Give your time. Save a life.
New Hope Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) that saves dogs and cats from kill shelters. Every rescue runs on volunteers: people who cuddle cats, drive animals to safety, write the profiles that get pets adopted, and open their homes to fosters.
- Training provided
- Flexible shifts
- Roles you can do from home
Amplify the impact of your volunteer time.
Many employers donate to the nonprofits where their employees volunteer. Some also give paid volunteer time off (VTO) so you can spend a workday with us. Same hours, more help for the animals.
Does your employer offer volunteer grants?
Type your company’s name. You’ll see its volunteer grant, VTO and matching-gift programs, plus the exact steps to apply.
Search your employer
Use the search above to see if your company offers volunteer grants or volunteer time off.
Follow your company’s steps
You’ll get your employer’s forms and guidelines, along with any matching-gift or payroll-giving programs.
Volunteer and submit
Log your hours with your employer. Their grant goes to New Hope, so more dogs and cats get the care they need.
Find the role that fits you
Allergic to cats? Prefer dogs? Rather work from your laptop? There’s a place for you.
Cat Caretaker & Socializer
Our PetSmart, Petco and Pet Supplies Plus catteries are a critical part of our cat rescue. Socialize and care for cats and kittens on a set day each week, at any time the store is open. An experienced volunteer trains you at your location.
See duties & locationsRescue Animal Foster
Open your home to a dog or cat while they wait for their family.
Foster informationFreedom Rides Driver
Join our list of drivers who pick up animals we’ve tagged for rescue at the shelter. There’s no better feeling than giving a shelter pet a freedom ride.
Adoption Event Coordinator & Assistant
Help run our weekend adoption events around Austin and introduce pets to their future families.
Pet Profile Writer
Write compelling, accurate profiles on Petfinder. We share the basics; you gather photos and personality notes from fosters.
Adoption Assistant
Do first-round reference checks on dog and cat applications so we can focus on the best matches. We give you the questions.
Fundraiser Coordinator
Host a fundraiser online, at home or at your business. Funds pay for medical care, food, cages, bedding and supplies.
What a cattery shift looks like
Commit to a specific day (or days) each week, then come in any time the store is open. If you can’t make a shift, please give us plenty of notice.
- Socialize, play with, pet and cuddle cats and kittens
- Scoop litter boxes
- Change and refill water and food dishes
- Clean and wipe down cages; change bedding
- Sweep and mop the cattery floor
Volunteering & workplace giving FAQ
What is a volunteer grant?
Many companies reward employees who volunteer by donating to the nonprofit where they volunteered, often based on the number of hours you give. You volunteer with us, log your hours with your employer, and they send a grant to New Hope.
What is volunteer time off (VTO)?
Some employers give paid time off specifically for volunteering. It’s a great way to spend a workday helping animals and getting to know our team.
How do I find out if my employer participates?
Search your company’s name in the employer search above. It shows your company’s volunteer grant and VTO programs, the forms to use and any deadlines.
What other programs might my employer offer?
Companies with volunteer grants often also match donations, offer payroll giving or sponsor events. The search shows all of them.
Do I need experience with animals?
No. Cattery volunteers are trained on site by an experienced volunteer, and several roles (pet profiles, reference checks, fundraising) don’t involve hands-on animal care at all.
How do I get started?
Fill out our volunteer application. Not sure yet? Drop us a line to start a conversation, with no obligation.
Ready to make a difference?
Join the volunteers, fosters and drivers who save dogs and cats every week. Then check whether your employer will add a grant on top.