We are so grateful for the support of our community! Volunteers are a vital part of the animal rescue process and we are thankful for everyone’s support.  If you would like to submit an application to volunteer, please learn about the different opportunities and follow the instructions listed below!  Thank you!

We have four primary ways for volunteering:

1) Fostering

2) Driving Rescue Transports

This volunteer opportunity is for an individual(s) who is able to drive a cargo van on an animal rescue transport. Drivers leave WTAR Rescue Headquarters & drive a cargo van full of donations & supplies 8 hours to Knoxville, Tennessee. Once there, you simply switch vans with the Mississippi drivers and return back to WTAR in Virginia with the cargo van full of rescued puppies & kittens!

2) National Adoption Events
Throughout the year, WTAR participates in local adoption events at the Tysons Corner PetSmart. Volunteers at adoption events help set up, check-in fosters, monitor puppies, and direct interested adopters.

3) Transport Days
Transport days require lots of hands-on opportunities when pets arrive off of a 14 hour transport. The pets are checked in and examined by the Veterinarian, vaccinated, dewormed, cleaned, fed/watered, and walked before they are picked up by their designated foster.

4) Puppy Therapy Events
WTAR works with local businesses, corporations, performing artists, as well as athletic organizations to provide puppy therapy to their associates. Volunteers for puppy therapy events are onsite to help assist with safe handling of puppies, transport to/from events, as well as provide detailed information on how to support WTAR’s life-saving program.

If you are a new volunteer, it is very easy to sign up:

1.  Fill out & submit the volunteer application found here.

2.  View our volunteer opportunities listed on our calendar.

3. Click the volunteer day that works with your schedule, and sign up! * You must submit and have a volunteer application on file before you can schedule an appointment.

•  If you select a date and click the link to sign up and it says “No Appointments Available”, it means slots are full.  Volunteer opportunities fill up fast, so stay tuned to the website or follow us on Facebook for notifications on when volunteer opportunities are posted!