08/30/2026
Reminder: New Volunteer Orientation is today
PET STORES FOR CATS AND DOG WALKER/COMPANIONS NEEDED
If you’ve ever considered volunteering, here’s your chance to learn more about the many opportunities available with ARF! Join us for an upcoming ARF Volunteer Orientation
Sunday, August 30th / 5 PM – Berea ARF Community Room
In-person orientations are typically held at the ARF shelter, located at 10015 E. River Rd., Columbia Twp., just across the street from Gibb’s Butcher Block.
ARF has something for everyone! Volunteer opportunities include a wide variety of activities, so you’re sure to find one that will meet your time and experience requirements.
Once you attend the orientation, you’ll select the volunteer opportunities you’d like to pursue, and the various committee coordinators will be in touch to get you started. Join us, and see how YOU can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
MOST NEEDED AT THIS TIME - PET STORE VOLUNTEERS & DOG WALKERS/COMPANIONS
PET STORE VOLUNTEERS - With kitten season in full swing, we need volunteers at our partner PetCo stores in Strongsville (16710 Royalton - in The Plaza at Southpark by CostCo and the new Barnes & Noble) and Fairview Park (20980 Westgate Mall Drive - in Westgate Shopping Center). Store volunteers feed, water, and play with the kittens/cats and keep their cages clean.
This is a great opportunity to volunteer as a family. The stores open at 9:00 am and close at 9:00 pm (8:00 on Sundays) and we just need someone able to spend up to an hour in the morning or evening). The biggest needs right now are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at Strongsville and Saturday mornings, Friday evenings, and Sunday evenings at Fairview Park.
DOG WALKERS/COMPANIONS - We are currently looking for dedicated animal lovers seeking to volunteer time with dogs. Help is needed on walking and adoption shifts for various days and times.
Volunteer Dog Companions donate their time and energy to care for our dogs at the shelter. Dog Companion Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
We’re looking for dog lovers who can commit at least 2 – 3 hours a week, or every other week. Your shift duties include taking dogs for walks, cleaning up after them, providing fresh water, and giving them plenty of TLC! Volunteers also may need to help with laundry (dog bedding & toys) and general clean-up of the Dog House. When possible, special attention is given to the dogs by sitting with them, brushing them or enjoying extra play time in the back pens.
During open hours, Dog Companions may also work with prospective adopters, showing our dogs to their potential new families. Interested volunteers can also learn how to perform Adoptions, the last step in our animals’ successful journey to their forever loving home!
Help is needed 7 days a week / 365 days a year!
Weekdays: 7am - 8am, 9am – 11am, 3pm - 5pm, 6pm – 8pm
Weekends: 7am - 8am, 9am – 11am, 1pm – 4pm & 6 – 7:30pm
Volunteer opportunities include a wide variety of activities to meet everyone’s time and experience requirements. You’ll learn about:
Dog walking and care
Cat companionship and care
Off-site cat care and adoptions
Foster program
Fundraising and Events committee
Recycling committee
Marketing and grant writing
Yard work & gardening
Welcome Desk / reception
Maintenance / mechanical
Please sign up by sending an email to [email protected]
We ask that attendees be 18 and over please.
Hope to see you there!