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, pregnant/nursing moms and litters, hospice animals, and animals with medical and/or behavioral needs. 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.

Dog Days Foster Program

Are you in need of a canine companion, but not quite ready for the lifetime commitment just yet? Then our new Dog Days foster program is pawfect for you!

The main focus of this foster initiative is to give the adult dogs in our care with behavioral and/or medical needs a well-deserved break from the shelter. Typically, these doggies are in need of homes without other pets. Of course, we always encourage and support foster fails! And the bonus is if you do decide to keep your foster pup, the adoption fee is waived!

If you’re interested in becoming a RACC Dog Days foster, please email caitlin.stallings@rva.gov to get started.