Why Volunteer

Furkids has over 1000+ active volunteers, and they are the lifeline to our lifesaving mission!

When you volunteer with Furkids, you become part of a hands-on community saving
animals’ lives every day. Whether you have a few hours a month or want to give
regularly, there are meaningful ways to help—and we’ll support you every step of the
way.

By volunteering, you will:
• Directly improve the lives of homeless and abandoned animals
• Build new skills and gain real-world experience
• Connect with compassionate, like-minded people
• Do something that’s genuinely good for your well-being

We care for more than 5,000 animals each year, and our volunteers make that possible. Ready to get involved? Take the first step today! Create your Volunteer Hub account and sign up for an orientation.

Get Started as a Volunteer

Featured Volunteer Roles

Shelter Caretaker

Shelter caretakers help clean free Caretaker roaming rooms, as well as crates and cages in our medical area. A great bonus is that it allows you get to know our cats and kittens best!

Meow Mates Volunteer

Meow Mates Volunteers work one-on-one with shy, fearful, traumatized and under-socialized cats to help them become more adoptable. 

Canine Companion

Canine Companions walk, socialize, and play with our dogs and puppies. This role provides essential enrichment and helps our dogs become more adoptable.

Doggies Day Out

Doggies Day Out volunteers take dogs on short outings outside the shelter. Whether you're just hanging out or grabbing a pup cup, you're giving a dog a break and a better shot at finding their forever home.

More Volunteer Opportunities

Corporate Volunteer
Community & Nonprofit
Youth & School


Did you know your volunteer time at Furkids could turn into additional donations for the animals in our care?  Many companies offer volunteer grant programs - sometimes called “Dollars for Doers” - to recognize employees who give their time to causes they care about. 

Use the search tool below to see if your employer participates!

Step 1 - Complete a Furkids volunteer opportunity.
Step 2 - Search for your employer using the tool to check eligibility.
Step 3 - Submit your volunteer hours according to your company’s guidelines.
Step 4 - Your employer provides a donation to Furkids once your hours are verified!

“Such a rewarding experience”

Volunteering at Furkids and being a part of the ‘Furkids Family’ is such a rewarding experience. I enjoy being an advocate for those who have no voice and have found my calling in caring for the FIV+ cats. Saving lives and helping these animals find their forever homes is a never-ending mission, but every moment is worth the end result.

BILL Furkids Volunteer

“Worth everything”

I love matchmaking. An adopter comes in, knowing they want a pet, but not really knowing which one. I talk with them about their lifestyle, experience, etc and pick out a dog that I think would be a good fit. It usually takes a few tries, but that moment of true love when I finally bring them the perfect pup is worth everything. I also love taking our dogs out on hikes in the mountains. It helps me get to know them, gives them much-needed exercise socialization, and they keep me company.

JESSICA Furkids Volunteer

“One of the most fulfilling experiences”

Volunteering at Furkids helped kick start my career in vet medicine. My experience gave me the skills to help other cats in need and was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I always recommend the volunteer program at Furkids because they make it so approachable and fun for everyone involved!

KURAMI MAC Furkids Volunteer

“[We] rarely leave the shelter without a smile on our faces”

Volunteering at Furkids is such a rewarding experience. Some people are hesitant to volunteer because they think the shelter is a sad place. This isn't true. My husband and I rarely leave the shelter without a smile on our faces. Aside from meeting many wonderful cats, you also meet many wonderful people who share the same love of animals that you do. The Furkids Cat Shelter has become our "happy place" and it could become that for you, too.

CAROLYN MARCZAK Furkids Volunteer

“Your heart [grows] bigger”

There are lots of different ways you can help out at Furkids. Help cleaning kennels, help giving medications, help cuddling babies,... but the biggest help is for yourself. It isn't easy to put yourself out there and take on more responsibility, but you end up helping yourself feel like your heart grew bigger. To be honest, I get more from being with the cats than I can ever give back to them.

JAN HEWITT Furkids Volunteer

“My home away from home”

Volunteering at Furkids has been a lifeline as I transitioned to being an empty nester. I have made wonderful connections and enjoy being around the cats every week. It’s my "home away from home"

SANDY LEVITT Furkids Volunteer