ABOUT US
Animal Rescue Volunteers work with the HSUS Animal Rescue Team to help save animals who are the victims of illegal animal cruelty and natural disasters. Whether an out-of-control hoarder or dogfighting operation, or hurricane or puppy mill, Animal Rescue Volunteers travel from all corners of the country to assist in the on-going care of dogs, cats and other animals who have been rescued from harm.
When the HSUS Rescue Team responds to a law enforcement action or natural disaster, volunteers are called in to help provide care to animals in our emergency shelters. Animal Rescue Volunteers come from all walks of life, generously giving their time to apply their skills and experience in response to animals in need. From animal handling and cage cleaning to administrative tasks, the work of Animal Rescue Volunteers is the true core of the HSUS' mission to save animals' lives.
Animal Sheltering/Direct Care Volunteers provide care to animals in our temporary shelters, including cleaning cages and enclosures, feeding, watering, restocking supplies, washing dishes, walking dogs, or socializing animals as directed. Volunteers are called to respond in different U.S. locations as needed.
Veterinary Assistance Volunteers apply licensed, certified/registered veterinary technician skills to provide direct medical care to the animals in temporary shelters by supporting on-site veterinarians with animal restraint for examinations, record keeping and administering medications as prescribed.
What our volunteers say
"Without the [Animal Rescue Volunteer] program, none of us volunteers would have had such a rewarding opportunity to go and take care of these amazing cats. We call it the "summer of the cats" as it has taken the place of possibly taking vacations. But so many volunteers gladly took their vacation time to care for these poor creatures. I don't know who received more love, the cats or the volunteers who worked side by side daily working as a team. Although we all started as strangers arriving at the warehouse our first day, by lunch time we all knew each others' stories and where we were from and what we did for a living. Many of us formed what I hope will be a lifetime bond, exchanging emails and phone numbers."-Roy Ware
Benefits of volunteering
Animal Rescue Volunteers often report that assisting with an HSUS rescue operation changed their lives. They never forget the animals they helped get on the road to recovery, or the people who are a part of this important mission. Volunteers learn important skills, undertake new challenges, travel to previously unknown areas of the country, and become part of a community that understands the importance of protecting animals from harm.
