array ( 'id' => '48', 'PARENT_ID' => '274', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Volunteer', 'url' => 'volunteer', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '1', 'order' => '1', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/donate', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 1, 'c_count' => 5, 'parent_url' => 'get-involved', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, 'kids' => array ( 0 => array ( 'id' => '184', 'PARENT_ID' => '48', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Adult Volunteer', 'url' => 'adult-volunteer', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '1', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/layout1', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 2, 'parent_url' => 'volunteer', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, ), 1 => array ( 'id' => '174', 'PARENT_ID' => '48', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Foster', 'url' => 'foster', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '2', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/layout1', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 3, 'parent_url' => 'volunteer', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, ), 2 => array ( 'id' => '181', 'PARENT_ID' => '48', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Internships', 'url' => 'internships', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '3', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/layout1', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 1, 'parent_url' => 'volunteer', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, ), 3 => array ( 'id' => '179', 'PARENT_ID' => '48', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Group Volunteering', 'url' => 'group-volunteering', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '4', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/layout1', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 0, 'parent_url' => 'volunteer', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, ), ), )
array ( 'id' => '277', 'PARENT_ID' => '274', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Events', 'url' => 'events-277', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '2', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => '?link=/events', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 1, 'c_count' => 0, 'parent_url' => 'get-involved', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 1, )
array ( 'id' => '56', 'PARENT_ID' => '274', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Shop', 'url' => 'shop', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '1', 'order' => '3', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/donate', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 1, 'c_count' => 6, 'parent_url' => 'get-involved', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, 'kids' => array ( 0 => array ( 'id' => '195', 'PARENT_ID' => '56', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Lou Russa\'s Boutique', 'url' => 'lou-russas-boutique-195', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '1', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/layout1', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 0, 'parent_url' => 'shop', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, ), 1 => array ( 'id' => '199', 'PARENT_ID' => '56', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Thrift Store', 'url' => 'thrift-store-199', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '2', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => 'basic.php/layout1', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 0, 'parent_url' => 'shop', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 0, ), 2 => array ( 'id' => '275', 'PARENT_ID' => '56', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'ARF Merchandise', 'url' => 'arf-merchandise', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '3', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => '?link=/arf-apparel', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 2, 'c_count' => 0, 'parent_url' => 'shop', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 1, ), ), )
array ( 'id' => '276', 'PARENT_ID' => '274', 'landing_slave' => '0', 'PAGE_ID' => '0', 'name1' => 'Training & Workshops', 'url' => 'training-and-workshops-276', 'visible' => '1', 'hide' => '0', 'start_end' => '0', 'viz_head' => '0', 'viz_foot' => '0', 'order' => '4', 'multiple' => '0', 'no_landing' => '0', 'dead' => '0', 'slave' => '0', 'php_file' => '?link=/training-and-workshops', 'has_detail' => '0', 'no_search' => '0', 'no_nav' => '0', 'ext_link' => '', 'indent' => 1, 'c_count' => 0, 'parent_url' => 'get-involved', 'nope' => 0, 'ext' => 1, )
How old do volunteers need to be?
You must be at least 18 years old to join the volunteer program at ARF.
If I am not yet 18 years old, but want to help, what can I do?
ARF offers a variety of programs for children of all ages! Check out ARF's youth programs. Families may also enjoy volunteering together to foster animals.
I work regular business hours. Can I volunteer after work or on weekends?
Weekend and evening volunteer opportunities are available.
What kind of commitment does ARF require?
ARF asks for a commitment of six months, at least eight hours a month.
Can I complete my court ordered community service at ARF?
ARF requires a six month minimum commitment from all volunteers. ARF cannot accommodate short-term community service volunteer opportunities or sign off on hours before this six month commitment is complete.
I want to volunteer with my pet. What are my options?
You and your pet might be a great addition to ARF's therapy animal program, the Pet Hug Pack®.
Are there ways I can volunteer from home?
Consider becoming an ARF foster! Every new foster family means another pet rescued from over-burdened public shelters. Find out more about the foster program.
After I attend orientation, how long until I can start volunteering?
Some volunteer jobs require training sessions or prerequisites while other jobs can be started right away. You may learn more about specific jobs and prerequisites at the volunteer information session.
Can my company or group volunteer together?
ARF offers some one-day opportunities for groups that would like to volunteer together. Find out more about group volunteering.
2890 Mitchell Dr
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 256-1273
Adoption Hours
Wednesday-Sunday: 12-6 pm
Early sign-in: 9 am-12 pm
(Weds, Thurs, Fri only)
Business Hours
Monday-Friday: 9 am-5 pm
You can save lives. Together, we can make a difference.
ARF is a 501(c)(3)
Tax ID 68-0240341
ARF has received Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for 13 years running.