Volunteer at LCAS
Loudoun County Animal Services is extremely grateful for the amazing community support we receive every day. Our volunteers are dedicated people from all parts of the county, who donate thousands of hours of personal time every year to help the animals of Loudoun County.
Short-Term and One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
Read to Shelter Pets
The animals at the shelter greatly enjoy having quiet company, not only does it help them feel better and more comfortable in the shelter environment, it also can help them get adopted faster. Bring your own book/e-reader/phone and spend some quality time providing quiet company to an adoptable animal!
At-Home Projects to Help Animals
Are you interested in helping animals in Loudoun County but you need service hours quickly or can’t make the commitments required of an onsite volunteer? The projects on our Volunteer Project Ideas page can be completed at home and brought the shelter any time we are open for business.
The LCAS Volunteer Program
How Do I Become a Volunteer?
Our volunteer program opens monthly for new volunteers to sign up. The sign-up link opens on the 1st of the month and stays open for 48 hours or until all spots have been taken for the month. Please read through the volunteer requirements below and then fill out an interest form using the link below.
- Fill out an interest form. (Note: the link opens on the first of each month and remains open for 48 hours or until we reach capacity for monthly signups.)
How Do I Become a Foster?
Our fosters help us save lives every day! Foster orientations are held throughout the year. Foster orientations are open to anyone interested in fostering animals however our highest needs are fosters for adult dogs (40lbs+), kittens with and without moms, fearful adult cats, pregnant small animals and pregnant cats.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old (certain roles require volunteers to be 18 or 21 years old).
- Children ages 10-15 volunteering with a parent/guardian can volunteer with our Volunteer Apprentice Program
- Must be able to volunteer for at least 8 hours per month for at least 6 months.
- Must be able to commit to a weekly 2 hour shift.
- Must be able to volunteer during LCAS operating hours.
- Must be able to attend orientation and subsequent training.
*Those needing to fulfill court-ordered community service requirements should email the department for information on the court-ordered community service program.
Canine Volunteer
Canine Volunteers improve the lives of shelter dogs while they are waiting for their new homes. Volunteers work with the Behavior Program Manager on training and enrichment for the dogs and assist with vital care and cleaning to make the dogs comfortable in their kennels. Strict adherence to LCAS cleaning and disease control policy is required.
Feline Volunteer
Feline Volunteers spend quality time socializing, exercising and enriching the environment of the cats in the shelter. They are responsible for safely and compassionately handling the cats. Volunteers are responsible for assisting staff in ensuring that each cat’s kennel is clean and well maintained. Strict adherence to LCAS cleaning and disease control policy is required.
Small Animal Volunteers
Small Animal Volunteers cuddle, pet, play with and give attention to adoptable small animals (i.e. gerbils, ferrets, guinea pigs, geckos, etc.) at the shelter. These volunteers also assist staff in the maintenance and cleaning pertaining to these animals. Strict adherence to LCAS cleaning and disease control policy is required.
Pet Paparazzi
Paparazzi help to promote pets available for adoption by taking pictures and video for the shelter website and social media. These volunteers have a huge impact as pictures and videos are often the first impression an adopter has of an animal.
Customer Service Volunteer
Customer Service Volunteers are responsible for assisting the administrative division of LCAS. Volunteers write thank you letters, stuff envelopes, prepare adoption packets and do miscellaneous office jobs as needed. They will also support the LCAS front counter staff to greet and help customers.
Loudoun Pet Pantry
The Loudoun Pet Pantry is a partnership between LCAS, The Humane Society of Loudoun County and Loudoun Interfaith Relief. Its mission is to help keep pets in homes by assisting families in need with temporary, supplemental pet food for cats and dogs. Volunteers help to collect donated pet food, pack the food into kits for easy distribution and deliver food to Loudoun Interfaith relief on a bi-weekly basis.
Pets to Vets
Pets to Vets volunteers are responsible for transporting adopted dogs, cats and other animals to veterinarians for spaying, neutering or other medical attention. These animals will already be crated or leashed for the volunteer. Volunteers are responsible for the safety of all animals in their possession.
Special Event Team
Volunteers on the Special Event Team are responsible for staffing special events at the shelter and elsewhere. Volunteers will meet and great event attendees and answer questions about LCAS or pets. Special Event Volunteers must be outgoing and able to work with limited supervision.
Other Resources for Volunteer Opportunities
Still want to help but none of these programs seems to fit? There are many other animal related volunteer opportunities in the area. Check out the links below to start your search:
Volunteer Apprentice Program - Ages 10 to 15 with a Parent or Guardian
The Volunteer Apprentice Program allows youth ages 10-15 to volunteer at Loudoun County Animal Services alongside a parent/guardian. Volunteer Apprentice pairs support shelter staff and pets through teamwork, filling many of the roles of an adult volunteer.
Requirements:
- Volunteer Apprentices must be between 10-15 years old. (Ages 16 and up can volunteer independently.)
- Each parent/guardian must be over 18 years old and may only supervise one Volunteer Apprentice at a time.
- Apprentices and parent/guardians must volunteer together for a minimum of 8 hours per month for at least 6 months.
- Must be able to volunteer during LCAS operating hours.
- Parent/guardian and apprentice volunteer must be able to attend one of the apprentice orientations together before beginning to volunteer.
Need Service Hours?
If you need service hours for a club, school or other organization, be sure to track your hours using our tracking sheet or the sheet provided by your school or organization. For larger projects, such as Girl Scout Gold, Eagle Scout or LCPS Senior Projects, please contact the volunteer coordinator at 703-777-0406.
*Please note: LCAS is unable to sign for court ordered community service hours.*
Contact
For additional information please call 703-777-0406 or email the Volunteer Coordinator.