Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Rockland Animal Rescue! We care for a lots of cats, dogs and wild animals every year, and couldn’t do it without our compassionate, dedicated, long-term volunteers.

Giving hands-on care to animals, educating our community, providing administrative support and more, Rockland Animal Rescue volunteers report a deep sense of satisfaction in contributing to the health and well-being of animals while working alongside others who desire to take action on their behalf.

We provide the training for all volunteer positions, so no prior experience is required. Whether feeding orphaned wild songbirds, finding homes for cats and kittens, or helping to make an event successful, you can be a part of the life-saving work we do.

Looking for group opportunities? If you'd like to volunteer as a group, be it colleagues or a community group, please refer to our group/company volunteering page.

Expectations of  Rockland Animal Rescue volunteers

• Dedicated volunteers make up the majority of our workforce and we schedule their hours according to animal care needs. It is vitally important that volunteers show up for their shifts.

• While people come to Rockland Animal Rescue because they love animals,Rockland Animal Rescue  volunteers must also be able to work well with other people. Rockland Animal Rescue isn’t just about animals—it’s about people helping animals.

• For everyone’s protection, volunteers must use the safe animal handling techniques taught in their required training.

• All tasks, from cleaning cages to stuffing envelopes, have specific procedures. Volunteers must adhere to these procedures unless a staff member directs them otherwise.

• Once volunteers know their work routines, they are expected to work with minimal supervision. Following through on tasks ensures the animals are receiving the best possible care. Staff are always available to answer questions.

Get started

If you're interested in volunteering with Rockland Animal Rescue, please follow these steps:

• Be of age. Volunteer positions have a minimum age requirement of 18. Under 18? Check out these youth volunteer opportunities.

• Be in the area. Most opportunities are at Rockland Animal Rescue headquarters in Rockland County,NY.  Please consider the potential commute before applying to volunteer. 

• Submit an online application. Register to attend a new volunteer orientation and tell us a bit about yourself.

• Attend an orientation. You will learn about the volunteer positions available at Rockland Animal Rescue, our history and policies.

• Choose a position and shift. Peruse the volunteer position descriptions to see what kinds of positions

• Make a commitment. There are some flexible options, but a three- to six-month commitment is required for most volunteer positions.

Please note:

• Once we have received your volunteer application, please be aware that a background check will be carried out before your volunteering status is confirmed.

• Rockland Animal Rescue cannot accommodate those seeking to fulfill court-ordered community service.