Volunteer
And Save the Lives of Pets in Monterey County
At Animal Friends Rescue Project, we believe in the power of community and volunteerism to help create positive changes in the lives of at risk companion animals.
We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their background, beliefs, or abilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or any other characteristic. We welcome and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings to our organization to help us with our mission here at AFRP.
AFRP’s mission is dedicated to finding good permanent homes for abandoned, stray, or abused companion animals, and to ending the pet overpopulation crisis through focused spay and neuter programs.
We do require volunteers to be 18 and over, those under 18 please have a guardian sign up that would be able to chaperone during volunteering.
We provide a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that are catered to your schedule and availability. Whether you can spare a few hours a month or commit to a regular schedule, your contribution is invaluable to us and the animals we serve.
We have volunteer opportunities in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. From fostering, animal care, transportation, fundraising, offsite adoption events, outreach, Treasure Shop, clinic, social media, photography, office assistance, and much more-we have a volunteer opportunity for you! Your kindness and selfishness makes all the difference in our organization!
Together, we can make a difference! Sign up to volunteer with Animal Friends Rescue Project today and help us continue our lifesaving work!
Volunteer Application
What to Expect
After you complete the AFRP Volunteer Application, you will receive an automated email confirming your application has been received. Please give us 48-72 hours for our Volunteer Coordinator to contact you via email about scheduling an orientation and training to get you started. If you have any questions please contact us via email volunteer@animalfriendsrescue.org
Volunteer Opportunities
If there is a volunteer opportunity you are interested in that is not listed below, we still encourage you to sign up to volunteer so we can hear the ideas you have!
Animal Care and Event Help
This is a hands-on experience where your time volunteering is with the animals of AFRP. Volunteers in this role assist with: transporting animals, helping at offsite events with animal handling, cat care at our satellite location, dog walking, cat/dog socialization, and vet clinic help. Help at events includes, the set up and take down of events, this includes setting up displays, pop up tent, table and pet area. During the event help be an advocate for our animals by engaging with the public, educating them on our organization/ adoption process and assisting with photography and/or videography.
Administrative and Office Help
Help make a difference from behind the scenes! The AFRP Office is open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. We are looking for regular help in being trained to assist with, answering phone calls, responding to voicemails, emails, and greeting visitors. By lending your skills in organization, communication, and clerical work you can play a vital role in helping us! This role also includes helping clean, sanitize, track inventory, and keeping the office organized and presentable.
At Home Help
Want a work from home opportunity? We could benefit with the help of, thank you calls, graphic design, marketing/social media, and grant writing opportunities.
Fundraising and Outreach Team
Be a part of our Fundraising and Outreach Team, this includes flyer distribution, social media posting, donation box collection, and helping at fundraising and tabling events where animals are not permitted.
Transportation
Beep, beep, your wheels can make a difference! Volunteer to assist with transportations this can include Freedom Rides, helping transport animals out of the shelter and to their foster home or clinic. Help transport animals to and from their vet appointments, training sessions, and events. Transportation help also includes supply transport, help take essential supplies from the office to another location, foster home or a local shelter/donation place.
Certified Trainer and Certified Behaviorist
We welcome certified behaviorists, and certified trainers who are looking to volunteer with AFRP. Help our program animals, and the foster families with training, and behavior needs to increase their chances of adoption. We do require proof of certification.
Community Cat Programs
Community Cats (stray, feral, or free-roaming) are the most at-risk pets in shelters around the country. Be a part of the trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) community to help keep community cats out of the shelters, decrease feral populations and continue to live safely in their outdoor homes.
Homechecks
Help us conduct home checks for our adopters and fosters. All AFRP foster applicants and dog adopters, undergo a homecheck from one of our volunteers to ensure that the home is safe and pet proof of any hazards. This position you would be trained in and would require that you are comfortable driving to different locations within Monterey County/Santa Cruz County and going into homes to conduct the homecheck.
Treasure Shop and Donation Transport
Be a part of the excitement and volunteer at our benefit shop! The AFRP Treasure Shop is located at 221 Grand Ave. in downtown Pacific Grove. Help assist with customer service duties including but not limited to, greeting customers, sorting donations, cashier assistance, display items, and updated daily deals. Donation transports, help transport items from the Treasure Shop to another donation center in the local area. This is a big help in keeping our inventory moving and the shop clutter free!