Volunteering is rewarding & fun at BAS!  

Burlington Animal Services welcomes volunteers who are 16 years of age and older at our Pet Adoption & Resource Center who have a sincere interest in helping animals. Volunteers are an integral extension of our staff and we appreciate your time and willingness to help!


Those hoping to complete mandated community service hours at BAS can learn more here. 

Steps to get started:

  • Step 1:  Complete the Volunteer Application.
  • Step 2: After you've submitted the application forms, you will receive an email containing our rules and procedures document, a liability and release form, and a short video to review and complete. Once done, please email our Program Manager, Sydney, to set-up a day and time to begin your volunteering. 

What do volunteers do?

  • Socialization/Enrichment - This involves walking, talking to, and playing with adoptable dogs and cats. These animals need exercise and attention. Volunteers can play with them in special areas at BAS and shower them with love and affection. A socialized cat or dog will become someone's pet much faster.
  • Dog Obedience Training - Most BAS dogs are eager to learn their manners and would benefit from learning the basics of sit, stay, down, etc. Well-mannered dogs get adopted faster. If volunteers have any experience in obedience training, BAS welcomes them to help train BAS dogs.
  • Grooming - Many BAS animals have not been cared for before coming to BAS. Their fur may be dirty, matted or shaggy from seasonal shedding. Their chance for adoption increases greatly if they have been groomed.
  • Photography - BAS posts pictures of all adoptable pets on different websites and can always use volunteer help in getting good photographs of animals.  
  • Special Events - BAS takes animals to special events such as adoption fairs, the Carousel Festival, Christmas parades, etc., and can use extra hands and helpers. 
  • Laundry - BAS staff need help washing, drying, and folding linens used for cleaning and in animal kennels.
  • Fostering - Check out our foster page for information on how you can become a volunteer foster home for shelter pets. We offer both short term and longer term fostering opportunities.

Community Programs

Don't have time to commit to volunteer?  No problem! The programs below are additional options to be able to help our dogs without having to be a volunteer!

  • Dog Day Out - Dog Day Out is a rolling program offered Monday - Saturday as a way for participants to foster an adoptable dog for one day. Participants can take these dogs to local parks, to downtown areas, etc! Learn more here. 
  • Hikes with Hounds - Hikes with Hounds matches trained participants with shelter dogs on a once-a-month hike on local trails in Alamance County. Learn more here.

Volunteer Time Slots

Volunteer's use a virtual scheduler to sign up for available times they want to volunteer.  These slots are 2 hours long and have 2 per category (Cats Socializing, Dog Socializing, and Facility). Regular volunteer hours are: 

  • Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
  • Burlington Animal Services is closed to the public on Sundays and most holidays.