Volunteer
There’s a Place Here for You
No experience necessary. No special skillset required. Just a willingness to show up for your community and the animals who are part of it.
Every Role Matters. Find Yours.
There are many ways to show up, and all of them count.
Animal Care & Enrichment
Walk dogs, socialize cats and spend time with pets who genuinely benefit from your company.
Shelter Support
Clean spaces, fresh laundry, and daily tasks are essential work that keeps our animals safe and comfortable every single day.
Community Care
Help at our mobile and onsite vet clinics and be there for pet families right in your community.
Chandler Mall Support
Help connect people and pets, support our retail location and create a welcoming space our community visits.
Share Your Skills
Have a skill you’d like to share? Skills such as photography, event support and administrative help (to name a few) all strengthen what this community can do together.
A Few Helpful Details
FAQs
Answers to a few questions we hear most often. Still curious? Reach our volunteer team at volunteer@aawl.org.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years or older to volunteer.
Can I satisfy court-ordered community service requirements?
We aren’t able to accommodate court-ordered community service at this time.
Does it cost anything to volunteer at AAWL?
There is a one-time $15 onboarding fee that covers insurance and your initial volunteer gear. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to us at volunteer@aawl.org — we don’t want that to stand in the way.
How can my group get involved in volunteering?
We offer a variety of group volunteer opportunities designed for teams and organizations. Learn more here.
What is the minimum hour commitment to stay active?
We encourage volunteers to come in weekly to stay current on shelter processes, but weekly shifts aren’t required. Volunteers need a minimum of 15 hours per quarter to remain active.
Getting Started
- Sign Up: Choose your location and complete your volunteer application.
- Complete Online Orientation: Get familiar with our community, our pets, and what to expect before your first day.
- Pay Onboarding Fee: A one-time $15 fee covers your volunteer gear and insurance.
- Participate in a Buddy Day: Spend your first shift with an experienced volunteer who will help you feel at home.
- You’re Ready: Show up, settle in and enjoy the journey with us.
Regular Visits. Real Bonds.
Consistency matters, for the animals and for you. Whether you’re here weekly or a few times a month, showing up regularly builds trust, routines and connections that grow over time.
Why Volunteers Keep Coming Back
Volunteers often tell us the animals give back just as much as they receive. Meaningful connections, a sense of purpose, and more wagging tails and purring than you can handle.
Connect With Your Community
Volunteering at AAWL is about more than the animals, it’s about the people who show up alongside you. Build friendships, find your people and become part of a community that shows up for each other, every single day.
Ready to Show Up?
Choose your location below to get started. We’d love to have you. Questions? Reach us at volunteer@aawl.org.