How can I volunteer with ARF?
ARF needs all kinds of help, particularly foster parenting. We also need volunteers for spay neuter trips, marketing, driving, web page maintenance, social media presence, and more.
Volunteer Needs and Info
Foster Parenting
ARF’s greatest need is for foster parents for dogs and puppies. We need people to foster dogs and puppies either for transport to out-of-state shelters or for local adoption (we can usually tell you which up front). Each requires you to keep the animal safe and healthy for several weeks, perhaps even months. The good news is that we usually have a place for puppies to go, and we are pretty good at matching foster dogs with great adopters, so you don’t have to keep your foster forever (unless you absolutely think you have to).
Responsibilities of foster parents include:
- Making regular appointments with ARF volunteers or the vet (as directed by the foster coordinator)
- Administering worming and topical flea treatment as needed (instructions included)
- Keeping the pet safe and contained in your home environment, and helping the foster adjust socially to people and or other animals
All expenses are paid for, and a foster coordinator keeps track of all your pet’s appointments.
Here are a few don’ts:
- Don’t rehome the dog or give it away (even if you pay the adoption fee for another party)
- Don’t let young puppies out in public until they have received enough vaccines to stay healthy
- Don’t advertise the pups on other groups’ web sites without permission
Most people feel guilt or want to keep every puppy at first. But that feeling gets easier, and you’re doing the most important job you can do by letting your foster go so you can help another.
Please call 877-273-5262 or message us on our Facebook page if you have any questions.
Spay Neuter Trips
To help prevent pet overpopulation, ARF runs two spay/neuter trips for cats and dogs each month to the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance in Asheville. This is a completely volunteer event, and we are always seeking additional help with this regular event. Volunteers would be involved with:
- Help preparing crates for animal transport; helping with intake of animals; help loading the ASPCA trucks on Monday
- Help unloading the ASPCA truck on Tuesday; help returning animals to their owners; help cleaning crates for storage
Why We Need Help
We’re a volunteer group
Our veteran volunteers have carried ARF’s mission on their shoulders for years—and they’re ready to welcome fresh energy to the team! We need passionate, caring individuals who love dogs and want to protect the future of every pet in our community.
Why Your Help Matters
- Keep dogs out of the shelter. By hosting our low-cost spay/neuter sign-ups, ARF prevents hundreds of litters before they start—freeing up space at Jackson County Animal Shelter (JCAS) so sheltered pets receive timely care and loving homes.
- Drive the 90% save-rate at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Thanks to this partnership, JCAS now saves 9 out of 10 dogs who come through its doors—an achievement unthinkable before ARF’s programs existed.
- Expand our reach. From puppy fostering and transport runs to pet-of-the-week highlights and community events, ARF and JCAS work side by side to reduce overpopulation and keep families together. This year alone, we’ve co-hosted free pet food distributions to help owners in need.
Who We’re Looking For
- Animal lovers eager to learn (no prior experience necessary!)
- Friendly faces at outreach events, sign-up clinics, and shelter days
- Drivers with a heart for four-legged passengers
- Social media buffs to shine a spotlight on our adoptable pets
Join Us
Your time, talent, and enthusiasm make all the difference. Together, we’ll protect pets, support families, and keep Jackson County’s shelters from ever filling up again. Ready to roll up your sleeves and help write the next chapter in our community’s rescue story?
