How Volunteers Help Power Animal Rescue

Volunteers propel the ASPCA’s mission to protect animals and prevent cruelty by bringing compassion, skill and dedication to many branches of our work. Of course, we have many wonderful volunteers in our hometown of New York City; incredibly, in 2025, they contributed more than 25,000 hours! But you may not be aware that the reach of our volunteer network extends nationwide — and time and again, with profound impact — in moments of crisis.

Our National Field & Disaster Response team has a roster of 3,400 volunteer responders who deploy with us to help remove animals from suspected cruelty and neglect cases and natural disasters. These volunteers and contract responders provide critical resources for ASPCA deployments, which, in 2025, included 18 cruelty- and disaster-related cases in 10 states — work that impacted 21,000 animals.

“Our volunteers play an essential role in successful deployments when additional expertise is needed,” says the ASPCA’s Teresa Ladner, vice president, Criminal Practice & Investigations. Teresa — who retired from the FBI in July 2017 and began volunteering for the ASPCA and Tallahassee Animal Services immediately afterward — knows first-hand the critical role volunteers play.

“Their specialized skillsets, commitment and adaptability make a huge difference, not only in how smoothly our operations run, but in the care we’re able to provide to animals in need. We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart they bring to our lifesaving work.”

Why They Do It

In February, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and animal welfare groups, the ASPCA rescued more than 200 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation spanning dozens of properties in and around Dallas, Texas. This Dallas team consisted of 103 responders — 73 staff members, 20 contract responders and 10 volunteers.

Carol S., a volunteer responder from St. Cloud, Minnesota, helped set up and dismantle the temporary shelter for the Dallas dogs. She accompanied dogs to their medical evaluations and loaded them for transport to an ASPCA animal recovery facility, where they are currently receiving care.

Carol’s first-ever deployment, in 2011, was as a member of the Washington State Animal Response Team to a puppy mill in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the ASPCA was on the ground helping remove more than 100 dogs.

“It was very sad,” she recalls. “I cried when I saw all the abused and neglected dogs. I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to do that again. But I realized this was the start of a new and better life for them.”

In 2013, Carol joined the ASPCA’s volunteer roster.

“Volunteering makes me feel good,” she says. “I’ve met so many people who share the same passion I have for animals. Many have turned into lifetime friends, and even if I only cross paths with them once, I remember them forever.”

Nancy W. of Longwood, Florida, joined the ASPCA’s volunteer roster three years ago and was also on hand for the Dallas case. She’s deployed to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene, Southern California for wildfires and Montana for an equine criminal case, among others.

“I like doing something that makes a difference,” Nancy says. “My personal mission is to support those without a voice.”

Showing Up When It Matters Most

The ASPCA’s Megan Allan, manager of the Responder Resource Unit, was a volunteer responder for four years while with the Florida State Animal Response Team before joining the ASPCA full-time in 2024. She coordinates transportation and lodging for staff and responders and provides on‑site support if questions or issues arise.

“We’re in a position to support local agencies that desperately want to do this work, but don’t always have the resources,” Megan says. “And our volunteers play a vital role in making this possible.”

Pam L., a retired fitness coach and volunteer from Charlotte, North Carolina, who deployed to Dallas and other cases, says she never gets tired of the work.

“My motivation is helping the animals get out of horrific conditions and seeing many go on to find great homes,” she says.

Glen H., a retired Tampa-based IT professional and contract responder, is a behavior expert whose most memorable case involved rescuing 160 Samoyeds from a puppy mill in Iowa. He led playgroups during their recovery at an ASPCA facility. In Dallas, he transported dogs and puppies in need of emergency care.

“We’re all here because of the animals,” Glen says.

Iris B., a volunteer from Seattle who also deployed to Dallas, agrees. “We’re here for the same reason,” she says. “And it’s great to be reminded that so many people care.”

If you’re 18+ and interested in becoming an ASPCA volunteer responder, visit our National Field & Disaster Response portal to learn more and to apply.