Providence, Animal Rescue League

Volunteer Information

A group of volunteers started this organization almost 100 years ago. Today we continue to rely on volunteers to help keep our shelter a comfortable place for the animals in our care.

Volunteer Requirements:

MUST be eighteen (18) years of age or older
Kids 8-17 years of age may volunteer WITH a parent
Must currently have health insurance
Attend a volunteer orientation
Have good communication skills
Have the ability to work independently
Provide 2 to 8 hours of service per month
Be able to squat, bend, twist, lift or stand for long periods when working directly with animals

The Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL) offers a volunteer training program which combines a classroom orientation with hands-on learning. The orientation teaches volunteers the League's policies and procedures and prepares them for what it means to be a PARL volunteer and representative.

PARL is looking for volunteers who can make a serious commitment to the League. Professionals, retirees and Spanish speaking volunteers are welcome. We have opportunities for people with all different levels of experience and interest, including those who do not wish to work directly with the animals.

Volunteer Opportunities

Dog Lover & Trainer: Provide our adoptable dogs with physical interaction, excercise, basic obedience training and affection.

Cat Cuddler: Provide our adoptable cats with physical interaction, love and affection.

Kennel Assistant: Assist our staff with feeding animals, cleaning cages, laundry, and othe rroutine cleaning projects.

PETsMART Adoption Center Assistant: Provide care and TLC for adoptable cats at the PETsMART in Warwick (weekly 2 hour shift). For more information about this program click here.

Foster Caregiver: Provide in-home care for injured, sick, or newborn animals, or cats or dogs that just need a break from the shelter. For more information about this program click here.

Office Assistant: This position is on an as-needed basis. Office help may include bulk mailings, filing and putting together display boards.

Special Events Assistant: Help staff fundraising events like our annual Pet Walk.

Groundskeeper: Help keep our property inviting to asopters by picking up trash, pulling weeds and sweeping our front entrance.

Public Greeter: Assist our customer service staff by greeting customers and directing them to adoption areas.

Humane Education Program Presenter: Teach children in a classroom setting about good pet care and kindness. Staff educational booths at events.

How to Become a Volunteer

First you must submit a volunteer application. You may pick up an application at the shelter or click here to download our volunteer application in PDF format.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted by our Director of Volunteer Services for an interview.

Those accepted into the volunteer program must attend a new volunteer orientation, sign a liability waiver and submit a photocopy of their license and health insurance card.

Please email our Director of Volunteer Services, Shana Cobin, if you have any concerns or questions, or call 421-1399 x208.

Benefits of Volunteering

FOR YOU

Pride in community service
The chance to help animals
The opportunity to gain experience working with animals

FOR THE ANIMALS

A more pleasant stay at the shelter
An improved chance of getting adopted
An end to suffering through the promotion of responsible ownership

FOR THE SHELTER

Enable the League to enhance our services
Increase the Leagues' impact on the public
Raise funds essential for running a high quality shelter providing care for thousands of animals each year

These are only a few of the important benefits of volunteering. With your generous support, the Providence Animal Rescue League will continue to make a difference in the lives of people and animals.

Thank you for your interest!

34 Elbow Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
phone 401-421-1399 * fax 401-861-8086

Promotions@parl.org * Love is Adoptable at 34 Elbow Street!

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