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.
Currently Volunteering?
Access the Volunteer Information Center
Volunteer Handbook
How to become an ARL Volunteer
Please plan to attend the next General Volunteer Information Session for an overview of the shelter, our volunteer program policies and procedures and the many opportunities for volunteers! You will complete paperwork at that time, bring a pen and your date book to schedule further required trainings in order to proceed. If you 'd like to attend an upcoming information session, contact Monica Garcia, Volunteer Coordinator mgarcia@animalrescue.org or 412-345-7300 x235.
If you are interested in cat volunteering, you will need to attend the cat behavior and care training before you can volunteer independently.
If you are interested in handling the dogs, you will need to attend dog behavior and training sessions before you can work with the dogs. Trainings are generally two hours long.
We are looking for volunteers that can be pre-scheduled for one ongoing, regular, two hour shift during the week. The minimun requirement for active volunteers is eight hours a month, for a term of six months. For those of you who can not make this type of commitment, we also need Event Volunteers.
Event volunteers need to be able to read, write and work independently. Be at least 18 years of age. Attend an information session and trainings. We are looking for people that can commit to taking animals or helping at offsite events seven times a year. To learn more contact Ann Yeager, Marketing Director ayeager@animalrescue.org ot 412-345-7300 x 219.
Dog Shifts:
Monday - Friday: 8-10am and 5:30-7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8-10am and 4-6pm
Currently recruiting for weekday morning and weekend shifts
Cat Shifts:
Monday - Friday: 11am-1pm; 1-3pm; 3-5pm and 5:30-7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am-1pm; 1-3pm and 3-5pm
Getting Started
Attend An Information Session: (Required for Anyone Interested in Volunteering)
Saturday June 2 ~ 3pm
Monday June 4 ~ 6pm
Shelter Dog Behavior and Training:
Thursday June 7 ~ 6-8pm Open Paw I & II
Thursday June 14 ~ 6-8pm Behavior Basics and Dog Walking
Thursday July 5 ~ 6-8pm Open Paw I & II
Thursday July 12 ~ 6-8pm Behavior Basics and Dog Walking
Thursday August 9 ~ 6-8pm Open Paw I & II
Thursday August 16 ~ 6-8pm Behavior Basics and Dog Walking
Thursday September 2 ~ 6-8pm Open Paw I & II
Thursday September 13 ~ 6-8pm Behavior Basics and Dog Walking
Thursday October 4 ~ 6-8pm Open Paw I & II
Thursday October 18 ~ 6-8pm Behavior Basics and Dog Walking
Thursday November 1 ~ 6-8pm Open Paw I & II
Thursday November 8 ~ 6-8pm Behavior Basics and Dog Walking
No Dog Behavior and Training in December
Shelter Cat Behavior:
Sunday June 17 ~ 3-5:30pm
Bunny Handler
(Must attend General Orientation before attending training)
Trainings are provided on an individual basis and as needed.
Becoming a 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 be 18 years of age.
Volunteering is a privilege and the shelter reserves the right to refuse anyone from doing so.
Here are some of the ARL volunteer programs that may interest you:
- Dog Coach - Socialize and spend quality time with the dogs. Work to increase adoptability of the dogs in and out of their cages.
- Cat Care - Socialize and groom the cats, give them a break from the cage in the cat cuddle rooms. Help maintain care of cats by refreshing and replenishing cages.
- STAR Dog Trainer - Work with more challenging dogs that need some specialized training to help them get adopted; learn about behavior modification and dog training.
- Bunny/Small Animal Handler - 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 including walking around the adoption floor, greeting customers and answering questions. Help with profiles of animals on Petfinder.com. This can include photographing animals, writing the narrative, or updating information. Be the contact person for a particular dog or cat that interested parties can contact for more info on that pet.
- Grooming - Provide grooming services to animals, from bathing to as required. Supervise groups of one time volunteers in grooming dogs.
- Offsite Educational, Fundraising or Adoption Events - Spread the word about the ARL and animals for adoption at community events, schools and pet stores. (Do not need 6hrs/mth min.)
