What's the minimum age to volunteer at the ASPCA?

18 to volunteer independently. Animal Care Centers of NYC require 16+.

Do I need experience to walk shelter dogs in NYC?

No — all NYC shelters run a short orientation and shadow shift before clearing you.

Can I foster a dog in NYC without volunteering at a shelter first?

Yes — Muddy Paws, Foster Dogs Inc., and Mr. Bones all match fosters without prior shelter shifts.

NYC Animal Shelters: Volunteer With Dogs, Cats, and More

If you love animals, NYC has an extensive network of shelters and foster-based rescues that need volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and support adoption events. Most shelters offer weekend and evening shifts and allow you to volunteer with a friend, which makes them a great group activity. Below are seven of the best NYC animal shelters to volunteer at, with neighborhoods and time commitments. Once you find one you like, join the Rally waitlist so you can invite your roommates to a Saturday dog-walking shift this fall.

organizations to volunteer with

1. ASPCA Adoption Center

Upper East Side

Walk dogs, socialize cats, and support adoption events at the ASPCA's flagship NYC center. Orientation sessions monthly.

2. Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx

NYC's open-intake municipal shelter. Volunteers walk dogs, foster, and help at adoption events. The most-needed volunteer role in NYC.

3. Muddy Paws Rescue

Foster-based, Manhattan/Brooklyn

Foster dogs in your apartment, transport on adoption days, or table at weekend events. Iconic NYC small-dog rescue.

4. Bideawee

Murray Hill / LIC

One of NYC's oldest no-kill shelters. Volunteer roles include cat socializer, dog walker, and adoption counselor.

5. Brooklyn Cat Cafe

Brooklyn Heights

Adoption-focused cat cafe. Volunteer as a cat ambassador or help with adoptions.

6. Foster Dogs Inc.

Citywide foster-based

Match with a foster dog through their Fospice and short-term foster programs. Great if your building allows dogs.

7. Mr. Bones & Co.

Manhattan / online

Pit bull rescue with NYC volunteer events and fosters.

coming fall 2025

find these on rally.

rally is a free iOS app that helps Gen Z NYC 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 New York

NYC

food banks

NYC

youth mentorship

frequently asked questions

What's the minimum age to volunteer at the ASPCA?: 18 to volunteer independently. Animal Care Centers of NYC require 16+.
Do I need experience to walk shelter dogs in NYC?: No — all NYC shelters run a short orientation and shadow shift before clearing you.
Can I foster a dog in NYC without volunteering at a shelter first?: Yes — Muddy Paws, Foster Dogs Inc., and Mr. Bones all match fosters without prior shelter shifts.