There are opportunities at RAL for individuals with all different types of availability. Generally, we ask volunteers to commit to atleast 3 months on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
There are opportunities to clean cat and dog cages, walk dogs, socialize both cats and dogs and take our animals to Petsmart and other off-site adoption events. Volunteers 18 and up can serve as Adoption Counselors, assisting visitors with the exciting process of picking out a new member of their family! Please see more detailed information on RAL volunteer positions here
Potential volunteers must be at least 14 years old to volunteer at the shelter alone. Students ages 11 to 13 may volunteer with a parent or guardian. All applications received from 11 to 13 year olds must be accompanied by an adult volunteer application or it cannot be considered for a volunteer spot.
Sure! If your community service hours are court ordered, we will need to ask what the offense was. We do not allow individuals who have violent offenses including animal abandonment or neglect on their records to volunteer at RAL. When planning to complete your hours, please keep in mind that you will generally only get 3 to 4 hours a week of volunteer time when working at RAL. We cannot usually accommodate individuals who need a lot of hours in a short period of time.
Possibly. We will do our best to put you on the same volunteer shift as your friend or relative but may not necessarily have space on all shifts. Please make a note on your volunteer application with the name of the person you would like to volunteer with.
It depends. Because of space constraints, some of our volunteer shifts may have a wait list. Please be patient and know that we will contact you as soon as a spot opens up that matches the availability you placed on your application.
Generally, we ask all of our volunteers to commit to atleast 3 months. Unless a special case arises, we usually do not have short term volunteer opportunities available.
Yes, but please keep in mind that even when working with our dogs you will have some exposure to cats in the lobby and common areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Occasionally we do have office work and other varying opportunities for volunteers. If you have a special skill you would like to share with us, please make sure to mention it on your volunteer application.