I Want to Volunteer
Get Started HereVolunteer at Memphis Animal Services
Ready to get started?
Fill Out the Volunteer Application
Once approved, you’ll get instructions to begin!
Memphis Animal Services offer three levels of volunteering:
How Our Volunteer Program Works
Level 1
Support Without Animal Handling
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Perfect for new, short-term, or community service volunteers. Level 1 focuses on essential behind-the-scenes work that directly impacts our animals’ well-being, including:
- Laundry, dishes, and kennel support
- Preparing enrichment (like stuffing Kongs)
- Photography, videos, and writing bios
- Helping at community events
- Administrative and marketing support
You can stay at Level 1 for as long as you’d like—or advance to Level 2.
Level 2
Hands-On With Animals
Level 2 volunteers work directly with our pets after completing a one-time Dog Handling or Cat Handling course. Opportunities include:
- Walking and exercising dogs
- Taking pets out of kennels for playtime or field trips
- Providing in-kennel enrichment
- Assisting adopters as a matchmaker and adoption counselor
Volunteer Opportunities
Click below to learn more about ways you can get
involved with dogs or cats:
Dogs
- Enrichment & Play
Take dogs to play yards, help with Kongs, and give them the exercise they need. - Adoption Support & Events
Talk to potential adopters, assist at offsite adoption events, and help dogs find homes.
- Photography & Marketing
Snap photos and write bios to show each dog’s personality online.
- Playgroups
Support staff-led playgroups—moving dogs safely and learning about play styles and behavior.
⚠️ Volunteers must be 18+ to handle dogs. Families with younger kids can host donation drives or schedule a shelter tour.
Cats
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- Enrichment & Matchmaking
Help during cattery care shifts, give cats enrichment, and match them with new families.
- Adoption Events
Assist with setup, speaking with adopters, and breakdown at monthly adoption events.
- Photography & Marketing
Take photos and write bios to help cats shine online.
- DIY Cat Enrichment
Contribute from home by making or collecting items like fleece toys, blankets, toilet paper roll toys, or ping pong balls.
⚠️ Volunteers must be 18+ to handle cats. Families with younger kids can create DIY enrichment items and donate them during shelter hours.
- Enrichment & Matchmaking
Get Started Here
Ready to get started as a Level 1 volunteer? Complete two easy steps:
Once your application is approved (usually within 24 hours), you’ll receive an email with instructions.