Volunteer
Make a difference in the lives of homeless animals!
Each year, thousands of animals receive rescue and relief from the Providence Animal Rescue League, and PARL’s dedicated volunteers help to make this happen. PARL relies on the steadfast commitment of our volunteers, and we could not do the work we do without them! At PARL, there are volunteer opportunities for people with all different levels of experience and interest, including everything from direct animal care, to administrative support, in-home animal fostering, or even outreach and fundraising!
Volunteer Requirements
- Be sixteen (16) years of age or older*
- Provide a minimum of 8 hours of service each month
- Be able to effectively communicate PARL’s mission, policies/procedures to the public
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation
*Some areas of the Volunteer Program do require that you are 18 years of age.
How do I become a volunteer?
- First, you’ll need attend one of PARL’s Volunteer Orientations. These are typically held several times each month.(see below) No registration is required in advance.
- At orientation, you will receive an application to fill out and indicate your area(s) of interest. After submitting your application, PARL staff will review your application. Some volunteer positions require additional training sessions. li>
Orientation Schedule
Volunteering at PARL FAQS
What can I do as a PARL Volunteer?
There are lots of different Volunteer Opportunities available at the Providence Animal Rescue League. Click here for detailed descriptions of various Volunteer Jobs
Do I need to bring anything to the Volunteer Orientation?
No. You don’t need to bring anything to PARL’s Volunteer Orientation, just yourself and your enthusiasm for helping homeless animals in the state of RI! At this time, you will be asked to fill out a Volunteer Application and be provided with a PARL Volunteer Manuel.
I am required to fulfill a certain amount of hours for court-ordered community service. Can I do these hours at PARL?
These situations are handled on an individual basis depending on PARL’s needs, therefore those seeking community service hours should not attend a general Volunteer Orientation.
I would like to volunteer with a group, for my school/business, etc...Could I do this at PARL?
Due to limited space here at the shelter, we are unable to accomodate those looking to volunteer as a group. Click here (http://www.parl.org/get-involved/fundraise-animals) for FUNraising ideas that can be done off-site to help the animals here at PARL.
Does attending an Orientation make me a PARL Volunteer?
Not everyone that attends a Volunteer Orientation will be accepted into the Volunteer Program. Due to the large number of applicants, along with limited Volunteer Positions available, we are unable to accept each and every one that wishes to volunteer. Individuals will be placed according to the current needs of the shelter, along with their skills and availability.
My work/school schedule doesn’t allow me to attend one of these scheduled Volunteer Orientations. Can I still become a volunteer?
PARL requires anyone interested in the Volunteer Program to first attend an Orientation. Attending an Orientation will give you a “snapshot” of the organization and the reality of volunteering for an animal shelter. This Orientation also allows PARL to find the best match for the current needs of the shelter.
I would prefer to only spend my volunteer time with PARL’s adoptable dogs. Will I be able to do this after I attend a Volunteer Orientation?
The reality of PARL, along with most shelters in the Northeast, is that we care for three times as many cats as dogs. It is not uncommon for the number of Volunteer dog-walkers to exceed the number of dogs on our Adoption Floor. The majority of direct Animal Care Volunteer Positions involve caring for, as well as socializing cats. Those accepted into the Volunteer Program that with to also work with PARL’s dogs are required to attend additional trainings, which are often scheduled months after your Volunteer Orientation.
