Volunteer
Thank you so much for your interest in joining AWS’ team of dedicated and caring volunteers. Volunteers provide invaluable service to our animals, programs, services and the community members we help.
Ways to Get Involved
We offer flexible schedules for volunteers and have many different ways you can make a difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Reach out to our Volunteer & Foster Coordinator if you have other questions or concerns.
Yes! We welcome volunteers of all ages. Youth volunteers 15 years old or younger are welcome to volunteer at AWS with a parent or guardian volunteering alongside them. Those aged 16-17 are welcome to volunteer individually with a parent or guardian’s consent. Through our Youth Programs, we offer a number of other special volunteering opportunities for students in our community.
For the most part, our volunteer opportunities are during the day, 8 am – 4 pm, seven days a week. We encourage those who work a traditional M-F schedule to consider helping out on the weekend. For those volunteers interested specifically in dog training, our Canine Training Team may have some evening hours, when classes are in session.
AWS is a big facility and there is truly something for everyone! Tasks could include:
- Cleaning dog kennels
- Cleaning cat housing
- Tidying up animal spaces
- Walking dogs
- Visiting with cats or small animals
- Making enrichments and toys
- Assisting veterinary staff
- Helping with training classes
- Supporting animal transports
- Participating in events
- Doing laundry (so much laundry!!)
- Running errands
- Sorting donations
- Washing windows
- Folding envelopes
- Answering telephone inquiries
- Greeting guests in the adoption center lobby
- And much, much more!
Thank you for your interest! To get started, fill out our volunteer application (adult or youth). The application asks questions about your availability, your interest and your skills. Once we receive your application, our Volunteer & Foster Coordinator will be in touch to invite you to an upcoming Volunteer Orientation. Then you’ll be ready to start helping!
It helps us tremendously to have our volunteers commit to a set schedule (say every Wednesday from 9 am – 11 am). However, we are flexible. We also offer volunteering opportunities at home, either animal based (fostering AWS pets in your own home) or project based (making supplies, treats and more for AWS pets via our “At-Home Project Guide.”)
We have limited opportunities for groups, and tasks can include grooming our walking trails, painting or helping at events. Our biggest event of the year, Woofstock, is a GREAT way to volunteer as a group and make a big difference at AWS! For youth or school groups, please contact our Youth Programs Coordinator for details on scheduling a volunteer visit.
Volunteer & Foster Spotlight
Let us shine the spotlight on some of our amazing volunteers and foster families.
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Luna & Diane
SMILE ALERT!! On Fridays, we highlight our amazing foster families who do so much for our pets. We wouldn’t be able to care for as many pets as we do […]
Questions?
For more information, please contact our Volunteer & Foster Coordinator via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 121.
