Volunteer Opportunities at the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center

The Cruelty Recovery Center is constantly evolving to meet the needs of animals across the nation, and new volunteer opportunities can emerge quickly as our needs change. Currently, The Cruelty Recovery Center is in need of volunteers to assist with shelter support and administrative tasks. The primary function of these roles is to support the CRC’s day-to-day operations, as well as fulfill urgent requests for assistance when the CRC is aiding in the ASPCA’s national response efforts.

Here is an overview of our current volunteer opportunities:

Sheltering support

• Kennel cleaning and daily care of animals
• Kennel building
• Enrichment preparation
• Dish washing
• Dog walking (on CRC premises)

Administrative support

• Scanning and filing documents
• Preforming audits
• Updating records
• Organizing and tidying common spaces
• Printing and preparing materials
• Organizing supplies

For individuals with professional experience in veterinary medicine that are looking to volunteer their skills, please refer to the National Field and Disaster Response (NFDR) program’s volunteer page. Local NFDR volunteer opportunities are available at the Cruelty Recovery Center.

Volunteers are required to commit at least three hours per month to stay active in the Cruelty Recovery Center’s volunteer program. Exceptions include current college students who are available to volunteer on a seasonal basis with approval from the CRC volunteer team.

Inactive volunteers will be eligible to rejoin the program after completing a refresher course.

Volunteers regularly work in close proximity to the animals and directly contribute to their wellbeing. During their volunteer activities, volunteers may be asked to handle animals under supervision of CRC staff. Volunteers that have completed the appropriate trainings may walk approved dogs on the Cruelty Recovery Center’s designated walking path.

Although the Cruelty Recovery Center is equipped to serve both cats and dogs in need, our cat care opportunities are limited. Volunteers that are interested in working with both dogs and cats would be best suited to our sheltering support roles, as our animal populations change frequently.

Volunteering at the ASPCA connects the people in our communities to the ASPCA’s mission; “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” Our dedicated volunteers demonstrate a commitment to learning and are well-rounded and flexible to support the changing needs of the animals and the organization. They respond when called upon to provide vital support to our operations, observing sheltering and animal welfare best practices and to augment the care of the animals that need us most. As an ASPCA volunteer, you can make a difference.

ASPCA Volunteers possess the following qualities:

• An understanding of ASPCA philosophies and policies, inclusive of the organization’s Core Values and Guiding Principles
• Commitment to treating animals and people with care and respect
• A desire to represent the ASPCA in a professional and enthusiastic manner
• Maintain a motivated attitude and dependability
• A commitment to learning
• Willingness to provide and receive feedback
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and guidelines
• An understanding of and a commitment to abiding by ASPCA and Volunteer Program Guidelines
• A commitment to receive and respond to communications from Volunteer Program staff

Volunteers will be required to complete online trainings before attending their first shift at the Cruelty Recovery Center. Additional online or hands-on training may be required for specific volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering at the Cruelty Recovery Center is an opportunity to provide direct support to animal victims rescued from cruelty and disasters. Due to the nature of our work, many of our volunteer roles can be physically and emotionally demanding. While volunteering is a fulfilling experience, unexpected stressful situations can arise at any moment. We advise anyone considering volunteering at the Cruelty Recovery Center to keep this in mind when determining if this experience is right for you.

We welcome groups of up to 10–15 people and have staff on hand to guide you throughout your visit. Group volunteers have been a huge help with larger shelter projects like deep cleaning, crafting enrichment items, rebuilding kennels and so much more.

If you'd like to schedule a group volunteer day, fill out our interest form here: Volunteer Group Interest Form.

After receiving the form, a member of our team will be in touch to schedule your group's volunteer opportunity.

The group volunteer experience will include:

• A short presentation about the CRC's work
• A tour of the facility
• A group volunteer activity lead by one of our staff members

At this time, our schedule is only able to accommodate volunteer groups between 1 and 3 p.m. Please keep this in mind before filling out the interest form.

All questions regarding the Cruelty Recovery Center’s volunteer program can be directed to [email protected].