To volunteer at an animal shelter, find a shelter or rescue near you, fill out its online volunteer application, attend an orientation and any required training, and sign up for regular shifts. Many shelters require volunteers to be at least 16 or 18 (younger people can often help with a parent), ask for a minimum commitment such as a few hours a week for several months, and may charge a small fee for a T-shirt or background check.
Volunteers are a large part of how shelters care for animals and help them get adopted. This guide covers the roles available, what to expect and how to choose a place that fits.
Common volunteer roles
| Role | What it involves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Dog walker | Walks, playtime and basic training | Active people comfortable with dogs |
| Cat socializer | Petting, play and helping shy cats warm up | Calm, patient people |
| Kennel and cattery care | Cleaning, feeding, laundry, dishes | Anyone who wants to help behind the scenes |
| Adoption counselor | Helping visitors meet animals | Outgoing people |
| Event volunteer | Adoption events, fundraisers | Weekends and occasional help |
| Photographer or writer | Photos and bios for adoption listings | Creative skills |
| Transport driver | Driving animals to vets, rescues or events | People with a car and flexible time |
| Foster | Caring for animals at home | People with space and time; see how to foster a pet |
| Office and admin | Phones, data entry, mailings | Remote or office-style help |
| Skilled volunteer | Vet tech, grooming, construction, marketing | Professionals donating skills |
Step 1: Choose a shelter or rescue
Options include public shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, nonprofit animal shelters, animal sanctuaries and foster-based rescues. Think about:
- Distance. Regular volunteers are most valuable, so choose somewhere you can reach easily.
- Schedule. Some shelters need help early mornings, others evenings or weekends.
- Animals. Do you want to work with dogs, cats, farm animals, horses or wildlife? Wildlife rehab centers often need volunteers for cleaning and food prep.
- Atmosphere. A busy public shelter and a small sanctuary feel very different.
Use the near me page or browse by state to see options.
Step 2: Apply
Most shelters have an online application. Expect questions about your availability, experience with animals, interests, and an emergency contact. Some ask for:
- A minimum age (commonly 16 or 18 for working directly with animals)
- A parent or guardian to accompany younger volunteers
- A background check, especially for roles involving money or children
- A liability waiver
- Proof of a tetanus shot or other health requirements at some facilities
Step 3: Attend orientation and training
Orientation usually covers safety, shelter rules, disease prevention (such as hand washing and handling protocols) and how to read animal body language. Dog-walking programs often start volunteers with easier dogs and add more as they complete training levels. Expect to shadow an experienced volunteer at first.
Step 4: Show up consistently
Shelters plan around their volunteers. Reliable volunteers who come at the same time every week help animals build trust and routines. If you cannot make a shift, tell the coordinator early.
What volunteering is really like
Volunteering can be joyful, but also tiring and sometimes sad. You may see animals that are sick, frightened or waiting a long time for homes, and you may hear about difficult outcomes. Most shelters have volunteer coordinators who offer support. Many volunteers find it helps to focus on the difference they make for each animal, one walk or visit at a time.
Things to keep in mind:
- Follow shelter rules even when they seem strict; they protect animals and people
- Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty
- Do not bring your own pets unless invited
- Respect animals' boundaries; not every dog or cat wants to be touched
- Be kind to staff, who often work long, demanding shifts
Volunteering from home
If you cannot go in person, you can still help:
- Make enrichment toys or blankets (ask what the shelter accepts)
- Share adoptable animals on social media
- Run a donation drive or online fundraiser
- Help with graphic design, writing or grant applications
- Make calls or follow-ups for adopters
For more ideas, see how to help a shelter.
Volunteering with kids and groups
Many shelters run family or youth programs, school service-learning projects and group volunteer days for companies or clubs. Group days often involve projects like cleaning, building or organizing donations rather than handling animals. Ask the volunteer coordinator.