Volunteers Make it Possible
Giving your time extends critical resources and provides the support necessary to save lives and support relationships between people and pets. We offer a wide variety of volunteer roles.
Getting started as a volunteer begins with submitting a volunteer interest form. Next, our team will reach out to schedule you for a 90-minute information session. This orientation will cover our mission, organization structure, and the various opportunities available. Space is limited and registration is required.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
Adult volunteer positions are for those ages 18 and older. We ask for a six month commitment of at least eight hours a month. We are unable to accommodate short-term community service volunteer opportunities or sign off on hours before a six month commitment is complete.
Volunteer Opportunities
Would you like to be part of a lifesaving team? Could you share your time and talents to connect people and pets? Here are a few opportunities available at ARF:
Submit a Volunteer Interest Form Today
Foster
Fostering is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer as a family or care for a pet without a long-term commitment. Save lives every time you open your home to an animal in need. We provide everything you need. You supply the love.
Community Programs
Volunteers needed! Your help preserves the human-animal bond by keeping animals with their families and connecting people with meaningful, animal-related resources in their communities. Be their lifeline when it’s needed most.
Therapy Animal Team
Is your pet therapy animal material? Consider joining the Pet Hug Pack® and sharing their love with people in need. Since 2002, hundreds of thousands of people have experienced the wet noses and unconditional love of these very special animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old to join our volunteer program. Submit a volunteer interest inquiry.
If I am not yet 18 years old, but want to help, what can I do?
Host a fundraiser or donation drive. Past fundraisers have included donated birthdays, live streams, lemonade stands, and much more.
Or consider fostering as a family to get involved. Sign up for a foster orientation to hear about the realities and rewards of this unique volunteer role from experienced foster parents. Bring your questions to this free, no-obligation information session. Register today.
I work regular business hours. Can I volunteer after work or on weekends?
Weekend and evening volunteer opportunities are available. Please note your days and hours of availability when submitting your volunteer interest inquiry.
What kind of commitment is required?
We ask for a commitment of six months with at least eight hours each month.
Can I complete my court-ordered community service at ARF?
We require a six month minimum commitment from all volunteers. We cannot accommodate short-term community service volunteer opportunities or sign off on hours before this six month commitment is complete.
I want to volunteer with my pet. What are my options?
You and your pet might be a great addition to our therapy animal program, the Pet Hug Pack®, or consider becoming a foster family.
Are there ways I can volunteer from home?
Yes! Consider becoming a foster home! Every new foster family means another pet rescued from an overburdened, public shelter. Find out more about the foster program.
Other remote volunteer opportunities include event coordination, providing assistance through the Resource Center to pet guardians in need, and more.
After I attend orientation, how long until I can start volunteering?
Some volunteer jobs require additional training sessions or prerequisites while other jobs can be started right away. You will learn more about specific jobs and training requirements during the volunteer information session.
Do you offer one-time volunteer opportunities for groups?
Yes! Your company or service group can encourage teamwork and engagement in your community by volunteering as a group! Although we cannot guarantee a group project which matches your availability, we do have a variety of meaningful, hands-on group opportunities to support a lifesaving mission throughout the year.
Most group projects are intended for 6-12 volunteers (age 18 years or older) and are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to noon or 1-4:30 pm. Volunteer groups also get a behind-the-scenes tour of our headquarters. End with a photo opportunity with one of our Pet Hug Pack® therapy animals or an adoptable dog. Click here to inquire.
Previous group projects have included: maintenance or landscaping in our community garden; washing the rescue, adoption, and pet food delivery vehicles; prepping or follow up for events; organizing and stocking merchandise at the ARF Thrift Store; and organizing and hosting a fundraiser or donation drive to benefit the animals.
Sign-in for Current Volunteers
Get Involved
People Rescuing Animals … Animals Rescuing People®
Donate
Your gift saves lives.
Sign Up for Email
Receive updates and inspiring stories.
Volunteer
Volunteers make our mission possible.