Welcome to the wonderful world of volunteering with AARCS! We have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved and start changing lives with us. Scroll down to learn more.
Ready to sign up for an opportunity? Click the link below for the application you need:
- Dog Foster Home (Calgary/Edmonton areas)
- Cat Foster Home (Calgary area only)
- All Other Volunteer Opportunities (Calgary area only)
Requirements:
- A love for animals and their well-being
- Minimum one year commitment
- Commitment of two shifts per month during first year
- Completed Police Check (if applicable)
- Have an open mind and a willingness to learn. AARCS provides training, and valuable learning opportunities as they become available.
Youth Requirements:
Age 10 to 15:
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Permitted to volunteer if accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. Standard volunteer requirements apply.
Age 16 to 17:
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Permitted to volunteer with parental/guardian consent. Standard volunteer requirements apply.
I would like to volunteer
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Available Volunteer Opportunities
Cat Caregiver
For the cats staying at AARCS Safe Haven, our Cat Caregivers are essential! Caregivers are responsible for feeding, cleaning kennels, socializing, and other shelter duties related to the cats (such as laundry and dishes).
Cat Caregiver shifts are 9 A.M. and 6 P.M., 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Shift lengths may vary depending on how many cats are in shelter, and the number of caregivers signed up, but average about three hours.
Click here to send in your volunteer application!
Dog Caregiver
For the dogs staying at AARCS Safe Haven, our Dog Caregivers are essential! Caregivers are responsible for walking, feeding, cleaning kennels, socializing, and other shelter duties related to the dogs (such as laundry and dishes).
Dog Caregiver shifts are 8 A.M., 12 P.M. and 7 P.M., 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Shift lengths may vary depending on how many dogs are in shelter, and the number of caregivers signed up, but average about two hours.
Click here to send in your volunteer application!
Fostering Cats
When you foster, you bring a cat into your home and give them the same love and care you would show your own pet! You provide a temporary, safe and loving environment for a homeless pet.
Fostering provides you and your family with an enjoyable and rewarding experience, teaching all family members the importance of second chances. By opening your home and heart to a homeless pet, you will not only change their life – you’ll also be making space for another animal in need at the shelter.
Our foster team is here to support you while you have the cat in your home, and AARCS covers all reasonable costs, including medical care, food and supplies.
Click here to send in your cat fostering application!
Please note: Our Cat Fostering Program is only available in Calgary and surrounding areas at this time.
Fostering Dogs
When you foster, you bring a dog into your home and give them the same love and care you would show your own pet! You provide a temporary, safe and loving environment for a homeless pet.
Fostering provides you and your family with an enjoyable and rewarding experience, teaching all family members the importance of second chances. By opening your home and heart to a homeless pet, you will not only change their life – you’ll also be making space for another animal in need at the shelter.
Our foster and behaviour teams are here to support you while you have the dog in your home, and AARCS covers all reasonable costs, including medical care, food and supplies.
Click here to send in your dog fostering application!
Please note: Our Dog Fostering Program is available in Calgary, Edmonton and surrounding areas at this time.
Inventory Team
As AARCS is primarily run on donations, we need help to sort through everything! This allows our shelter to stay organized, ensure food doesn’t expire in the warehouse, and keep supplies easily accessible for our animal care teams.
The Inventory team has the most flexible schedule out of all the AARCS Volunteer Positions, as there is no set shift schedule.
Click here to send in your volunteer application!
Special Event Participation
If you have seen AARCS in and around the community, you will know our booths are often run by our volunteers! Volunteers at these events are a great source of knowledge for the public on the ways to get involved and make a difference for animals in need. And don't forget about getting in a puppy cuddle or two, as there are often AARCS animals on site at events!
Click here to send in your volunteer application!
Transports of Animals and Donations
AARCS Transport Team is a big part of our operations! Not only are they needed to pick up various donations around the city but also necessary for the movement of the animals in care. Whether it be taking animals to and from vet appointments or bringing cats to pet stores to find their forever homes, AARCS Transporters are essential to the animals!
Click here to send in your volunteer application!
Mission Statement
Our mission: We rescue and re-home animals in need and provide community support programs that help people and their pets.
Our vision: A Compassionate World for All Animals.
Join us in changing lives through kindness!
