Paws to Lend a Hand

Help cats and dogs in our community and enjoy the rewards of giving back. By volunteering or fostering, we have something for everyone to save as many lives as possible. 

Fostering Shapes Futures

More foster placements impact the number of animals we can save. The call to temporarily open your heart and home to a furry friend provides remarkable benefits you’ll soon discover: 

  • Saving and helping an animal without the long-term commitment    
  • Teaching family members pet-care responsibilities and how to give back
  • Getting and giving lots of love and snuggles

There’s no cost to foster. Here’s what it takes:

  • A little space in your home for at least two weeks
  • Time and patience for your foster pet to heal and thrive 
  • Transportation for medical check-ups and adoption events

It’s easy to get started and anyone can join our foster community.

  • We provide everything you need for your foster pet – medical care, food, supplies and more
  • Flexibility to work around your availability, including vacations
  • We handle the matchmaking to find your foster pet a forever home 

For awhile in your home. Forever in your heart.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Got a picky pet that rules the roost? 
  • Is your schedule unpredictable? 
  • Or do you lack the space at home to foster or adopt? 

That’s okay! Many reasons may make you a great match for volunteering. We have endless opportunities for every situation or skill set. Whether you have fifteen minutes, an hour, or a day, you can make a difference.   

Want to help from home or on the go? Writing thank-you notes and data entry can be done anywhere. Or, if you like being behind the wheel, we always have animals that need a lift. Just let us know what you prefer! You only need to be 18 years old and of course, be an animal lover like us.

Sign up to volunteer today!

Areas to Support

Headquarters

Pitch-in at our main office. 

  • Organize food and supplies
  • Clean and do laundry
  • Photograph our pets
  • Assist at the front desk

The Thrift Hound

Our thrift store repurposes gently used items for the greater good.  

  • Meet and greet customers
  • Price and sort donations
  • Organize and tidy up the store
  • Help with eBay listings

Adoption Events

Be the feet on the ground, making connections that matter.

  • Setup and breakdown events
  • Sell merchandise
  • Help with animals at the event
  • Represent MPR AVL and help potential adopters

Cat Habitats at PetSmart

It’s the purrfect place for cat lovers to care for and help find kitties their furever homes.

  • Attend adoption events on Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Help clean and care for cats 

Sit. Stay. And, of course, keep up with all our hairy happenings.

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