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Shelter Helpers

Our Shelter Helpers are life savers.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. We are excited to connect with community members who are as dedicated and enthusiastic about animals as we are!

Volunteers are involved in almost everything we do, from animal care to administrative support, from our veterinary clinic to events, and so much more! Volunteers assist on-site between the hours of 8am and 6pm seven days a week.

Before submitting your application, please read about our program to make sure that it is a good fit for you.

Volunteer Requirements

In order to successfully participate in our program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Age Minimum: 16 is the minimum age to volunteer independently. If you are 13-15, you may be accompanied by an adult co-volunteer (see below for more on co-volunteering).
  • Health Insurance: Volunteers are required to be covered under their own health insurance policy.
  • Essential Capabilities: Volunteers must have these capabilities to volunteer safely. We are not able to accept applicants that do not meet these basic requirements.
    • In cases where an individual requires a supervising co-volunteer due to age or disability, the co-volunteer must also complete the application and training process. Co-volunteers must be over the age of 18 and be the same individual each time to ensure that training is retained.
    • Most volunteer positions require bending, lifting, standing, walking or squatting. In addition, all volunteers must be able to communicate clearly and understand and comply with written and spoken instructions.
  • Regular Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular, weekly 2-hour shift for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Valid ID: Applicants 18 and older are required to upload a copy of their valid ID at the time of application. ID’s accepted are driver’s license, US passport, state ID, US military card, permanent resident card and certificate of citizenship.
  • Internet Access: Reliable access to the internet and email is required for obtaining information about volunteer positions and shelter updates.

If you do not meet any of these requirements, the ARLGP Volunteer Program may not be the best fit for you. Please feel free to connect with our volunteer management team at volunteer@arlgp.org to discuss any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about volunteering? Here are our most frequently asked questions regarding our volunteer program.

Ready to get started? Here’s how:

Step 1: Virtual Orientation 

Watch our virtual volunteer orientation video to learn more about becoming an ARLGP volunteer. The video is approximately 15 minutes long and will introduce you to our shelter’s life-saving work and how volunteers support our mission. It will help to ensure that our programs are the best fit for your volunteering goals.

 

Complete the verification quiz: After watching the orientation video complete a short quiz on the information presented. This is a requirement before you apply. Submitted applications will not be reviewed until the verification quiz has been completed. Click here to complete the quiz.

Watched the video? Liked what you saw? Time to check out our needs and see if we have a match!

Step 2: Review Current Volunteer Needs

Check back often to see if we have an opening that matches your interests and availability. At this time, we are only accepting new volunteers for the openings listed below. If you don’t see a position that’s a good match today, check back at a later date. Positions are updated regularly depending on the shelter’s current needs. We cannot keep a waiting list for openings that are not currently posted.  

Attention co-volunteers: We have a limited number of volunteer roles that can accommodate a volunteer duo. Shifts that are eligible for co-volunteering will have the following notation: “Co-volunteer eligible”

Current Volunteer Needs

(just click the position title to learn more about it)

 

Feline & Small Animal Department

Cat Caregiver/Cleaner (Back of House) – Monday, Wednesday or Thursday 8-10am

Cat Caregiver/Cleaner (Adoptions)– Mondays or Thursdays 8-10am (Co-volunteer eligible)

Small Animal Caregiver/Cleaner – Tuesdays or Thursdays 8-10am (Co-volunteer eligible)

Shelter Operations

Laundry Helper – Fridays 3-5pm (Co-volunteer eligible)

Shelter Essentials: Clean team – every day but Saturday 10am-12pm

Clinic

Clinic Support – Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 2-4:30pm

Step 3: Apply!

Once you’ve found a match, submit your application! Please only apply to a position that you can commit to for a minimum of 6 months. Our volunteer program is highly competitive; not everyone who applies can be placed, so please do take time to fill the application out completely.

We ask for a one-time $20 application fee to help cover the administrative costs of running our robust volunteer program. If the application fee poses a barrier to applying, please email the volunteer@arlgp.org to request a waiver. Once the fee is paid, you will receive an automated email containing a link to complete your application. Be sure to check your junk/spam folder!

Click here to apply to volunteer.

Step 4: Attend a Volunteer Planning Session.

You will have the opportunity to sign up for an upcoming session while completing your application. At this session, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and learn about the ARLGP’s mission, policies, and volunteer positions. You must attend the entire session.

Step 5: Training!

Following the planning session, we will review your paperwork and place you in the volunteer program if our assignment matches your skills, interests, and availability. Once you have received your volunteer offer, you will start your training!

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