Volunteer Opportunities

• A concern for animal welfare
• An understanding and support of VSA philosophies and policies
• An enjoyment of working with animals and people
• A commitment of time
• Honesty with yourself and VSA concerning your needs and wishes

• The knowledge that your efforts help save lives and eliminate suffering
• A feeling of accomplishment in helping animals
• A variety of volunteer opportunities directly or indirectly helping animals
• A chance to develop new skills or polish old ones
• Training and education
• Meeting new people





Volunteer Opportunities Available:

Direct Animal Care: Interested in volunteering in a shelter, walking and/or training dogs, socializing cats? Maybe you would like to provide foster care for companion animals such as abandoned kittens or an elderly dog. Direct animal care is extremely rewarding because you have made a positive impact on that animal's life.

Legislation: VSA advocates for more humane legislation on local and state levels. VSA needs volunteers to contact legislators, support or oppose legislation being heard at local and state levels, write letters to the editor, etc.

Cat Committee: Every year, VSA volunteers say that the cat and kitten overpopulation problem is worse than the previous year. The key to controlling overpopulation is spaying and neutering, and education. The Cat Committee promotes low cost sterilization and educates people seeking information and assistance on feral, stray and owned cats. Volunteers are needed to transport cats to veterinarians for surgery for owners who have no transportation.

Grant writer: Some of our humane programs are underwritten by grants. VSA needs people with grant writing skills.

Graphic Artist: Our flyers and other literature need some flare and style. Can you help to make our literature more interesting?

Librarian: The Louis Iacabucci Library is at the VSA Headquarters. Candidate(s) must be detail oriented and computer literate. Knowledge of Dewey decimal system is a plus. Hours are flexible.

Data Entry Operator: Volunteers are needed to input data into the Donor$ Database.

Mailers/Stuffers: Volunteer Services for Animals publishes a newsletter several times a year, plus other mailings, and needs assistance in processing each mailing.

Financial Assistance Follow-up Phone Calls: VSA cares about the pets we've helped with financial assistance and we want to know how they have recovered. Candidate(s) must be articulate and like to talk on the telephone.

Acknowledgements: VSA's donors receive a handwritten thank you note. Candidate(s) must have good penmanship.

Foster Program: Temporary homes are needed to take in cats and dogs that have not yet found homes, or could not get into the shelters due to overcrowding. This program is saving lives of soon-to-be adopted animals. Support is provided with food and veterinary care. VSA finds and interviews prospective adopters.

Information Tables: VSA frequently has tables or booths at various community functions within RI. The distribution of literature and community relations requires committed volunteers, usually taking 2 to 3 hour shifts, scheduled in advance.

Fundraising: VSA relies on contributions and fundraising to support our programs. We need people to help with fundraising activities.

Public Relations: If you have experience in marketing or public relations your help is needed and will be greatly appreciated.

Paw Prints Newsletter: VSA's newsletter is mailed to many supporters in Rhode Island and throughout the USA. Volunteers are needed to help format, edit, report, and write for Paw Prints.