Volunteer Opportunities
Want to make a difference for animals in our community? The ASTRO Foundation relies on volunteers every single day to help care for cats and dogs, support our thrift shop, and assist with outreach and adoption events. Whether you can help once a week or every day, we’d love to have you on the team!
All volunteers should complete the Volunteer Interest Form or email us at info@astrofoundation.org for more information.
🏠 Adoption Center Roles
🐱 Community Cat Room Reset Volunteer
Shift: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (1 volunteer daily)
Help tidy and reset the community cat room each morning—clean litter boxes, refresh food and water, and create a calm, clean environment for our feline guests.
🐾 Cattery Kennel Reset Volunteer
Shift: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (2 volunteers daily)
Assist with cleaning and resetting our adoptable cat kennels. Replace bedding, sanitize surfaces, refresh food and water, and give friendly cats a little love.
🧴 Cattery Isolation Volunteer
Shift: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (1–2 volunteers daily)
Support our team in the isolation area caring for cats recovering from, most commonly, ringworm. Tasks include cleaning, feeding, and laundry. PPE and training provided.
🧺 Dishes, Litter Boxes & Laundry Volunteer
Shift: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (1 volunteer daily)
Help keep the shelter running smoothly by washing dishes, sanitizing litter boxes, folding towels, and restocking supplies. A great behind-the-scenes role!
🐶 Canine Kennel Reset Volunteer
Shift: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (1 volunteer daily)
Assist with morning kennel cleaning, fresh water, new bedding, and a little love for our dogs before they start their day.
🐕 Dog Walking & Playtime Volunteer
Shifts: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (flexible)
Give our dogs the enrichment they need! Volunteers walk, play, and socialize dogs to keep them happy, healthy, and ready for adoption.
🐾 Animal-Related Roles (Beyond the Shelter)
🐈 Colony Caregiver (Oakdale or Riverbank)
Shift: One or more mornings per week, about 9:00–9:30 AM
Care for community cats by feeding and monitoring one of our established colonies in Oakdale or Riverbank. Must be 18 or older, comfortable driving and handling cat food/supplies.
🚗 Animal Transport Volunteer
Shift: Thursdays — Morning (6:30–7:30 AM) and/or Afternoon (3:00–4:00 PM); additional shifts as needed
Help transport cats and dogs to and from veterinary appointments. Must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and safe driving record. Mileage reimbursement available. Standby drivers also welcome!
🐾 Adoption Events Team Member
Schedule: Varies based on events
Join our events team to help showcase adoptable pets at community events! Tasks include setting up displays, caring for animals on-site, transporting to and from events, and helping finalize adoptions. Outgoing animal lovers encouraged!
🐱 Petco Riverbank Cat Condo Reset Volunteer
Shifts: Morning 8:00–9:00 AM & Evening 7:00–8:00 PM (flexible)
Help reset cat condos at Petco Riverbank — clean, refresh bedding/food/water, and make the cats’ space inviting for potential adopters.
🛍️ Thrift & Gift Shop Roles
💚 Thrift & Gift Shop Sales Associate
Location: ASTRO Thrift & Gift Shop, 250 E. E Street, Oakdale
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (two-hour shifts or longer between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM)
Support our rescue pets by volunteering at our Thrift & Gift Shop! Help with sales, restocking, displays, and greeting customers. Every purchase helps fund lifesaving programs for local animals.
❤️ Join the Team
Whether you prefer walking dogs, cuddling cats, helping behind the scenes, or supporting our thrift shop, there’s a place for you at ASTRO!
👉 Complete our Volunteer Interest Form or email us at info@astrofoundation.org to get started.