Get Involved
We rely on generous volunteers to make our mission a reality.
Why volunteer at our shelter or thrift store
At AARC, We Love Volunteers! Our volunteers unselfishly donate their time in our thrift store or shelter. They take part in our dog walking program. They help at big events in town when we need lots of extra hands. Our volunteers are an essential part of our organization and their help is priceless. Interested? Check out our volunteer opportunities. We need folks of all ages and abilities!
Volunteer at the Shelter
Volunteer with us! Studies show that spending time with shelter pets helps people as much as it does the animals. Whether you want to walk dogs, help with chores, join us at adoption events, or just hang out with the cats—there is a niche for you. Visit us, fill out an application, and we’ll get you started—It’s that easy!
Volunteer at the Thrift Shop
We are looking for people of all ages and abilities to help out in our thrift store. Court-appointed volunteers are welcome. Apply online or come to our store anytime to fill out a volunteer application and speak to our manager.
Youth Volunteers
Start your kids on the right track by volunteering at AARC! Children 13 and under, can, when accompanied by an adult, play with pups, kittens, or walk our small dogs. Mature teens 13+ can shadow a staff member or walk dogs with other volunteer dog walkers.
Youth School and Club Fundraising
Students: Want to raise money for AARC through your school or club? Check out these fun-raisers here.
Youth Volunteers
Start your kids on the right track by volunteering at AARC! Children 13 and under, can, when accompanied by an adult, play with pups, kittens, or walk our small dogs. Mature teens 13+ can shadow a staff member or walk dogs with other volunteer dog walkers.
Youth School and Club Fundraising
Students: Want to raise money for AARC through your school or club? Check out these fun-raisers here.
Fostering
Consider being an AARC Foster Parent
Fostering a dog or cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience! Beyond trial fostering (bringing home a pet on a trial basis), we need fosters interested in caring for sick, unweaned, or pregnant pets, and fosters interested in providing a pet with a temporary home, until a permanent home can be found.
3 Ways to Foster at AARC
- Trial Foster: Take a dog or cat home for a day or a weekend to see if it isa good match.
- Medical Foster: Care for a sick, pregnant, or un-weaned puppy or kitten in your home. AARC covers all medical costs.
- Foster to Rehome: Give a pet a temporary home until you find a permanent one. Almost any dog and cat at AARC can be fostered in this way! This helps pets and relieves the shelter from having to care for as many animals. To find out more, visit our shelter, or call (828) 524-4588.
Host an Adoption Day
Interested in hosting an adoption day at your business? We want to hear from you! Adoption events help connect pets with people, raise awareness about AARC, and emphasize to the community that you care about homeless pets! Call us in advance to ask about hosting at your place of business.
Organize a Third Party Event
Are you interested in creating your own fundraiser to help Appalachian Animal Rescue Center? Fantastic! Use the buttons below to download our Fundraising Toolkit featuring an A-Z guide of fundraising ideas, and apply online with our Event Application.
More Ways to Get Involved
Facebook Fundraisers
Facebook fundraisers are an easy way to help AARC! Try these tips for success: Set your goal at a reasonable amount (big goals can discourage donors). Write a personal statement about why you have chosen to raise funds for AARC. Add an emotionally compelling picture, perhaps cuddling your rescue pet. Thank every single donor, even Mom! With your permission, we can advertise your fundraiser on our web page, which reaches some 50k people!
Community Service
Get your Community Service Hours at AARC! Whether you are a student, intern, or have been appointed by court, you can accumulate hours at our shelter. Our hours of operation are M, T, Th, F, and Saturday, from 11-4 pm. We will track your hours and provide you with a community service form. Duties are including, but not limited to, cleaning, laundry, dish washing, feeding and caring for animals, dog walking, and basic maintenance.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
We are grateful for the support of businesses and individuals. As a locally-funded, non-profit organization, AARC receives no government funding and no financial aid from any other humane society or shelter. It is our donors who breathe life into our life saving programs and give every animal hope for a brighter future. Please join us.