Thank you for your interest in helping the shelter!

Our Volunteers are an essential part of our shelter. Volunteers' time and talents create a difference in the quality of care and the welfare of animals at the Richardson Animal Shelter.

 We're proud to partner with Friends of Rescue Animals! 

About Friends of Rescue Animals.

Friends of Rescue Animals (FRAs) is a 100% volunteer-powered nonprofit that has been supporting shelter pets in North Texas for over 20 years. FRAs works hand-in-hand with local shelters to help animals find loving homes by coordinating volunteer programs, providing adoption support, funding medical care, and sponsoring transport to out-of-state rescue partners. The FRAs Cat Rescue program focuses on saving vulnerable cats and kittens through foster care, medical treatment, and adoption services.

Volunteers and Doggy Day Out Volunteers.

• Our Volunteers assist us with cleaning/daily task activities that include but are not limited to Meal preparation and feeding of pets, Washing and Sanitizing Kennels/Our Dog Park or Facility, Common Areas, etc.

• You must be 16 years and older to volunteer with us. A parent must be a registered volunteer and be present at all times.

• For organizations/businesses (all 18+) that would like to come out as a group to volunteer, please fill out this form: Group Volunteer Form (Please note that the maximum number of people per group has changed to 5. No exceptions.)

• Our Doggy Day Out Volunteers are for individuals who are interested in Playing/Socializing with our dogs, taking our dogs out of walks, photographing our dogs, giving us additional info about the dog to add to their pet profile, etc. 

If you are 15 years and under, you can help the shelter by:

• Raising money for the animals.
  Our pets need help with medical treatment, or you can sponsor a pet and pay for their adoption fee.

• Start a donation drive.
  You can ask for gently used toys, blankets, leashes, and pet beds.

• Ask your parent if you can foster a pet.
  You can help a pet that needs some extra care before they are ready to adopt.

• Make pet enrichment toys or food.
  You can get inspiration for what food/toys to make by looking on Pinterest and/or Google for ideas. You can get a group together to create/make the toys or food together and then you can give them to our pets here at the shelter.

• Spread the word about our pet here at the shelter.
  The more people know about our pets= more adoptions and happy families

• Make creative and descriptive bios for our dogs and cats.

How to Get Started Volunteering:

• Please fill out an application via the Friends of Rescue Animals website.

• This application is required for volunteers 16 years and older and for all Doggy Day Out volunteers

I want to become a Doggy Day Out Volunteer: 

• You must complete a volunteer application. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email on how to get started.
• You will be REQUIRED to complete 15 hours of general shelter volunteering before being able to participate in the Doggy Day Out Program. 

I want to become a Foster Parent for the Richardson Animal Shelter:

• If you are interested in fostering a shelter pet, please fill out our application as we are ALWAYS in need of fosters. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email on how to get started.

If you need to complete Court-Ordered Community Service: 

• You must fill out a Court-Ordered Community Service orientation application. Follow the directions listed and the Resource Coordinator will be emailing confirmation. 
• We do not accept court-ordered community service for offences involving drug paraphernalia, theft or violence.
• Hours are available Monday through Sunday and must begin at 7:00 a.m.