Volunteer Programs
Thank you for your interest in our volunteer programs at Our Companions Animal Rescue!
Your willingness to give your time and energy means the world to us and to the animals in our care. Volunteers like you are the heart of our organization, helping us provide love, care, and a better life for countless animals in need.
We invite you to explore the various ways you can get involved. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a regular commitment, we have a variety of opportunities to match your interests and schedule. We hope you will join our community of dedicated volunteers and help us continue our mission to protect and improve the lives of animals. Click on the links below to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how you can get started. We look forward to working with you!
Canine Volunteers
*This volunteer program has opportunities across both Manchester, CT & Ashford, CT locations*
Our Canine Behavior Programs provide humane education and various training opportunities to our resident sanctuary dogs, local shelter partners, and our community members. All Canine Volunteers are trained in positive reinforcement, dog body language, and low-stress handling skills and can choose from any of our program pathways available at both the Sanctuary and Program Center Locations. Please visit our page below to learn more!
Feline Sanctuary Volunteers
*This volunteer opportunity is located in Ashford, CT*
Feline Socialization Volunteers work individually with sanctuary cats under the guidance of staff to provide enrichment, interactive play, and socialization. As a volunteer, you will be part of a team effort that includes staff and other volunteers working within the needs of each cat and can include cleaning and overall care for our feline residents.
Feline Tuck In volunteers are responsible for the evening routine at our feline cottages from 6PM to 8PM. They must feed the cats dinner, provide supplements, clean litter boxes, basic house cleaning like mopping, and best of all, spending time socializing and/or playing with our cats! Great for people working full time and looking for a rewarding way to relax in the evening. There is a staff person on campus but they move between the three buildings so you spend most of the time by yourself. It is important that you are able to sign up in advance and commit to the shift, only cancelling when there are emergencies.
Small Animal Sanctuary Volunteers
*This volunteer opportunity is located in Ashford, CT*
Small Animal Cleaning and Socialization Volunteers assist with keeping our smallest guests well cared for and engaged, in order to get them ready for their forever homes. Volunteers will help clean habitats and cottage rooms, as well as spend time playing with and giving affection to the hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other small pets in our care. We also have an opportunity available for Evening Small Animal Volunteers, with shifts from 6-8PM.
***We are currently seeking volunteers for Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings***
Animal Helpline Volunteers
Our Animal Helpline is the center of our life-saving programs and unique to Our Companions, as there is nothing like it in Connecticut. Join a team of dedicated and specially trained staff and volunteers who respond to questions and assist in addressing any animal-related questions and concerns.
Through our Helpline Program, we provide adoption information, pet training, animal behavioral support, community cat (TNR) assistance, veterinary assistance, and more. Our focus is providing services that preserve the human/animal bond to keep pets and people together.
This volunteer opportunity provides a variety of important roles within our organization. Learn more about available positions and the difference you can make in your community by becoming a Helpline Volunteer!
Grounds Maintenance Volunteer
Ground Maintenance Volunteers help maintain the grounds and landscaping at our Ashford Sanctuary. Please note, this opportunity does not require a one year commitment!
For any questions about any of our volunteer programs and opportunities, you can contact us here!
Click Here to read our policy on incorporating minor volunteers.