Volunteer Opportunites
ARF is proud to be run almost entirely by volunteers! Volunteers make ARF successful and they have a direct impact on the number of animals that we can rescue.
Volunteers typically are required to provide a 6-12 month commitment, usually on a weekly basis, depending on the position. Volunteers are always able to take breaks from their work with ARF; we only ask that you coordinate your breaks with your fellow volunteers and provide reasonable notice.
Due to insurance reasons, you must be at least 18 yrs old to volunteer with ARF; however, some of our younger supporters have also helped ARF by donating the proceeds of bake sales and car/pet washes and by organizing toy drives for our foster dogs and cats. Read the story of Jennifer Caldwell who, for her 6th birthday, asked party-goers to bring toy & treat donations for ARF in lieu of birthday presents.
Do you have questions about volunteering? Contact us at volunteering@arf.ab.ca
To volunteer for any of the positions listed below, fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Please Note: All volunteer positions are based in the Calgary area.
Looking for fostering opportunities such as foster homes, holding homes & dog sitters? Click here.
Telephone Interviewers - Cat Adoption Program
Telephone Interviewers conduct the initial interviews with potential adopters. These interviews take approximately 20 minutes each and are essential to ensuring that our Policies and Procedures are met by potential adopters. All training is provided.
To volunteer as a telephone interviewer, fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Telephone Interviewers - Dog Adoption Program
Telephone Interviewers conduct the initial interviews with potential adopters. These interviews take approximately 20-30 minutes each and are essential to ensuring that we match the right family to our pups! A commitment of three interviews a week is required, and all training is provided.
To volunteer as a telephone interviewer, fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Follow Up Callers - Dog Adoption Program
Follow Up Callers provide five periodic checkup calls after an animal is adopted from ARF. These calls provide assistance and support to our adopters if they are experiencing any problems or concerns integrating their ARF animal into the family. Follow-up calls require a commitment of 1.5 - 2 hours per week.
To volunteer as a follow up caller, fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Events Reporter
In order to keep our membership updated on the numerous activities ARF participates in throughout the year we would like to compile a list of individuals who could be called upon to attend events that ARF is involved in. Event Reporters take photos during the events and write articles for our monthly newsletter.
To volunteer as an Events Reporter, fill out our Volunteer Application Form.
Wellness (Spay/Neuter) Clinics
Volunteers are required for duties pertaining to ARF’s Spay/Neuter Program for First Nations. This is a program whereby participating vets spay, neuter and vaccinate pets at a reduced cost for First Nations residents. ARF sponsors the event and works with representatives from the communities to arrange a weekend to do the surgeries, register the participants and transport them back and forth to the clinics.
In preparation for the clinics, volunteers are required ahead of time to help with crate cleaning, assemble and transport the crates, purchase supplies, and deliver crates and other supplies from storage (SW) to a specified location within Calgary. There is also some printing and copying required.
On the first day of the clinic, volunteers with covered trucks, SUVs or vans are required to transport animals from the specific First Nation community to the vets, and to help with animal registration at the pick up point, record keeping, crate assembly and the cleaning of crates.
On the last day of the clinic, the animals are returned to the pick up point on the designated First Nation community, and volunteers are required to transport animals, give owners follow-up care instructions, disassemble and clean crates. Crates and supplies must then be taken to storage and inventoried.
If you are interested in helping, fill out our Volunteer Application Form, and you will be kept informed of upcoming clinics.