Volunteer & Foster

We take in between 4,000 to 5,500 animals annually. With the help of our volunteers, rescues, and community we strive to maintain no-kill status. Which means that no healthy or treatable dog or cat will be euthanized at Alachua County Animal Resources & Care for reasons of population control.

Our Volunteer Program is designed to enrich the lives of cats and dogs during their stay at Animal Resources & Care. With your help our animals find their permanent adoptive home. If you want to make the difference in the life of an animal become a volunteer or foster.

For further information or to sign up for a volunteer orientation email: 

Want to Volunteer?
Submit a Volunteer Application

Volunteer and happy dog 
 
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Foster

Would you like a way to help homeless pets without committing to a lifetime of pet ownership? Are you willing to open your home to provide love and socialization to a pet that isn’t quite ready to be adopted? Do you want to help care for motherless kittens until they are old enough to find their forever homes? Able to house a heartworm positive dog while they receive treatment? Foster care might be the perfect option for your family!

Contact foster@alachuacounty.us​ for further information.

Become a foster parent and save animal lives!

Ready to Foster?
Submit a Foster Application

Volunteering

Eligibility Requirements

  • Approiate clothing including long pants and closed toes shoes
  • Junior Volunteers 10-17 years old
  • Junior Volunteers must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times
  • Adults must bring a valid drivers license or ID
  • Attend volunteer orientation and training
  • Fostering available to neighboring counties
  • Proof of Rabies vaccination and County license* for existing pets required when fostering
  • If you transport animals to local or out of county rescues, you must own the vehicle you use


Volunteer Opportunities

  • Cat Cuddler
    Take cats and kittens out of the cage to engage and socialize them
  • Dog Wrangler
    Take dogs and puppies out of the kennel to explore, potty, play and relax
  • Animal Photographer
    Capture dog and cat’s personality for the website and social media
  • Dog Play Group Attendant
    Assist staff with supervising how dogs interact with each other in groups
  • Enrichment Facilitator
    Gather the other volunteers to create toys, treats, and activities to enrich the dogs and cats lives while in the kennel
  • Event Adoption Counselor
    Help potential adopters interact with and talk to them about the animal of interest personality.
  • Off-Site Events Assistant
    Adoption Counseling at an off-site location, walking and watering the dogs while they attend the day-long events.
    Assist by sharing your experiences at volunteer fairs, etc.
  • Foster Parent/Sleepovers
    Take home a cat or dog that would benefit most from time away for medical, behavioral, or social purposes. Doing this helps us obtain information on the dog or cat’s behavior and personality.
  • Doggie Day Out
    Give a dog a break from the shelter by taking them around town for hikes, exposure, advocation, and socialization.
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