About APA!
“Our story hasn’t necessarily been for the faint of heart. Austin Pets Alive! began when vulnerable, homeless pets truly needed us the most. When we were first imagined, Austin had a kill-rate of 87% – today, we have a save-rate of 97%. Through hardships, we have found inspiration; and through this inspiration, we have saved lives. Learn more about our journey to becoming – and maintaining our status as – the largest No Kill city in the country below.”
https://www.austinpetsalive.org/about/our-story
Volunteer Opportunities
- At-Home Activities
- Adopt@ Line: Work from home to return phone calls and emails from the public about animals up for adoption at APA!
- Animal Foster: Provide temporary care for cats and dogs in your home until they can be adopted. To apply to be a foster, you must fill out a Foster Care Volunteer Application.
- PASS Helpline: As part of the Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender program, answer calls from the public one day a week to help them re-home their pet rather than surrendering them to a city shelter.
- Cat Activities
- Cat Marketing: Help take photographs and write bios for cats on the website to help them get adopted.
- TLAC Main Cattery: Care for the cats and kittens in APA!’s main cattery. Volunteers are most needed between 10am–1pm and 4–7pm to help with cleaning and introducing cats to adopters. Additional training required.
- Tarrytown Cattery: Same as above, but the biggest need at this location is from 12pm–4pm. Additional training required.
- Feline Leukemia Adoption Center: Help Felvies (cats who have tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus and are immune compromised) in their dedicated adoption center. Shifts most needed are from 11am–12pm and 5pm–6pm. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Ringworm Ward: Help care for cats with ringworm (a fungus like athlete’s foot) until they are no longer contagious and can be fostered or adopted. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Dog Activities
- Weekend Kennel Feeding: Care for APA!’s 150+ dogs every Saturday or Sunday.
- Dog Enrichment: Enrich the lives of dogs in the shelter with treats and toys to keep them stimulated. Additional training required.
- Dog Matchmakers: Help dogs find their perfect forever home. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Dog Maternity: Help expecting and nursing moms. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- General Support: Help with everything from weekend dog feedings, laundry, “poop fairying,” and more.
- Dog Marketing: Help take photographs and write bios for dogs on the website to help them get adopted.
- Tarrytown Dog Adoption Center: Socialize puppies and small dogs in a fun dog park-type setting. Additional training required.
- Dog Walking: Walkers are most needed before 11am and after 5pm. Additional training required, and you must be 16+ years of age.
- Big Brother/Big Sister for Dogs: Act as “bigs” for dogs waiting to be adopted. Help market and train them, and take them on field trips or sleepovers. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age for field trips or sleepovers.
- Rufftail Runner: Take select APA! dogs on a run around town. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Virtual Foster: Can’t take a dog home but want to help? Add new photos and bios for them to the website, provide training, and be the point person to answer questions for potential adopters.
- Dog Behavior: Train dogs to help them have the disposition to get adopted and stay in that home forever. This is especially important for saving large-breed dogs. Additional training required, and you must be 16+ years of age.
- Parvo Puppy ICU: Parvo is a contagious disease among puppies that can be cured with treatment in isolated care. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Medical Activities
- APA! Clinic: Assist in clinic areas like reception and recovery and keeping pet records up to date. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Neonatal Ward: Feed and care for neonatal kittens in the on-site neonatal ICU. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Parvo Puppy ICU: Parvo is a contagious disease among puppies that can be cured with treatment in isolated care. Additional training required, and you must be 18+ years of age.
- Support Activities: Lend your skills and expertise.
- Data Entry / Office Work
- Development / Fundraising
- Facilities Maintenance
- Marketing / PR / Graphic Design
- Transport of Animals: You must have your own vehicle and be 18+ years of age.
- Volunteer Coordination
- Group Volunteering
- APA will organize one-time group volunteering activities for corporate, school, or organization groups. Groups are usually 10–15 people and volunteer for two-hour shifts. Interested groups must fill out the Group Interest Form.
- Events: Help with adoption events, special fundraising events, and APA!’s annual conference.
- APA! Thrift: Assist at one of APA!’s two thrift stores with stocking, working behind the counter, and assisting customers.
Volunteer Requirements
- Be 12+ years of age. Youth ages 12–15 must volunteer with a parent or legal guardian at all times. Youth ages 16–17 must have a signed waiver from their parent or legal guardian to volunteer alone.
- Fill out an application.
- Complete an online volunteer orientation session.
- There is a non-refundable registration fee for the orientation, which includes your APA! volunteer shirt: $20 for Youth (Age 12–17) and $30 for Adults.
- Attend an in-person tour of the Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) facility.
- Sign up and volunteer for three Jump Start (essential shelter help) activities at TLAC before participating in other APA! volunteer opportunities.
- Attend additional training sessions as required by APA!.
- Volunteer at least monthly.
- Be able to work independently and meet the essential capabilities for all volunteers.
- Treat all animals with kindness and concern.
- Represent yourself and APA! in a professional manner and treat others with respect.
To apply to be a volunteer, go to APA’s Volunteer page.
For more information, check out APA’s Volunteer FAQ page.
Or visit their homepage: https://www.austinpetsalive.org/
Austin Pets Alive! Locations
Volunteer Opportunities by Interest
- Affordable Housing
- Animals
- Arts & Culture
- Children & Youth
- Education
- Emergency & Disaster Relief
- Environment
- Faith-Based Outreach
- Foster Care
- Health
- Homeless Populations
- International Aid
- LGBTQIA+
- Low-Income Neighbors
- Mental Health
- Neighbors with Disabilities
- Other Opportunities
- Refugees
- Seniors
- Sports & Fitness
- Uncategorized
- Veterans
Volunteer ATX 