Volunteer

From cat cuddling to dog walking, volunteering at RACC provides a rewarding experience for all! The time that volunteers share and the enrichment they offer help our pets remain happy, social, healthy, and active. Volunteering greatly reduces stress and depression that animals can experience because of cage confinement. Many volunteers say they enjoy similar benefits by giving their hearts (and time) to the animals in our care. Volunteers receive orientation and training specific to their areas of interest.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the following activities:

• Dog walking and socialization

• Pet grooming and bathing

• Cat socialization and play time

• Adoption events

• Laundry

• Filing paperwork

Becoming a Volunteer

The first step to becoming a volunteer is attending one of our scheduled volunteer orientations. You will receive a tour of the shelter and learn about our different opportunities and expectations. A volunteer orientation and training is required for each of our volunteers. The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years. A background screening for those 18 years and older must be completed before final approval. RACC does not accept volunteers required to complete hours for court-ordered service, community service, or school requirements. 

To schedule an initial orientation, please email your volunteer application (under "Forms") to robin.young@rva.gov.

Foster

RACC's foster program is vital to our lifesaving mission. We are always in need of foster homes for our underage kittens and puppies, medical and behavioral animals, pregnant/nursing moms and litters, and hospice animals. While our available animals are generally adopted faster in the shelter environment, we do occasionally need fosters for healthy dogs and cats. RACC provides all supplies for foster homes, including medical care and food. RACC fosters are required to transport animals for medical care and routine vaccinations, as well as maintain open communication with shelter staff.

Becoming a Foster

If you are interested in becoming a RACC foster, please email your foster application (under "Forms") to robin.young@rva.gov.