Become a Volunteer

AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE WONDERFUL CATS & DOGS OF ARC. WE CAN’T CONTROL THEIR PAST BUT WITH YOUR DEDICATION AND HELP, WE CAN RE-WRITE THEIR FUTURES

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Animal Refuge Center! ARC- a for-impact volunteer organization and sanctuary-provides a clean, safe, no-kill environment for cats and dogs within the Lee County area.

Volunteering at an animal sanctuary can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Each person is an integral part of the overall success of our mission, as the largest no-kill shelter in SWFL, to provide care for our resident cats and dogs until we are able to find them forever homes. We are also here to educate the public regarding the humane treatment of companion animals and the importance of spaying and neutering.

There are 5 requirement to become an ARC Volunteer:

  • Fill out an online application (see link below).

  • Pass a comprehensive background check (For ages 16+. Cost is $28.50).

  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation Session. Upcoming dates will be emailed to you after the receipt of your application and approved background check (if applicable).

  • Purchase a volunteer t-shirt ($10), which you’ll wear every time you volunteer, along with a name tag..

  • Schedule your volunteer days through our volunteer portal no later than the night before, but preferably as early in advance as possible.

Our 22-acre property is open to volunteers 7 days/week, from 8am to 4pm.

  • Adults ages 18 and older may help with dogs and/or cats.

  • Those ages 16 and 17 may help with cats (with no guardian present).

  • Junior Ambassadors (children ages 10 to 15) may help with cats, but must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian.

If you have any questions, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Elizabeth Alcorn, at:

(239) 258-1278 or VCArc@animalrefugecenter.net

Volunteer opportunities include:

CAT care & socialization (16+)

Volunteers play a critical role in keeping the cats healthy and happy. Daily care includes providing food & water, scooping litter boxes, and cleaning one (or more!) of the 14 cat buildings onsite. Socializing the cats helps them to become more adoptable, and includes talking to, playing with, petting, brushing and giving treats to our cat residents.

DOG SOCIALIZATION & EXERCISE (18+)

Volunteers provide mental and physical stimulation for the dogs at ARC. From walking and bathing, to training and socialization, volunteers play a critical role. Volunteers must have the physical strength to walk the dogs and will begin their service as the “Green” level. If desired, and after proven dependability and dog-handling skills, volunteers can request to “level up” to Yellow, by attending one-on-one training sessions with our professional Canine Behaviorist and/or a Mentor (experienced Dog Volunteer).

Maintenance Team (18+)

ARC fencing and buildings need minor repairs as well as periodic deep cleaning. The ARC property is a spacious 22 acres so there are also many landscaping opportunities. Volunteers must be able to handle working outdoors and have basic knowledge of how to use maintenance equipment. Your skill-set can be a real blessing to the animals and staff of ARC!

JUNIOR AMBASSADOR (10-15)

JA’s can serve by providing Cat Care & Socialization however, they must be accompanied at all times by an adult guardian when on ARC property, Volunteering is a great way to learn about animals!
 

EVENTS team (18+)

ARC is often asked to display information at community outreach events. Volunteers help ARC staff in speaking with the public about ARC’s history, mission and the services we provide. A friendly, approachable and positive personality is a must!