Volunteer at the ASPCA Adoption Center
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the ASPCA in New York City!
Please read the information below to learn about our volunteer program and follow these simple steps to get started:
- Create your personalized login.
- Watch our 20-minute Volunteer Program Information Session.
- Complete your volunteer application to tell us more about yourself and your experience.
Adult applicants (18 years old and up), please start here.
Youth applicants (16 to 17 years old), please start here.
Thank you for your support!
Volunteering at the ASPCA
Volunteering at the ASPCA in New York City connects the people in our communities to the ASPCA’s mission to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
Our primary need is for a volunteer role called Shelter Support. This critical role directly supports our operations. Shelter Support volunteers assist with daily care tasks under the guidance of Integrated Care Assistants.
While providing shelter support, volunteers will assist with:
- Laundry
- Sorting donated goods
- Cleaning/resetting empty animal enclosures
- Stocking supplies
- Washing and sanitizing dishes
- Washing transport cages
- And additional support as needed
Shelter Support volunteer tasks will necessitate that the volunteer be able to stand unassisted for up to three hours and be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
Guided by diverse and dedicated ASPCA staff members, volunteers act in partnership to improve animals’ lives in direct and impactful ways. ASPCA volunteers form a vital network of informed animal welfare advocates who are empowered to share their experience and knowledge with ASPCA clients and visitors, and their friends, families and neighbors, to build safer and more humane communities for animals.
Learn More
ASPCA volunteers demonstrate a commitment to learning and are well-rounded and flexible to support the changing needs of the animals and the organization.
ASPCA volunteers respond when called upon to provide vital support to our operations, observing sheltering and animal welfare best practices and to augment the care of the animals that need us most. As an ASPCA volunteer, you can make a difference.
ASPCA Volunteers are animal welfare advocates who have:
- A commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
- An understanding of ASPCA philosophies and policies, inclusive of our Guiding Principles.
- A commitment to treating animals and people with care and respect.
- A desire to represent the ASPCA in a professional and enthusiastic manner.
- A motivated attitude and dependability.
- A demonstrated commitment to learning.
- Willingness to provide and receive feedback.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and guidelines.
- An understanding of and commitment to abide by ASPCA and Volunteer Program Guidelines.
- A commitment to receive and respond to communications from Volunteer Program staff.
Please note the following:
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. We do not currently accept volunteers needing to fulfill court-appointed community service requirements and are not able to accommodate single-day or group volunteer opportunities.
We have an ongoing need for foster caregivers throughout the year; visit our NYC Foster page to learn more! Thank you for your support and desire to help animals in need!
If you live outside of the New York City area and are interested in local volunteer opportunities, find a shelter or rescue near you and contact them for more information.
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