Because Animal Aid has no paid employees, volunteers are involved in and operate every facet of the organization.
Animal Aid was founded in 1979. Since then thousands of animals have been served by our volunteers.
Volunteers do everything from Emergency rescue of seriously ill and injured animals, operating our lost and
found hotline, fostering dogs and cats awaiting adoption, and helping at fundraising events to help pay the bills.
Volunteers also process paperwork, design and publish event posters and flyers, maintain a website, and do
community education programs. Everything Animal Aid does in the community is thanks to our volunteers!

Photographer- Do you have a digital camera?  Like to take fun and compelling pictures? Want to help us help homeless pets?  If you answered yes to these questions we have the volunteer job for you!  We are looking for a few good photographers who are available for a couple hours on Saturdays to take pictures of our foster pets.  If you can help with this please email animalaidofswmi@yahoo.com

Foster Home-  Animal Aid was founded on the belief that animals would be better served through a foster home network instead of a shelter. Animals would live in a HOME setting,  learning and having house manners re-enforced prior to adoption. Animal Aid believes that animals fostered in homes can be monitored closely for behavior patterns and temperaments which helps pick the right home for the right animal. Animals in foster homes are not exposed to the constant flow of germs and viruses that plague shelter facilities due to constant intake and turnover. Fostering is a rewarding experience and a truly hands on way of making a difference. Animal Aid pays for all medical expenses for Foster animals and provides when available food, litter, and supplies. Animal Aid will reimburse fosters for food expenses if requested.If you are interested in fostering please contact animalaidofswmi@yaoo.com 

Adoption Day Volunteer- Animal Aid hosts Adoption Days to showcase our adoptable animals to the public in hopes of finding them forever homes. These events are usually on Saturday’s with an occasional special event on other days. Due to a lack of foster homes at this time Animal Aid has several animals that are boarded at various locations in Berrien County that have no foster to bring them to adoption events. Volunteers are needed to transport and/or handle our boarded animals so that they have an opportunity to be seen. This also allows these animals a chance to be socialized and get a change of scenery from their kennel life. This is a very important hands on volunteer opportunity that would only require a couple hours of your time at your availability. If you can help with this please email animalaidofswmi@yahoo.com

Special Event Volunteer- Animal Aid by its nature and mission has several roles in the community. Adoption of homeless animals is just one aspect. Educating the public about Humane Issues, promoting Spay & Neuter, and providing Resource Referrals are a huge component of Animal Aid. Volunteers are needed periodically to man booths at community events, assist with fundraisers, and help at special events. Time commitments for these events vary and are based on the volunteers’ availability.

Crafter/Baker/Artist- Animal Aid has several fundraisers that are either ongoing or seasonal. Without these events to raise money for the animals we would not be able to help the animals that we do. At many of these events (including the Holiday Open House & Raffle & The Mutt March) we offer for sale donated craft items, art, and baked goods. Every donation is appreciated and helps us help the animals.  If you would like to donate items to Animal Aid please email animalaidofswmi@yahoo.com

· Assisting in planning and/or implementing fundraisers

· Designing and/or distributing promotional materials for events.

· Administrative tasks including record keeping, sorting mailings, and returning phone calls.

· Emergency Rescue of seriously ill or injured animals

· Helping at fundraising events

How Much Time Does it Take?
That is completely up to you. Some volunteers only wish to help with one or two events a year,
others help out weekly or even daily. We ask that you only commit to what you feel comfortable doing.

I Can’t Foster an Animal, Can I Still Help?
YES! Many of our volunteers are unable to foster animals. They help the organization in other
ways that are just as important.

Do I Have to Fill Out Any Paperwork?
We may have you fill out paperwork that includes information on special skills or interests you
have so we can better match your abilities with our opportunities! Foster homes must fill out a
Foster Application.