Volunteer

Where do I start?

To get started, please submit a volunteer application. Within a few days, the Manager of Volunteer Programs will contact you to schedule an orientation time.

Age Requirements

The minimum age for volunteering is 10. Volunteers 15 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian Volunteers 16 and 17 years old may come in unaccompanied. There is no upper age limit for volunteers.


Lisa Voss Manager of Volunteer Programs

Phone: 941-625-6720 Ext. 106 | Email: volunteers@awlshelter.org

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities at our organization are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests and skills. Whether you're passionate about animal care or prefer administrative tasks, there's a place for you to make a meaningful contribution. Here are some of the volunteer roles we offer:


  • Dog Walkers
  • Foster Care
  • Laundry
  • Gardening & Landscaping
  • Emergency Evacuations
  • Clerical
  • Adoption and fundraising events
  • Outreach Programs
  • Animal Transport
  • TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) program
  • Medical
  • Cat Care At Our Partner Pet Stores


For more information about some of our more popular programs, please see Volunteer Highlights, below.

Volunteer Highlights

  • Dog Walking

    To become a Blue Dog Walker, volunteers must meet the following criteria:


    • Be at least 17 years old.
    • Complete one Dog Care shift, preferably in the morning.
    • Successfully complete safety training.

    If you wish to schedule your safety training, please reach out to us at volunteers@awlshelter.org. Please note that only the Manager of Volunteer Programs can arrange safety training sessions and assign Blue, Red, or Intake walking status.


    For detailed safety protocols, you can access them here:

    • Adoption Center Safety Protocol
    • Intake Building Safety Protocol

    Once you've gained confidence and experience walking the Blue Dogs, you can request Red Dog Walker training. Similarly, Red Dog Walkers may later request Intake Walker training if interested. However, you are welcome to continue as a Blue Walker if that's your preference. We value your commitment and dedication to our furry friends! 

  • Cat Care

    Our cat care shifts are available every day, with three convenient time slots:

    • 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
    • 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    • 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

    Our dedicated volunteers work alongside the cat staff member during these shifts, assisting with various essential tasks that include:

    • Sterilizing water bowls
    • Changing bedding
    • Cleaning litter boxes
    • Wiping down cat habitats
    • Providing fresh food and water
    • Offering socialization and playtime

    Rest assured, all cat care training will be provided on-site. Simply sign up for your first shift, and the cat staff member on duty will guide you through the process. Please note that the minimum age for volunteering in the cat area is 10 years, with a parent or guardian present. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our feline friends! 

  • Gardening & Landscaping

    As a Gardening & Landscaping (G&L) Volunteer at the Animal Welfare League, you have the flexibility to make a meaningful impact at your own pace. Our G&L volunteers play an essential role in maintaining the beauty and functionality of our shelter grounds.


    How It Works:

    • G&L Volunteers can choose from a variety of open work orders to complete during shelter hours.
    • Access our list of open work orders to find tasks that match your skills and interests.

    Recording Your Hours:

    • Since G&L tasks may not appear on the daily schedule, volunteers should log their hours using the "post your hours" function on their Volunteer Dashboard.
    • Don't forget to sign in and out at the reception desk to keep accurate records.

    What to Bring:

    While we provide some tools, you're welcome to bring your own if you have preferred equipment. Your dedication to maintaining our shelter's outdoor spaces helps create a welcoming environment for both animals and visitors.


    Join our G&L Volunteer team and contribute to the ongoing beauty and functionality of the Animal Welfare League. Your commitment to nurturing our surroundings makes a difference every day! 

  • Volunteering At our Partner Pet Stores

    Join our Events Volunteer team and be part of creating unforgettable experiences for our supporters and the community. Whether it's a fundraiser, adoption event, or celebration, your enthusiasm and commitment make it all possible.


    What You'll Do:

    • Assist in the planning and execution of various events.
    • Help with event setup, decoration, and logistics.
    • Interact with event attendees, providing information and assistance.
    • Participate in activities like games, contests, and auctions.
    • Contribute your creativity to make events engaging and enjoyable.

    Key Qualities:

    • Enthusiasm and a positive attitude are a must.
    • Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic event environment.
    • Strong communication and people skills.

    Flexible Commitment:

    • Event dates and times vary, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.
    • Your support enhances the success of our events, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

    As an Events Volunteer, you play a vital role in creating a sense of community and excitement around our initiatives. Your dedication helps us raise funds, increase awareness, and celebrate our mission. Join us in making each event a remarkable one! 

  • Court Ordered Community Services

    Join our Fundraising Volunteer team and help make a difference in the lives of animals by supporting our vital fundraising efforts. Your commitment to fundraising enables us to provide care, shelter, and love to animals in need.


    What You'll Do:

    • Assist in planning and organizing fundraising campaigns and events.
    • Help with donor outreach, including phone calls and emails.
    • Research potential donors, sponsors, and grant opportunities.
    • Participate in fundraising events, donation drives, and initiatives.
    • Contribute ideas and strategies to maximize fundraising impact.

    Key Qualities:

    • Passion for animal welfare and a desire to help our cause.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Attention to detail and the ability to work as part of a team.

    Flexible Commitment:

    • Fundraising activities vary, providing flexibility to accommodate your availability.
    • Your efforts directly contribute to our fundraising goals, ensuring that we can continue our mission.

    As a Fundraising Volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in securing the resources needed to care for animals in our community. Your dedication helps us provide shelter, medical care, and loving homes for countless animals in need. Join us in making a lasting impact through fundraising! 

  • School-Related Community Service

    Join our Outreach Volunteer team and become an advocate for animal welfare in our community. Your passion and commitment will help us connect with individuals, organizations, and the community to raise awareness and support for our mission.


    What You'll Do:

    • Represent our organization at local events, fairs, and community gatherings.
    • Distribute informational materials and educate the public about our programs and services.
    • Assist with outreach initiatives, including online campaigns and social media promotion.
    • Engage with individuals and organizations to foster partnerships and support.
    • Share stories of rescued animals and the impact of our work to inspire others.

    Key Qualities:

    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Enthusiasm for animal welfare and the desire to make a difference.
    • Willingness to engage with diverse audiences and promote our cause.

    Flexible Commitment:

    • Outreach events and activities occur throughout the year, providing flexibility to fit your schedule.
    • Your efforts help us reach more people, gain support, and advocate for the welfare of animals.

    As an Outreach Volunteer, you'll be a vital part of our mission to raise awareness and build a compassionate community for animals. Your dedication to outreach can help us save lives, find loving homes, and make a positive impact in the lives of animals in need. Join us in spreading the message of animal welfare!

  • AWL Classes

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From The Volunteer Office

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on how far we have come in just 12 months–and to celebrate everything we have done to help the animals who depend on us.


In 2023, AWL volunteers provided more than 32,000 hours of service. That’s the equivalent of 16 full-time employees! Our “average” volunteer is a middle-aged adult with a lot of love and at least a little extra time. However, we also have a strong contingent of Youth Volunteers (17 and younger). This group provided over 1,590 volunteer hours this year! Also, I want to give a shout-out to our Court-Ordered Community Service Volunteers, who provided about 1,000 hours of service here at the shelter, usually at times when we needed it the most.


Our volunteers extend both our reach and our touch in so many ways. Dog and cat care are just the tip of the palm tree! We have more than 47 service areas, and we are always adding more.  For example, in 2023, we launched–


  • Community Food Bank.  Our Fet Food Bank gives free food to members of our community who are in need.  We also partner with the Homeless Coalition to help serve the pets of our homeless community.  These services have been especially important in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.


  • Small Animal Care and Enrichment. This service area began when one of our youth volunteers came in on her own initiative to work with these furry creatures, who need love and attention just as much as dogs and cats do.  Inspired by her example, we created a service area that now has a solid volunteer base, ensuring these critters don’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of caring for the larger animals.


Coming up in 2024, we are planning to launch–

  • Dog Play Groups.  With some special training, our Red Dog walkers will have the option of working to pair up dogs and let them romp together in Play Yard 2, giving them fantastic exercise and socialization that will make them even more adoptable. 


Our volunteers allow us to help so many animals and our community in so many ways.  If you volunteered with us in 2023, thank you for your service!  If you would like to join our volunteer team, please fill out an application or contact me TODAY.  Make TODAY the first day of your New Year helping the animals.  It’s the best gift you can give them–and yourself!

Manager of Volunteer Programs

Contact the Volunteer Office

The Volunteer Office Is Open
7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Tuesday - Saturday

Phone
941-625-6720 x106


Email
volunteers@awlshelter.org

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