• Date: 4/22/2024 - 4/27/2024
  Time: 9:00am - 7:00pm
  Location: ARL Main: Auditorium
  5452 NE 22nd St.
  Des Moines, IA 50313

Become a volunteer at the ARL to help pets in need! 

Our volunteers' selfless contributions fuel our mission. Their unwavering commitment to our cause, whether it's through walking dogs, assisting with adoptions, or barn animal care, is invaluable to the success of our organization. Their dedication, kindness, and empathy towards the animals is truly remarkable.

During Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 22-26), the ARL will be holding a "taste of volunteering" event. Stop by and see what volunteering at the ARL is all about!

Come join us from 9am-6pm during the week for regular volunteer activities which include:

• Dog Walking
• Enrichment Creation
• Cat Cuddling
• Reading to the Animals (Paws & Pages)
• Animal Care
• Shelter Cleaning

As well as some PAWESOME workshops and events!

• Animal Loss & Pet Grief Support Group
  April 23rd, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Mapes Auditorium
  • This workshop aims to provide a nurturing space for us to reflect on and honor the cherished memories of our beloved animal companions. During this session, we will be hosting a meditative, guided nature walk.

• Sewing Club & Craft Night
  April 24th, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Mapes Auditorium
  • Calling all crafty folks! We will be using donated scraps and fabrics to craft toys, blankets, and beds for our beloved furry friends! All skill levels are welcome. Fabric is provided but we could always use more cutting mats, rollers, and sewing machines.

• Pet Food Rebagging & Pet Support Services Night
  April 25th, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Mapes Auditorium
  • Join us in learning about how the ARL supports our community pets! We will be focused on rebagging our donated pet food to be distributed to food pantries and human service organizations across the Des Moines Metro.

• Donation Sorting & Community Care Package​​​​​​ Launch
  April 26th, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Mapes Auditorium
  • We are beyond thankful for the community support we receive through donated pet items. This session will involve helping us sort through our compiled donations to decide what we will use in our shelter and what can be distributed back to the community in need. We will be creating Community Care Packages with our excess donations to support pet owners within our community!

Saturday April 27th - New Volunteer Orientation

If you would like to learn more about how you can support our animals with your time and talent, join us at our upcoming Volunteer Orientation!

• 10:30 to 11:30 am 
• ARL Main campus; Mapes Auditorium