Dog sitting on the sidewalk with a person

Help at-risk animals from home

You can save the lives of animals alongside Best Friends staff at our sanctuary and lifesaving centers, without ever leaving home!

Join the national operations support team and volunteer to lend a virtual hand in real time to Best Friends' lifesaving centers, working to help animals find homes from the comfort of your own home.

 

Join the National Operations Volunteers and Ambassadors (NOVA) program

If you want to make a direct impact on the lives of homeless pets, the NOVA program is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

Last year, Best Friends’ lifesaving centers welcomed more than 13,000 pets in need. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing volunteers. 

The NOVA team has four distinct volunteer roles, each of which is essential for helping dogs and cats find loving homes. 

Adoption ambassadors

Help adoptable animals stand out and connect them to potential adopters.
Person looking at the small kitten they're holding

Foster mentors

Share their knowledge with folks who are new to fostering pets or who want support to be successful.
Person kneeling down with a happy dog that's sitting in the grass

Medical care support volunteers

Provide the support needed to help pets find homes quickly in this role.
Person holding a tiny kitten in a clinic setting

Record management volunteers

Take care of all records to keep operations running smoothly for the animals.
Person working on a computer in a home with a dog on their lap

Behavior support volunteer

Provide one-to-one support and guidance to adopters and foster parents.
Smiling person sitting behind a large white and tan dog whose tongue is slightly out

We’re so glad that you want to help out!

Best Friends’ lifesaving programs wouldn’t be possible without amazing volunteers like you. 

A few things you’ll need as a volunteer in this program: a willingness to learn new software (you’ll be using software like Shelterluv, Trello and Airtable), a computer (PC or MAC with anti-virus protection), a stable internet connection to access our software, and the time to commit to a regular weekly shift (two hours minimum).

You can expect the onboarding experience to take about two weeks. During this process, we’ll give you the training needed for the role, give you access to the software we use, and connect you with your fellow NOVA volunteers.

Person in a living room with two cats and a dog on their lap

Not sure which role is right for you? 

If you’re not sure which role is right for you, take a quick quiz to find out.
Take the Quiz
Person working at a computer desk with a kitten

Looking for more ways to save lives remotely? 

From administrative to marketing roles, we have volunteer opportunities around the country suited for you. 
Volunteer Remotely
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About Best Friends

Best Friends Animal Society is working to save the lives of cats and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

Just a few short years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources to save their lives. That number is now less than half a million per year, but there’s still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America.

Best Friends operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is committed to saving the lives of homeless pets by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill by 2025. Together, we will Save Them All.