• 550 Route 22 Pawling NY, 12564
  • 845-493-0094
  • Contact@happylifeanimalrescue.org
Donate To Help Animals In Need
Volunteer with Happy Life Animal Rescue | Pawling & Hudson Valley, NY
A full company volunteer day at Happy Life Animal Rescue
Volunteer with HLAR

Your time saves lives.

Every walk, every event shift, every photo you take helps an animal find their person. Join a community that shows up for them — and for each other.

Get started See what we need
Find your fit
What sounds like you?
I love working with animals
I'm great with people
I'm creative / tech-savvy
I want flexible hours
I prefer working from home
I can drive / transport
 

Volunteer roles

Nine ways to make a difference — pick what fits your schedule and skills.

Volunteer providing animal care at Happy Life Animal Rescue
Animal care
Daily feeding, cleaning, and socialization alongside our Animal Technicians.
On-siteAnimals
Details
Volunteer bonding with a pup at HLAR
Animal enrichment
Prep puzzle feeders, stuff KONGs, and keep shelter animals mentally stimulated.
On-siteAnimals
Details
Volunteer playing with dogs at HLAR
Foster
Open your home temporarily. HLAR covers all vet costs and supplies everything you need.
At-homeHigh-impact
Details
Volunteers staffing an adoption event
Event support
Set up adoption events, care for animals on-site, and guide potential adopters.
WeekendsPeople-facing
Details
Volunteer running an HLAR outreach table at a community fair
Community outreach
Represent HLAR at local events, schools, and fairs. Build community connections.
FlexiblePeople-facing
Details
Volunteer photographer at Happy Life Animal Rescue
Photography & social media
Capture animals' personalities in photos and video. Create content that drives adoptions.
FlexibleRemote-friendly
Details
Volunteer doing marketing work for Happy Life Animal Rescue
Marketing
Write stories, run social campaigns, design graphics, and grow HLAR's reach.
5–10 hrs/wkRemote-friendly
Details
Volunteers at an HLAR fundraising event
Fundraising
Support fundraising events, engage donors, and run campaigns that keep HLAR running.
FlexiblePeople-facing
Details
Volunteer handling administrative work at Happy Life Animal Rescue
Administrative support
Data entry, record-keeping, and office tasks that keep our operations running smoothly.
On-siteStructured
Details
Volunteer playing with dogs at Happy Life Animal Rescue

What happens after you apply

We'll match you to the right role and get you set up fast.

1
Fill out the form 5 minutes. Tell us your interests and availability.
2
We reach out Our volunteer coordinator follows up within 2–3 days.
3
Quick orientation Meet the team and get your first shift on the calendar.
4
Start saving lives You're officially part of the pack.

Why people volunteer with us

Flexible hours
Weekday mornings, weekend shifts, or fully remote — there's a schedule that fits your life.
Real community
Many of our volunteers have been with us for years. The friendships are genuine and lasting.
Skills that matter
Photography, event work, marketing, animal care — roles that build real-world experience.
10 years of roots
HLAR has been part of the Hudson Valley community since 2015. You're joining something that lasts.

Ready to join the pack?

Fill out our short volunteer form and we'll find the right role for you. Every hour you give goes directly to the animals.

Apply to volunteer Ask a question

Questions? Reach us at volunteer@happylifeanimalrescue.org