Shelter Helpers represent the core of ARLGP’s volunteers, and provide hands-on animal care and support, as well as assist with daily shelter operations. Rain, snow, or shine, our shelter helpers volunteer at least once a week in a variety of ways.

Below are just some examples of the ways that volunteers support us. Openings vary based on current need and availability. Individuals who submit a volunteer application will receive a full list of available openings to choose from.

Regular weekly shifts

Feline Volunteers

Help to make sure each cat’s environment is clean, safe, and comfortable throughout the day. Cat care roles can involve cleaning enclosures, freshening bedding, washing food bowls, cleaning litter pans, feeding and general cleaning of the feline adoption area. Our guests are so appreciative of the care, and love to rub against our legs, get pets and play time as we work to keep them comfortable.

• Requirements:
  • Must be able to bend frequently and carry light supplies.
  • The ability to work as part of a team and communicate well with staff and other volunteers.

Small Animal Caregivers

Help keep our rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and other littles clean and comfortable by providing daily care and socialization. Duties may include feeding, cage cleaning, providing daily enrichment activities and general cleaning of the small animal room. Preference is given to people with small animal experience, but we are always willing to train those that are interested in learning how to handle and care for small animals!

• Requirements:
  • Able to bend and lift to remove cage tops and remove animals from their cages. Must be able to stand on a step ladder to reach top cages.
  • The ability to work as part of a team and communicate well with staff and other volunteers.

Greeters

Greeters are the first point of contact for visitors to the shelter and play an important role in ensuring that their visit is a success. Greeters also support the ARLGP by helping to accept in-kind donations, keeping the lobby clean and presentable, and other support tasks. This role is essential to our day-to-day operations, and a great opportunity to learn all about how a shelter works and the various layers that go into our life-saving work!

• Requirements:
  • Physically able to bend, reach, twist, and lift moderate amounts of weight to load/unload donated goods on and off carts.
  • Good people skills, a positive demeanor, and the ability to be flexible in a sometimes fast-paced environment while being patient and empathetic.

Kennel Cleaning

Morning Kennel Cleaners work hard to give each kennel thorough cleaning to ensure that our canine friends have a clean and healthy space for the day. After each kennel is clean, we get it set up with fresh blankets and toys for each dog to return home to after their morning walk.

• Requirements:
  • Must be physically able to twist and bend frequently.
  • Able to safely operate kennel doors.
  • The ability to work as part of a team and communicate well with staff and other volunteers.

 Canine Volunteers

Canine volunteers assist with caring for our canine population in a variety of ways, including cleaning kennels, walking, low-arousal R&R, welcoming transports, bathing, and assisting our behavior & training team.

Canine volunteers help us reinforce good behavior using techniques that help to make our dogs more adoptable. Volunteers will work with dogs of all breeds and sizes.

• Requirements for canine volunteers:
  • Completion of the ARLGP Dog Volunteer training (offered quarterly).
  • Completion of the Fear Free Shelters course.
  • 16 years of age and able to work independently (no co-volunteering).
  • Physically able to sit, stand, and bend frequently within confined spaces with a hard floor, as well as safely operate kennel doors.
  • Dog walkers must be physically able to walk long distances in all weather with dogs of varying size & breed on uneven terrain.

Clinic Assistants

Clinic Assistants help the veterinary team with prepping for surgery, clinic procedures, nursing care and clean up. Interest and a comfort level working in a surgical setting, attention to detail and high cleanliness standards are a must, as is the ability to make a weekly, long-term (1 year+) commitment.

• Requirements:
  • 18 years of age
  • Volunteers will be up and down from floor level often and should be prepared for bending, squatting, and lifting as part of this role.
  • Able to take direction and work well both independently and as a member of a larger team.
  • Experience with correct animal restraint methods and medications a plus but not required.

Shelter Operations

We have a variety of roles that support the day-to-day operations of keeping our shelter running smoothly. These volunteers are an integral part of our team and are a favorite of all the staff! Our Laundry Helpers, Donation Sorters & Organizers and Clean Team volunteers help ensure that we can meet the highest standards of care for our furry friends.

• Requirements:
  • Laundry – Arm and shoulder mobility sufficient to fold multiple loads of laundry.
  • Donation Sorting – The ability to stand for 2 hours while sorting supplies. Ability to lift boxes of supplies and to move on and off carts.

Administrative Volunteers

Administrative volunteers support various departments and help ensure that our programs run smoothly. Tasks might entail scanning, assembling mailings, writing thank you notes, making phone calls, data entry and preparing and compiling adoption materials.

• Requirements: Detail oriented and have basic knowledge of programs such as Word and Excel.

On-call and as-needed shifts

Events Team
The ARLGP hosts and participates in many special events, fundraisers, and community appearances each year! We are always looking for outgoing, positive and friendly volunteers who are dedicated to learning and spreading our message throughout the community. This is an on-call position, and event volunteers can participate in as many or as few as their schedule allows.

Drivers, Gardening, Grounds & Maintenance
Occasionally we will put a call out for drivers to transport animals to local vet offices or to another shelter, pick up donations or deliver supplies to community partners. Special maintenance projects or grounds help with weeding, planting, raking, removing litter and debris and trail clean-up are also needed on an on-call basis.