What's the minimum age to volunteer at MSPCA-Angell?

16 to volunteer independently, with shorter family programs for kids 8+.

Do I need experience to walk shelter dogs in Boston?

No — all shelters provide a short orientation and shadow shift before you're cleared.

Can I volunteer at a Boston animal shelter once instead of weekly?

Most prefer recurring volunteers, but ARL and MSPCA both host one-time special events open to drop-ins.

Animal Shelters in Boston: Volunteer With Dogs, Cats, and More

If you love animals, Boston has a deep bench of shelters and rescues that depend on volunteers to keep their dogs walked, cats socialized, and adoption events running. Most shelters offer flexible weekend and evening shifts, and many allow you to bring a friend (or three) for the same shift — which makes it a perfect group activity. Below are seven of the best animal shelters in Boston to volunteer at, with what your role looks like, the neighborhood, and the time commitment. After you've found a shelter that matches your vibe, join the Rally waitlist so you can invite your roommates to a Saturday dog-walking shift this fall.

organizations to volunteer with

1. MSPCA-Angell

Jamaica Plain

Boston's flagship animal welfare org. Volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, foster, and help at adoption events. Orientation is monthly.

2. Animal Rescue League of Boston

South End

ARL takes in animals from across MA. Volunteer roles include shelter assistant, foster, and special-event support.

3. Northeast Animal Shelter

Salem (just north of Boston)

One of the largest no-kill shelters in New England. Worth the trip up — they need cat socializers especially.

4. Animal Welfare Society of Boston

Boston-wide

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and community cat care. Volunteers help with intake nights and clinic logistics.

5. Boston Cat Cafe / Cat Connection

Cambridge

Adoption-focused cat cafes where you can volunteer as a cat ambassador and help connect cats with families.

6. Last Hope K9 Rescue

Greater Boston (foster-based)

Volunteer to foster dogs or transport them on adoption days. Great if your apartment is pet-friendly.

7. Save A Dog

Sudbury / Cambridge events

Volunteers help at weekly adoption events around the Boston area — no shelter shifts required.

coming fall 2025

find these on rally.

rally is a free iOS app that helps Gen Z Boston students discover volunteer events, sign up with friends, and track their impact — all in one place.

join the waitlist

how to get involved

pick an organization from the list above and head to their website to sign up directly. or, drop your email on the rally waitlist — this fall, you'll be able to find every event listed here in one app and invite your friends in a single tap.

keep exploring

city guide

all volunteer opportunities in Boston

Boston

food banks

Boston

youth mentorship

frequently asked questions

What's the minimum age to volunteer at MSPCA-Angell?: 16 to volunteer independently, with shorter family programs for kids 8+.
Do I need experience to walk shelter dogs in Boston?: No — all shelters provide a short orientation and shadow shift before you're cleared.
Can I volunteer at a Boston animal shelter once instead of weekly?: Most prefer recurring volunteers, but ARL and MSPCA both host one-time special events open to drop-ins.