Volunteer with AARCS

Building The Future

The act of volunteering is a selfless one, allowing us to gain new skills, new friends, and a new perspective. It has been said that volunteering is not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, reliability, learning, and commitment. When you volunteer, you give part of yourself: your time, your energy, and your skills.

At AARCS we believe that each volunteer who contributes by working shifts at the shelter, fostering, transporting, fundraising, and the myriad of other jobs we need done, makes a huge difference in the lives of our rescued animals. We could not do what we do without the hundreds of people who volunteer each and every day.

Building The Future

The act of volunteering is a selfless one, allowing us to gain new skills, new friends, and a new perspective. It has been said that volunteering is not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, reliability, learning, and commitment. When you volunteer, you give part of yourself: your time, your energy, and your skills.

At AARCS we believe that each volunteer who contributes by working shifts at the shelter, fostering, transporting, fundraising, and the myriad of other jobs we need done, makes a huge difference in the lives of our rescued animals. We could not do what we do without the hundreds of people who volunteer each and every day.

Why volunteer

01. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

You’ll join a network of hundreds of people, working to make the world safe and more humane for all living creatures.

02. GET WARM FUZZIES

You’ll never find a more grateful and accepting comrade than an animal you have comforted.

03. KEEP GOOD COMPANY

You’ll make lots of new friends – not just the four-legged kind. Working side by side with people who share similar intrests and passions can forge lifelong friendships.

04. MEET THE NEW YOU

You’ll discover skills you never knew you had, and you may be surprised at what you’re capable of achieving.

05. GAIN A NEW CAREER

You’ll learn things that may lead you to the career — or career change — of your dreams. Employers and college admissions officers look favourably on time spent in volunteer service.

06. THE RECEPTION

Enjoy a wagging tail, a purr, and a smile. Didn’t someone say that the best things in life are free?

AARCS Safe Haven is based in Calgary and North Haven in Edmonton. Numerous volunteer opportunities are available at both shelters and across the province!
Check in with our Volunteer Coordinator to find out what’s available in your area! 

Our Needs & Requirements

Calgary & Area
Edmonton & Area

 Current Volunteer Needs

    • Dog Caregivers
    • Cat Caregivers
    • Critter Caregivers
    • Inventory Volunteers
    • General Veterinary Hospital Volunteers (Monday – Friday; Calgary Only)
    • Event & Fundraising Volunteers
    • Transportation Volunteers

    * Shift availability includes weekdays and weekends starting as early as 8am and 7pm in the evenings

    Volunteer Requirements

    • A love for animals, and their well being
    • Minimum one year commitment
    • Commitment of two shifts per month during first year
    • Completed Police Check if applicable
    • Contribute to AARCS Mission:
    • “Changing Lives Through Kindness” this is an important statement to us and not only applies to animals lives, but peoples as well.

    • Have an open mind and a willingness to learn. AARCS provides training, and valuable learning opprotunities as they become available.

    Youth Volunteer Requirements

    Age 10 to 15:
    Permitted to volunteer if accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. Standard volunteer requirements apply.

    Age 16 to 17:
    Permitted to volunteer with parental/guardian consent. Standard volunteer requirements apply.

    Corporate/Group Volunteering Opportunities

    If you’re looking to get your hands dirty, do some team bonding, learn more about the rescue world and help out some animals, our Helping Paws Group Volunteer Experience is for you!

    OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIMITED

    Interested in Fostering an AARCS Animal?