Thank you for your interest in helping the shelter!

Our Volunteers are an essential part of our shelter. Volunteers' time and talents create a difference in the quality of care and the welfare of animals at the Richardson Animal Shelter. We have two different types of volunteers as well as a foster program:

Volunteers and Doggy Day Out Volunteers. 

• Our Volunteers assist us with cleaning/daily task activities that include but are not limited to Meal preparation and feeding of pets, Washing and Sanitizing Kennels/Our Dog Park or Facility, Common Areas, etc.
  • You must be 18 years and older to volunteer with us.
  • For organizations/businesses that would like to come out as a group to volunteer, please fill out this form: Group Volunteer Form (Please note that the maximum number of people per group has changed to 5. No exceptions.)

• Our Doggy Day Out Volunteers are for individuals who are interested in Playing/Socializing with our dogs, taking our dogs out of walks, photographing our dogs, giving us additional info about the dog to add to their pet profile, etc. 

If you are 17 years and under, you can help the shelter by:

• Raising money for the animals.
  • Our pets need help with medical treatment, or you can sponsor a pet and pay for their adoption fee.

• Start a donation drive.
  • You can ask for gently used toys, blankets, leashes, and pet beds.

• Ask your parent if you can foster a pet.
  • You can help a pet that needs some extra care before they are ready to adopt.

• Make pet enrichment toys or food.
  • You can get inspiration for what food/toys to make by looking on Pinterest and/or Google for ideas.
  • You can get a group together to create/make the toys or food together and then you can give them to our pets here at the shelter.

• Spread the word about our pet here at the shelter.
  • The more people know about our pets= more adoptions and happy families

• Make creative and descriptive bios for our dogs and cats.

Children under 17 who are interested in volunteering will need a Parent or Guardian to go through Orientation to become a foster, volunteer, or doggy day out volunteer.

Parents/Guardians will be required to supervise children at all times. Children will not be able to receive hours for school or community service until they complete their own Orientation at age 18. 

How to Get Started Volunteering or Fostering:

• You need to complete an orientation class first. Click on this link to begin your orientation: Court Appointed Community Service and Volunteer Orientation. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email on how to get started. 
  • This is required for Volunteers 18 years and older and for all Doggy Day Out Volunteers
  •  Different Volunteer Types (Few types for 17 years and under as well): Volunteer Types
    • Please send the types you are interested in the same email that you send your completed paperwork for the volunteer orientation to prevent confusion. 

I want to become a Doggy Day Out Volunteer: