depending on the department, you can let dogs play, walk a dog, care for cats, or help fearful cats get used to people. Contact with visitors can also be part of the work.
Can I help as a volunteer?
Yes, the Haags Dierencentrum works with volunteers. You can find more information about the possibilities and current vacancies on the website.
