All for the animals: Volunteers share their ‘why’

A family going home with a new puppy in their arms. An adoptable dog’s waggy tail when it’s time to go outside. A kitten who’s thriving even though it was once uncertain if she’d survive. Every Best Friends volunteer has a reason why they devote their time to helping animals and the people who love them.

In collaboration with Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to volunteerism, Best Friends is celebrating Global Volunteer Month in April. To mark the occasion, Best Friends volunteers who pitch in to help the animals in countless ways from across the organization share what drives them to give back.

“I volunteer because cats are the best employers on the planet. I love seeing them enjoy catnip and treats and love being in their presence.”

— Jude P., cat care volunteer

“We've volunteered at six spay/neuter/vaccine clinics on the Navajo Nation so far. We got involved through another Best Friends volunteer, and we just enjoy it. We like being a part of the work that's being done on the Navajo Nation. It's very rewarding."

— Linda and Rich Y., transport drivers and Navajo Nation clinic volunteers

“I’m a volunteer at heart. I’ve always been an animal person and have a dog and a cat myself. I saw a posting in 2019 about the transport help needed (which involves driving pets to and from shelters and rescue groups). I signed up, and after my first volunteer experience, I saw opportunities for a bit more structure, which I shared with the organization. They asked if I’d like to take on the role of team lead, so I did.”

— Bob P., transport stopover team lead

“I love rabbits! So, of course, while at Best Friends, I had to volunteer at the Bunny House. Twice. I connected with another volunteer ... and was able to answer some of her questions about rabbits. I've written a children's book based on adopting rabbits, with a nod to their emotional and physical needs. I gave her a copy, and now she has her own story.”

— Barbara N., bunny care volunteer

“I love dogs and cats and want to make their lives better. Also, I really like the people at Best Friends. It makes me feel good to know these people do a great job. They make me feel like I’m also making a difference, too.”

— Deb D., dog and cat care volunteer

“My dog, Brodie, inspired me to volunteer. A beautiful senior dog, Brodie was often overlooked because of his age and a neurological disability that gave him a slight limp. ... Although we only had a short time together, his love and life lessons will always be with me. I hope to help more Brodies find their families and more families find their Brodie.”

— Lynn E., shelter recognition team volunteer

“I volunteer to give back all the joy I have received. I adopted my dog, Moose, a Norfolk terrier, in 2009, and we spent 13 glorious years together. She changed my life and made me a better human being. To honor her and all the wonderful work Best Friends does, I wanted to be part of the amazing love you share.”

— Barbara C., cat care and emergency response volunteer

“Every encounter that I have with an animal at Best Friends is an opportunity to make a loving connection, whether it's calming their fears, filling their tummies, or making their environment safe and welcoming. … I find my time at Best Friends one of the most rewarding and fulfilling parts of my life.”

— Susan M., cat care and kitten nursey volunteer

“I took Lola (the dog) for car rides, on a hike in the dunes, and eventually on a sleepover. During our time together, she transformed into an adorable cuddler, game player, puzzle solver, and lap sitter in a way I couldn't have expected. I loved getting to discover her hidden personality.”

— Craig J., dog care volunteer

“I love spending time with animals, and it brings my heart so much joy to see how they blossom with care, time, and a safe space.”

— Michaela B., foster volunteer

“(I volunteer) to speak out for the animals that cannot speak out for themselves and to spread the word about how fostering, volunteering, and donating will save lives.”

— Sophia L., kitten nursey, foster, and outreach volunteer

“After traveling abroad and witnessing firsthand the need for better animal welfare worldwide, I realized change starts at home. I chose to volunteer with Best Friends because of the incredible work they do day in and day out to save animals’ lives. Along the way, I discovered that the people behind the mission are just as inspiring as the cause itself.”

— Amber Q., social media volunteer

“I enjoy spending time with the animals, and it's really satisfying to help them find their homes.”

— Lisa K., dog walking and photography volunteer

“I love spending time with shelter dogs, and it makes my heart happy to help give them love and support while they're waiting for their homes.”

— Jacqueline K., dog walking and handling volunteer

“I read to a room with the loudest gang of birds I have ever heard. I was focusing on reading aloud and making the story interesting, and when I finished the story, the room had become completely silent. All of the birds were staring at me. One had even fallen asleep. I was amazed. It is the coolest thing I've ever experienced with animals, and I've spent a lot of time with animals. I will never forget that very special moment.”

— Christopher S., parrot care volunteer

“When my husband and I planned our honeymoon, we made sure to include volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We spent time with the dogs, horses, and birds. It became the highlight of our honeymoon, an experience we will never forget. We left with full hearts and grateful for the time we had spent there. Hopefully one day we can return, but until then we’ll continue helping animals wherever we are in the world.”

— Noora V., dog, horse, and parrot care volunteer

“I started helping with writing thank-you notes to donors during the pandemic when we couldn't leave home, but I keep it up these days when kindness and connection are more important than ever.”

— Linda F., stewardship volunteer

“It is very rewarding to talk to our members and thank them for their donation. I’ve cried because they tell me about the loss of a pet or loss of a family member. I’ve laughed because they tell me how mischievous their pets have been. They are always so thankful for the work Best Friends does. It makes my day.”

— Fran C., stewardship volunteer

“I volunteer for the member appreciation note-writing team because I find it incredibly cathartic. There’s something deeply fulfilling about putting pen to paper and knowing that a personal touch can brighten someone’s day.”

— Bonnie W., stewardship volunteer

“I enjoy writing thank-you notes to donors on behalf of Best Friends and the animals because kindness and generosity should always be recognized. (And dogs have scratchy handwriting!)”

— Terri S., stewardship volunteer

“The one sewing project I take very seriously is sewing shrouds (blankets to cover animals who pass away at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary before they are buried at Angels Rest). … I try to collect new fleece pieces in fun prints and sew the different-sized shrouds. It is the one final act of respect that I can do for these sweet animals.”

— Michele K., sewing volunteer for the Sanctuary clinic

“I volunteer (by making) member appreciation phone calls because I remember the day we ourselves received a thank-you call from Best Friends for our donation. My husband took the call; I was at work, and he told me about the call when I got home that evening. He was so delighted to be singled out and appreciated by a cause we both deeply support. My husband has since passed on from cancer (just a short four months ago), and every time I make a member appreciation call myself, I both get to contact a fellow animal lover and also relive a small sliver of the delight the call gave my husband.”

— Lora W., stewardship and shelter outreach volunteer

“Marrying my lifelong love of animals with my desire to give back brought me to volunteer at Best Friends. Every day I wake wanting to give. Not only does it allow me to give back, but it gives me a purpose.”

— Gene F., advocacy team volunteer

“Volunteering with Best Friends has been life changing. The virtual positions that are available have helped me through a time with health difficulties. I am able to make a difference, regardless of my physical limitations. This purpose has played a huge role in recovering and redefining my abilities.”

— Christi K., stewardship volunteer

“A small cat who did not have the use of his hind legs hobbled right up to me for some attention, and I fell in love. When I shared my experience with friends and family, they all said, ‘But wasn't that hard to do and to see kitties like that?’ While it is sad, that is not what stayed with me. As I looked into those eyes, all I felt was the tremendous love coming at me and a feeling of peace in knowing that the kitties (and all the animals there) have a chance. It was an honor to be a part of something so important.”

— Cathie O., cat care volunteer

“I worked with cats, dogs, and horses. All the staff were so kind and appreciative of our help. It made me feel like one person can make a difference.”

— Cheryl P., cat, dog, and horse care volunteer

“I just want to make some difference, even if it's small.”

— Christine M., remote volunteer

“I love animals, and being around them brings me joy.”

— Jennifer C., kitten nursey and foster volunteer

While each story is unique, all Best Friends volunteers have something in common: a belief that together we can Save Them All and a drive to be part of that change. Best Friends’ goal is for all shelters to achieve no-kill. And with dedicated volunteers like these on the team, the possibilities are endless.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.