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 Caregivers
Help to make sure each cat environment is clean, safe, and comfortable throughout the day. Cat care involves 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.

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, cleaning, and medicating as well as providing daily enrichment activities. Preference 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!

Greeters
Greeters are great with customer service, attention to detail, and have an out-going personality. They welcome and direct guests, process/thank guests for donations, answer questions and help to manage lines during busy times. Good people skills, patience with children and special needs groups, a positive demeanor, and the ability to be flexible in a sometimes fast-paced environment are required.

Kennel Cleaners
Each morning our 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.

Canine Volunteers
After completing our Dog Volunteer Training, 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 enrichment training.

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.

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. Experience with correct animal restraint methods and medications a plus but not required. Volunteers will be up and down from floor level often and should be prepared for bending, squatting and lifting as part of this role. Volunteers must be 18 years of age for this role.

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 are able to meet the highest standards of care for our furry friends.

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. Administrative volunteers should be 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 over 100 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.