There's more than one way to make hundreds of tails wag at once.

There is more than one way to make hundreds of tails wag at once.
Volunteer at the ARL!

There are few things as rewarding as helping a homeless animal find a loving new home. When you volunteer at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you make a difference for homeless animals—whether you lift their spirits with a walk or sell tickets to the annual fundraising auction.

After your first visit to the ARL, you will find that volunteering for the animals is easy, fun and very rewarding. It’s a great way to impact the lives of thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and small animals. The most important skills you need to be a volunteer are love and respect for animals.

For additional volunteer information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 515/473-9110 or email Volunteer Coordinator.


Becoming an ARL Volunteer

What: The first step to becoming an ARL Volunteer is to attend a volunteer orientation. No registration is needed. At orientation, you will learn more about the ARL, its programs, and what you can do to help. You’ll also receive an application and volunteer handbook.

When: Volunteer orientations are held the second Saturday of every month. Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming orientations.

Where: Orientations are held in the ARL Education and Training Center, located behind the main shelter, 5452 NE 22nd St., Des Moines, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

To work with animals, volunteers must be at least 12 years old. Volunteers younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult volunteer, at least 18 years of age, at all times. The adult volunteer also needs to have completed orientation and any subsequent training with their minor partner.

For volunteers 8-11 years of age, opportunities to volunteer include but are not limited to helping at special events or AniMeals packaging parties, projects at the shelter like unfolding newspapers or laundry assistance, as well as special projects that can be completed from home such as baking treats and bringing them to the adoptable animals, making Snuggles, or doing a collection drive. You can find more ideas here or recipes here.

To work with our animals volunteers must physically be able to enter and exit the kennels in a safe manner and have the ability to understand and comprehend ARL rules and policies for their own safety and the safety of the animals.


Volunteer Locations:
ARL Main
ARL West
ARL PetsMart (in Ankeny)
ARL South (Southridge Mall)