Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the mainstay of our organization. Without volunteers, so much of the work we do on behalf of homeless pets would not be possible.

Our Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from many walks of life, with varied talents, abilities and experiences. Volunteers serve on committees, help with fund raising events, assist with mailings, provide assistance with our website, help with office work and provide many services for the animals at our shelter.

At the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island we value our volunteers and strive to provide each of them with meaningful and fulfilling work to do. Our volunteer coordinator surveys our volunteers for their interests and keeps a data base file detailing their preferences. Our volunteers come from a number of sources. Area schools refer young people to the ARL/SRI for fulfillment of community service requirements for honors programs. Community groups such as Seniors Helping Others and the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island make referrals to fill needs we may have. Church groups, scouting troops (both boys and girls), community clubs and organizations contact us for volunteer opportunities as well. Many volunteers are simply individuals looking for a way to "give back" to the community and choose to do it by helping animals.

However our volunteers come to us, we are grateful for their dedication, for sharing their time and talents with us, and most of all for helping us to give the animals in our care the best possible lives while they are at our shelter awaiting new, loving homes.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

When you volunteer, we will ask you to log your hours. Your volunteer service is important to us, not only for the services you perform while you are with us. Your time commitment is an indication to our potential funding sources that the community supports our efforts on behalf of homeless pets.

Each year, at our Annual Meeting, outstanding volunteers are recognized and honored for their service to the League.

VOLUNTEER POLICY

It is the policy of the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island to provide volunteer opportunities for adults and children, with the following stipulations.

All volunteers, regardless of age, will complete the ARL/SRI Volunteer Application so we can understand your interests and provide you with the most interesting and meaningful experience possible.

All adult volunteers, ages 18 years and older, must complete and sign an ARL/SRI Volunteer Sign-up Sheet/Waiver Form prior to commencing volunteer duties.

All minor volunteers, ages 17 and younger, shall have an ARL/SRI Volunteer Sign-up Sheet/Waiver form completed and signed by his or her parent or legal guardian prior to commencing volunteer duties.

All minor volunteers at least 16 years old may volunteer at the shelter unaccompanied by a parent/guardian.

All minor volunteers, ages 12 through 15 must have a parent or guardian present and volunteering along with him/her while he or she performs volunteer duties.

Children 9-11 may participate in the new ARL/SRI "Volunteers in Training" program. See details below.

Any person seeking volunteer opportunities as the result of community service must identify him/herself as such and state the reason for which community service has been assigned, i.e. school assignment, court ordered, etc. The Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island shall have the right to refuse volunteer opportunities to anyone convicted of any act of violence, abuse or neglect to any human being or other animal.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

All volunteers wishing to work with ARL/SRI shelter animals must complete Volunteer Orientation. Orientation is held on Saturdays at the ARL/SRI shelter. Please call 401-783-7606 for the schedule and to sign up for an orientation session.

At Orientation you will learn about the different jobs available at our shelter, our policies and rules regarding animal handling, cleaning procedures, dress codes, etc. Our shelter building is small, so we do have a volunteer schedule to prevent having too many volunteers at any one time. We love to have your help, but with too many people at one time the shelter gets very crowded and the animals experience a lot of stress.

GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES

The Animal Rescue League is a non-smoking facility. There will be no smoking or controlled substances allowed in the shelter building, or within the fenced property area.
Volunteers are expected to dress appropriately. No bare midriffs, thongs, visible undergarments, sandals or open-toed shoes. Clothing should be comfortable, practical and easy to clean.
Harm, abuse, mistreatment or willfull neglect of any animal under the care of the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, or otherwise, will be grounds for immediate dismissal of your volunteer position.
Theft or willful destruction to Animal Rescue League property will be grounds for immediate dismissal of your volunteer position.
No weapons are allowed on Animal Rescue League premises.
Volunteers are expected to log their hours accurately in the assigned locations. Volunteers are also expected to sign up on the volunteer schedule, and to honor that schedule.
Volunteers are expected to be polite and tactful with staff members, other volunteers, and all potential customers, whether the person is seeking to adopt or to surrender an animal.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

DOWNLOADABLE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION (Adobe PDF)

DOWNLOADABLE VOLUNTEER SERVICE RECORD (Adobe PDF)

NEW CHILDREN'S VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

NEW ARL/SRI KIDS PROGRAM

"Volunteers in Training"

Are you a kid who wants to volunteer?

Volunteering is another word for HELPING!!! There are lots of different ways you can HELP the Animal Rescue League....as volunteering can means lots of different things.

*Starting on April 1, 2009 it will be the policy of the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island that only children ages 12 and over will be allowed to volunteer directly in the shelter.

What does this mean for kids under 12???

LOTS!! Once a month, you're invited to join us in our Helpers' Hut (located right outside our shelter building) for our new Volunteers in Training Program. This will give kids the opportunity to share ideas with other kids wanting to help the ARL/SRI! This fun new program will provide endless opportunities to learn about shelter animals, create toys and treats for them, brainstorm fundraising ideas, etc...all while acquiring the skills and knowledge to volunteer directly in the shelter when you reach age 12.

*Parents must remain on site and either be volunteering in the shelter or with our Volunteers in Training Program in the Helpers' Hut.

When is it????? All sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 10-11am.

shelter volunteer

506B Curtis Corner Road, Peace Dale, RI

Any questions, please call 401-792-2233

Monthly Preschool Program TBA.