We need your help!

As a mostly volunteer-run organization, we couldn’t save lives without the help of our community!

If you’re interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers, please send us a note in the contact form on this page, including the following information:

  • How can you help us? Read through the volunteer positions below to see how your skills could help us

  • When are you available? Determine your availability and desired time-commitment (some of our positions, like the Animal Care Team, require a regular scheduled commitment)

  • Will you complete necessary volunteer training? Most of our volunteer positions require specific skills and training.

  • Will you commit to a minimum of 10 hours per month? This is to maintain a strong volunteer force and to keep you familiar with the animals and activities at the rescue.

  • Can I volunteer if I am under 16 years old? Yes, you will just need a parent or guardian to attend the training with you and be present during your volunteer shift.

You can truly make a difference!

You can apply by clicking Volunteer Application

Volunteer Positions

  • Play Pals

    These volunteers get to have the most fun with the animals. Socialization is extremely important to the adoptability of the NHPR animals and helps make their stay at the rescue more comfortable. Play Pals give much needed exercise and affection to our homeless pets.

    If you just really love spending quality time with animals, we’d love to have your help!

  • Animal Care Team

    This job is by far the hardest, dirtiest, but most rewarding of all of our volunteer opportunities. NHPR could not operate without the work of our volunteers who help with the routine care of our animals.

    We are currently looking for volunteers to feed both cats and dogs at 4:00pm and to let dogs out at 7:00pm.

  • Special Event Support Team

    An “event” can be any public appearance that we attend, ranging from a large fundraiser to a small booth at the local Farmer’s Market. We go to many events throughout the year and we depend on volunteers to help us. During the summer season it is possible that we may have an event every weekend and we couldn’t do this without our Special Event Support Volunteers!

    If you can help us transport animals and/or materials to and from events, and would enjoy chatting with the public about NHPR’s mission, we’d love your help!

  • Foster Parents

    Animals need foster homes for various reasons, from medical, to behavioral, to simply needing a break from the shelter. If you are interested in learning about our foster program, please contact us! We have separate training and information on this program.

  • Off-Site Adoption Crew

    This is our go-to crew of volunteers that take some of our adoptable animals off-site to different events, including: PetSmart, community events, and NHPR events. You must be 18 years or older to participate in this crew and have a minimum of 10 dog walking/feeding hours under your belt within the last couple of months.

  • Fundraising

    Fundraising is the heart of any nonprofit organization. We have amazing opportunities to work with a group or at your own pace and schedule to raise funds for our cause. You could help plan and host one of our fundraising events, obtain business sponsorships, sell or promote NHPR merchandise, or promote NHPR by spreading the word about upcoming events and fundraising campaigns.

    If you’re great with networking or financially savvy, we’d love to have your help with fundraising!

  • Educational Assistance and Public Speakers

    Educating the public about animal welfare is an important part of our mission. We have many opportunities to work in the community to educate the public about our mission. If you feel confident in public speaking, we would love to have you join us and help out in the education process.