Volunteer and Foster
Opportunities
Your help is crucial
Volunteers and fosters are the backbone of our rescue program. Without volunteers or fosters, our rescue will not continue to succeed. Whether it is an hour, a month, or several hours a day you can donate, there is a job waiting for you! We are always looking for volunteers, please see our list below for specifics!
Please be patient when waiting to hearing back from us about volunteer opportunities! We are currently experiencing staff shortages, therefore our responses are taking much longer than usual. This is only temporary and will be resolved soon! Thank you!
What kind of volunteers are needed?
Cat Care
Volunteers help care for cats at our Dayton shelter and at our adoption partner locations (PetSmart and Petco). Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, providing enrichment, and helping cats feel comfortable and socialized while they wait for adoption. For more information about volunteering at a partner store:
Cat Socialization
Support our long-term residents by spending time with them at our Dayton shelter. This role focuses on interaction, affection, and enrichment to help cats build trust and confidence.
Fostering
Open your home to a cat or dog in need by providing temporary care in a safe, loving environment. Fostering helps animals prepare for adoption and plays a critical role in their journey to a permanent home. LEARN MORE
Vet Tech Assistants
Assist staff during exams, lab work (including fecals, blood work, UA), administering and helping manage medications and entering medical records into our software.
Transporters
Help transport animals between shelters, foster homes, vet visits, and adoption events, as well as deliver supplies. Kennels, leashes, and vehicle protection are provided.
Bagging Groceries
Volunteers help bag groceries at local grocery stores to support our mission and raise awareness in the community. It’s a simple but meaningful way to lend a hand—assisting customers, sharing smiles, and helping make a positive impact while representing our organization. No experience is needed, just a willingness to help and engage with the community.
Helping Hands
Assist at adoption events by handling leashes or holding animals, helping us bring more adoptable pets into the community.
Donation Collectors
Gather new or gently used items such as blankets, towels, toys, treats, and newspapers for our animals, then contact us to arrange pickup. A great activity for kids and an easy way to give back.
Volunteers for Events & Fundraisers
We plan and organize events throughout the year to raise money for our animals. We always need people to help plan and prepare these events so they are successful.
Administrative / Clerical
Assist with office tasks such as data entry, mailings, phone calls, website updates, and preparing adoption or foster packets, as well as light cleaning and organizing.
Specialized Skills
Volunteers with experience in photography, dog behavior or training, grooming, web design, veterinary support, or other specialized skills are always welcome.
More Ways to Help
We always need small blankets for our Adoption Centers – we like to give one of the blankets from the kitty kennels to our adopters so that the kitties have something familiar for them to feel more comfortable when adopted. Fleece tie blankets (24” x 32”) work great!
Our top volunteers
Mary Smith
Blaine, MN
Sue Lang
Minneapolis, MN
Suzane Vega
Plymouth, MN
Laura Costa
Minneapolis, MN
“Volunteering not only benefits ... It's something you - the volunteer- will carry with you forever, the experience of helping animals and giving yourself to a rightful cause.”
Julie Norman, Volunteer
