Make A Difference Volunteer

The Animal Rescue League is very proud of the commitment and dedication of our volunteers. We are beginning an enhanced safety and training program for our volunteers to provide new skills and learning and to increase the adoptability of our animals. Our animal handling volunteers will become more skilled in understanding animal behavior and communications and how to help modify behavior problems and fearfulness.

Current ARL Volunteers CLICK HERE to Access the Volunteer Information Center

Becoming an ARL Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania. Our volunteers are the key to the success of the shelter. Committed volunteers socialize, walk, groom and cuddle the homeless animals entrusted to our care. They also show animals at offsite locations, work special events and expand their knowledge of animal behavior.

Volunteers must be able to read, write and work independently and must be 18 years of age or 13-17 if accompanied by an adult.

To ensure the safest and most rewarding volunteer experience, we offer comprehensive training. Please be sure you are able to commit to extensive training as well as at least 6 volunteer hours each month before signing up for an orientation.

How to become an ARL Volunteer 

Please attend our general volunteer orientation to learn more about the Animal Rescue League and the variety of volunteer opportunities available. After the general orientation, you can sign up for a training specific to your interests in volunteering.

Cat Cuddlers will attend a cat training before they are able to volunteer independently.

Canine Service Volunteers will attend a dog training before they are able to volunteer independently.  Dog volunteers must attend Levels One, Two and Three before able to walk a dog independently.

If you would like to attend a General Orientation, please contact: 
Monica Garcia, Volunteer Coordinator
mgarcia@animalrescue.org or 412-661-6452 x235

 

Join us at the Animal Rescue League,
6620 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Upcoming General Orientation Dates:
New Volunteer Orientation:
1st Saturday of each month from 3-4pm

followed by a brief tour of the shelter. 


Short-Term Volunteering to
Fill Community Service Hours:

Do you need to fill community service hours, but cannot commit to a long-term volunteer role? There will be a dog walking orientation/training for those people needing to fulfill community service requirements for a specified number of hours and do not wish to be an ongoing volunteer.  Those attending this training/orientation would have specific hours to volunteer, which would be on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8am until 10am.    

Some of our volunteer programs that may interest you:

Dog Walker
Take dogs on walks around the shelter, socialize and spend quality time with the dogs.

Cat Cuddler
Socialize and groom the cats, give them a break from the cage in the cat cuddle rooms.

Open Paw Dog Trainer
Work with dogs that need some training to help them get adopted, learn about behavior modification and dog training.

Bunny/Small Animal Cuddler
Socialize the bunnies and other small furries.

Foster Parent
Open up your home and heart for a short time to underage, sick, or frightened animals. Give an animal a place to stay if the kennels are full.

Adoptions Assistant
Help the adoption counselors match people with pets during our busy times.

Adoptions Follow Up Caller
To contact persons who adopted an animal from the ARL via telephone call to assess status of animal, and to survey regarding customer service of ARL personnel

Adoption Matching Program Evaluator for Cats
Use the Meet Your Match program to evaluate cats. The evaluation helps match cats with the perfect family.

Adoption Matching Program Evaluator for Dogs
Use the Meet Your Match program to evaluate dogs. The evaluation helps match dogs with the perfect family.

Grooming Specialist
Provide grooming services to animals, as required. Supervise groups of one time volunteers in grooming dogs.

Special Fundraising Events
Help plan and carry out our fundraising events.

Offsite Education/Adoption Events
Spread the word about the ARL and animals for adoption at community events and pet stores.

Pet Facilitated Therapy (PFT) Leader
Facilitate the use of animals in physical, mental, and emotional therapy