Volunteer with Austin Animal Services
We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers. Providing love, care and attention to the more than 11,000 animals the shelter takes in each year is no small feat! We need the support of hundreds of volunteers to ensure our cats, dogs and other animals get daily exercise and enrichment and are matched up with loving, forever families. Join our lifesaving volunteer team in America’s largest No Kill city and make a difference for homeless pets!
Whether you’re a group looking for a one-time opportunity, a youth group needing service hours, or an individual who wants to commit to regular volunteering, we have a place for you here at Austin Animal Services.
Requirements to Volunteer
- Complete a criminal background check as part of initial orientation.
- Commit to volunteering six hours per month.
- Have regular access to e-mail.
- Agree to rules and guidelines outlined in the Volunteer Guide.
- 13 and 14-year-olds may volunteer with an adult who is also a volunteer.
- 15 and 16-year-olds must have an adult attend orientation with them but can volunteer independently.
Volunteer Jobs
Here are just some of the positions you’ll be able to choose from:
Dog Adoption Ambassadors: Help people find the right dog for their family. The shelter is large, and visitors may need guidance to meet the right pet. Ambassadors assist by taking dogs out of kennels, answering questions, and sharing helpful tips and resources.
- Cat Enrichment & Adoption Volunteer: Help make cats feel comfortable and happy at Animal Services. Volunteers spend time giving love and attention to shy cats, keeping kennels clean, and making sure playful kittens get exercise and toys. They also assist visitors looking for their new family cat by answering questions and sharing helpful tips.
- Dog Enrichment Volunteer: Help keep dogs happy and healthy at Austin Animal Services. Volunteers give dogs exercise, attention, and enrichment while they wait for their new homes. Opportunities include on- and off-site activities, and volunteers with training experience can teach basic obedience using positive reinforcement. Many volunteers also choose to foster dogs they connect with.
Greeters: Welcome visitors to Austin Animal Services and help them find the right areas to meet pets. Greeters answer questions and provide a friendly first impression that helps visitors feel comfortable and supported in their search for a new pet.
Cat and Kitten Medical Assistant: Assist with the care of cats and kittens who need extra attention for common medical conditions like ringworm or upper respiratory illness.
Community Outreach Volunteer: Represent Animal Services at community events, schools, libraries, and local centers, sharing information and connecting people with pets in need.
Apply to Become an Individual Volunteer!
For group volunteers or community service requests, please fill out the forms below.
Questions or having issues registering to become an individual volunteer? Please contact us and we’ll help you through the process!
Additional Opportunities
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Austin Animal Services has one time volunteer opportunities for community, school, church and other groups. Volunteer groups help with a variety of jobs including small animal care and enrichment, dog walking, cat socialization and cleaning and organizing.
To do a group volunteer project, complete and submit this form at least three weeks in advance of the date you hope to volunteer.
For corporate volunteer groups, there is a suggested donation:
- Groups of 1 to 15: $500
- Groups of 16 to 30: $1,000
These donations are used to support programs that keep Austin America's largest No Kill city.
Court-Ordered Community Service
Austin Animal Services supports the Community Service Restitution (CSR) program for the City of Austin Municipal Court through our volunteer program. This invaluable partnership helps in areas of the shelter where staff and volunteers need extra assistance. CSR volunteers will rarely work directly with the animals, but will support the shelter and the animals in our care by doing laundry, dishes, enrichment activities, sanitizing cages and other duties as they are needed. Physical requirements of assigned tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying and using a force equal to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
The CSR program is available for participation Sunday-Saturday between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm, scheduled ahead of time. Participants must be at least 17 years old and will review and sign Austin Animal Services paperwork at their first shift. A photo ID will be required at each shift and training will be provided with each task.
To get scheduled, please apply here.
All applicants are screened to determine eligibility. Send the application as soon volunteer hours are assigned, last minute requests can't be scheduled. If you have questions please call us at 512-978-0533 or send an email.
Community Cats
If you wish to only participate in our Community Cats Program as a trapper volunteer, please email communitycats@austintexas.gov.