Richmond Animal League (RAL) is proud to offer meaningful, staff-supported volunteer experiences for corporate and community groups. These pre-scheduled service projects are thoughtfully designed to align with our shelter's ongoing needs, ensuring that every volunteer hour truly supports our animals and daily operations. Each visit includes a guided tour of our kennels and cat trailers, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at how their efforts help save lives.
Volunteer opportunities are listed on our website and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each project will outline key details, including group size (typically 4–15 participants), physical requirements, indoor/outdoor setting, and estimated duration. All activities are guided by RAL staff or trained volunteers, and participants must be at least 16 years old (unless otherwise noted), wear closed-toe shoes, and sign a liability waiver. We welcome custom group requests with at least four weeks’ notice, though availability is not guaranteed. A designated group contact will coordinate details and ensure expectations are shared in advance. Please notify us at least 72 hours in advance if you need to cancel your visit.
Please see the available opportunities below and reach out if there is one your team would be interested in. Once your date is confirmed, please fill out the waiver.
January
Holiday Decoration Clean-Up
Help us take down and pack away the festive holiday décor at our shelter. A great way to start the year with a fresh slate! (outdoor, moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
Storage Unit Organization
Assist with sorting and organizing our off-site storage unit as we pack away seasonal items and make room for the new year. (outdoor, moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
February
Valentine’s Day & Volunteer Appreciation Prep
Join us in spreading the love! Help prepare goodies and notes to show appreciation to our incredible volunteers and supporters. (Indoor, light physical demands, 2-3 hours)
March
Sugar & Spice Ramp-Up (Early March)
Get behind the scenes of RAL’s biggest fundraiser! In the weeks leading up to Sugar & Spice, we need help with assembling auction items, preparing event materials, organizing supplies, and handling other event prep tasks. A great opportunity to support a meaningful cause while being part of the excitement! (Indoor/outdoor, light/moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours) - 3-4 shifts needed.
Sugar & Spice Set-Up (March 20)
Be part of the excitement! Help set up RAL’s largest fundraiser of the year, Sugar & Spice. (Indoor/outdoor, moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
Sugar & Spice Wrap-Up (March 24)
Help us clean up and pack away materials after the event. Your help ensures a smooth transition back to shelter operations. (Indoor/outdoor, moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
April
Volunteer Appreciation Week Prep (April 14–18)
Help us show our gratitude! Assist in preparing materials and surprises for Volunteer Appreciation Week.
(Indoor, light physical demands, 2-3 hours) - 2 shifts.
Outdoor Clean-Up
Get your hands dirty and your heart full by helping us spruce up our outdoor spaces for spring. (outdoor, moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
May
Spring Cleaning at RAL
Help us refresh and reorganize our off-site storage unit during our annual spring clean. (outdoor, moderate/heavy physical demands, 2-3 hours)
June
Kitten Shower Set-Up & Clean-Up (Tentative)
Lend a hand setting up or cleaning up for our Kitten Shower event, celebrating and supporting our tiniest arrivals! (outdoor, moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
July
Packet Packing
Support our operations by helping assemble packets for adopters, fosters, and volunteers — a simple task with a big impact! (Indoor, light physical demands, 2-3 hours)
August
Opportunities to be announced.
Stay tuned for ways to help out this month!
September
Fall Fest Prep (September 25)
Help us get ready for Fall Fest! Tasks may include packing supplies, prepping materials, and more. (outdoor/indoor, light/moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
Fall Fest Event Help (September 27)
Join the Fall Fest crew and help us with our annual Fall Fest & Calendar Contest Countdown! Learn more about the event here. (outdoor/indoor, light/moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours)
October
Outdoor Clean-Up
Join us for fall clean-up to keep our shelter grounds safe and welcoming for pets and visitors alike. (outdoor, moderate/heavy physical demands, 2-3 hours)
November
Holiday Décor Set-Up
Get festive with us by helping decorate the shelter for the holidays and bring some seasonal cheer to our space. (outdoor, moderate/heavy physical demands, 2-3 hours)
December
Operation Silent Night
Be part of our biggest adoption push of the year. Volunteers help with a range of roles to get every pet home for the holidays. Set up and prep (Indoor, light/moderate physical demands, 2-3 hours) - 2-3 shifts. Learn more about OSN here.
Don’t see a date or task that fits your team’s schedule?
Get in touch—we’re happy to work with you to find a volunteer opportunity that works for everyone.
