Welcome to our Volunteer Page!
Here you will find information about volunteer opportunities with Arizona Small Dog Rescue to support our mission of saving dogs. Please click "Fill in an application" to create your profile and get started!
Part of a larger group that wants to volunteer one time for a project? You can bypass building a profile and email volunteer@azsmalldog.org for information about group volunteering.
Please note if you are 10-17 years old, an adult MUST volunteer with you at all times and that adult MUST also fill out a NEW application. Teen applications will not be processed without an accompanying adult application. Each application must have their own User Name, but you can use the same email, just ignore the warning. Under 10 years old may not volunteer with us, sorry.
We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
I would like to volunteer
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Volunteer Opportunities
Shelter Volunteer
Shelter volunteers come and work directly with the dogs at our shelter facility. Orientation training is provided free and is required. Volunteers must be 10 years of age and 10-17 year old's must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Adoption Events
We need volunteers to help staff our regular off-site adoption events. Our current location is PetSmart at 90th & Shea, where we hold adoption events from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.
To prepare for these events, we offer orientation training on Wednesdays from 5:20 to 6:00 p.m., scheduled periodically.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate at PetSmart. Your support makes a meaningful difference in helping homeless animals find their forever homes.
Foster Program
Are you an expert at giving love and attention to animals?
Our foster homes provide much-needed temporary homes for animals who require extra love and support before becoming available for adoption.
This can include animals such as orphaned puppies, nursing mothers, recovering surgery patients, and pets who need help correcting their behavior. Fosters must be 18 years of age minimum.
Fundraising / Special Events
Raise much needed funds for our shelter!
Fundraising is the process of gathering voluntary contributions of money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies.
These donations support everything from grooming, to food, veterinary care, to overhead costs of running the shelter.
Special Events can be golf tournaments, gala dinners, auctions, or any event designed to raise funds.
Transportation (to and from events or vet offices)
We always need help transporting dogs to and from vet appointments during the week, and to and from adoption events on the weekend.
You must be 18 years of age plus to transport.
Maintenance / Repairs / Handyman
Are you able to help make repairs or maintain our facility? Handy with a screwdrivier or a weed eater? Have plumbing or HVAC skills? Then we need you!
AZSDR Shelter Volunteering
Volunteering at the AZ Small Dog Rescue shelter at 1102 W Hatcher Road, Phoenix, requires an in-person orientation session at the shelter and you must be at least 10 years old. 10-17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent /legal guardian at all times.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZSDR Pack Walk | 11 | 3/7/2026 | 1/2/2027 | |
| Laundry Transport | 434 | 3/5/2026 | 1/1/2027 | |
Fundraising / Special Events
Events can include golf tournaments, galas, auctions, bar crawls, and other fun events. Anyone can volunteer at events!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncorked Wine Festival Checkin | 2 | 4/4/2026 | 4/4/2026 | |
| Uncorked Wine Festival Raffle Table | 2 | 4/4/2026 | 4/4/2026 | |
Mission Statement
Arizona Small Dog Rescue is committed to rescuing dogs in need and caring for them until we find their perfect forever family. We focus on providing a safe environment where the health and welfare of the dogs is our top priority.
Arizona Small Dog Rescue Core Values
Integrity
We always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. We will provide the best care for our dogs, be transparent with our supporters, and be good stewards of all donations received.
Compassion
AZSDR demonstrates compassion when interacting with dogs in our care and also shows compassion when interacting with people in all situations.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in all we do; from reuniting lost pets with their owners to caring for our dogs to providing exceptional adoption experiences – and everything in between.
Education
At AZSDR we understand the importance of spaying and neutering, microchipping, and properly caring for dogs. We always look for opportunities to share best practices with our visitors, supporters, fosters, volunteers, and adopters as well as pet parents who we successfully reunite with their lost dog.
