Volunteer at the ASPCA Adoption Center

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the ASPCA in New York City!

Please note: our volunteer applications are currently closed as we facilitate updates to our program and volunteer management software. We anticipate reopening to new applicants in late 2024. If you would like to receive a notification when applications are reopened, please complete this brief form. Thank you for your patience and support!

You can also help animals in New York City by supporting Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).

Please check this page for status updates. Until then, you can read the information below to learn about our volunteer program.

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
Stripping and cleaning 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 strongly encourage volunteers to be up to date on vaccinations, but being vaccinated for COVID-19 is not a requirement for volunteering with the ASPCA unless required by applicable federal, state or local laws, whether those legal mandates are effective now or come into effect in the future. We will continue to monitor the public health landscape and revisit this policy if circumstances change.

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 volunteering for animals in need, find a shelter or rescue near you and contact them for more information.