Volunteer.

Under 15? Want To Volunteer? Join our Pet Pals Team!

Our Pet Pals Team is for youths from ages 6-14 and their supervising adults (21 or older). Volunteer teams comprised of one adult and up to two youths are called Pet Pal Teams. An application must be submitted for each child and adult.

• Adult supervision is required at all times by the adult who attended the training with the child(ren). There is a limit of two children per adult.
• Supervising adults must attend a General Information Session. Children are welcome to attend, as well.
• Following the General Information Session, attendance at an orientation class is required of the supervising adult and child(ren).
• A fee of $30 per family will be collected at the orientation class.
• We ask that Pet Pal Teams volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours per month for 6 months.
• Children under 15 yrs. are not permitted to walk dogs or accompany an adult walking a dog.
• Children ages 6 through 9 may socialize with Level 1 cats and other small mammals.
• Children ages 10 and up may socialize with Level 2 cats after completing further training. They may also assist with morning cat kennel cleaning with their supervising adult.
• Children 14 yrs. and up may apply to become summer counselors at Camp Happy Tails, run by Eleanor Hanson, Humane Educator.

Become a Pet Pal

All the joy of pet ownership without the commitment.

At the Potter League, we often have animals that need fostering because they’re too young, orphaned, or have a behavioral or medical condition that needs monitoring. Since these animals need more one-on-one time than we can give ourselves, we look for willing Foster Care volunteers to help us by taking these animals into their homes for a little while.

• Foster animals are for all ages, though the primary foster parent(s) must be 18 years of age. Children are very welcome to assist with foster care when safe and appropriate.
• We provide food, cat litter, and other supplies for foster animals.
• In all cases, the Potter League makes arrangements and pays for medical care.
• Primary foster volunteer must have own transportation.
• Live within 40 miles of the shelter.
• Abide by all state animal laws & regulations that apply to their area of residence.

You can decide to foster anywhere from two weeks to two months or more. And you can choose to foster just one time or many, many times. The more you foster, the more lives you save!

Foster Dog Application
Foster Cat Application

View Wish List

Meet pets. Earn service hours.

High school and middle school students with required community service hours are welcome and encouraged to fulfill these hours at the Potter League. This type of service is spent assisting with morning cleaning of our dog and cat rooms. It’s an ideal time to interact with the animals while contributing in a very important way.

• Because you are directly interacting with the shelter animals, it is necessary to first become a volunteer. This is done by attending a General Information Session and then attending a training class (scheduled after the General Information Session).
• Additional volunteering in any other area may be performed, but will not count towards the required hours.
• Cleaning hours are from 8:00am-10:00am on any day(s) of the week that fits your schedule, including weekends. On-the-job training will be provided.
• We ask that all volunteers donate a minimum of 4 hours a month for a minimum of 6 months.
• There is a one-time $20 fee for all new volunteers to cover the cost of administrative processing, name tags and volunteer uniform.

Working together to make the world better.

Every day, we rely on our dedicated volunteers to help protect and care for the thousands of animals who come through our doors each year. The following are our Group Volunteering requirements:

• Each Group is responsible for designating an onsite Team Leader.
• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.
• Volunteers should not be allergic to animals.
• Volunteers must comply with the Potter League’s Volunteer Policies and Procedures.
• Each volunteer must individually complete a Volunteer Release before participating.
• For everyone’s safety and well-being, volunteers must be able to perform according to the physical demands of the project.
• Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes; volunteers without closed-toe shoes will be unable to participate.
• Volunteers should bring their own bottled water.
• Volunteers must provide their own transportation to the activity location.
• Volunteers should park in the main Potter League parking lot L unless otherwise directed.
• Volunteers should secure personal possessions and valuables in their vehicles; onsite secured storage is not available.
• Volunteers should check in at the site and time designated by the Potter League.

Grounds/Facilities Projects

According to schedule and season, volunteers may be needed for projects such as landscaping, painting, or building maintenance. These projects benefit from the support of a larger group and do not require specific training. We will let you know if such an opportunity coincides with your preferred dates.

Unexpected/Urgent Needs

If your group has the flexibility to respond on short notice during the unfortunate occurrence of natural disasters or other emergency situations, we would appreciate being able to call on your assistance. Such assistance may involve getting to the Potter League in adverse weather conditions, or other functions as directed by the Potter League staff. No specific training is required. Unexpected/Urgent Needs Group Volunteer activities will be scheduled as required.

Ready to serve? We welcome you.

The Potter League accepts court ordered community service. Please call 401-846-8276 ext 100 to schedule an appointment. Please bring your driver’s license or state ID, and the required court documents. Minimum age for community service is eighteen. No violent, sexual, animal or drug related offenses are accepted.

Call about Court Ordered Community Service