***Thank you so much for your interest in corporate volunteer days. At this time, due to the holiday season and current staffing shortages, we are not able to book dates for any new volunteer groups. We hope to fill these vacancies and train new staff in January so that we can open our 2024 booking calendar by early February. If February (or later) works for your group, we will keep your name on a list and reach back out. If not, we apologize for this inconvenience and hope that you will continue to support BARCS in other ways this winter.***
Group + Workplace Volunteering
Your group loves animals. We love animals. Let’s get together and make a difference! BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) offers a variety of donation-based experiences for animal-loving groups. Book your group experience today and make it possible for us to rescue, heal and find homes for over 10,000 animals each year.
All groups must first fill out the Group Volunteer Application. We receive a very high volume of requests, so we appreciate your patience while we review your request. (This may take a week or more depending on the time of year.)
First, we ask that you read the following three group volunteering options and select the one that best fits your group's objectives:
“LET’S GET FUR-REAL” IN-SHELTER EXPERIENCE
The majority of our in-shelter volunteer opportunities are designed for groups of 15 people or less, where all volunteers are adults (18+ years old).
We’re dedicated to offering an enriching stay while animals are in our care. As a team, you may clean
kennels, organize inventory, walk dogs, socialize cats, assemble and deliver enrichment, help with trail maintenance and more! Your experience will include a private tour of BARCS, your selected hands-on volunteer activity and a group photo to commemorate your experience.
Ahead of your volunteer day at the shelter, we ask that all groups partner with BARCS through a donation of $500 or more, or one of the other impactful contributions listed on the Group Volunteer Application. Your support is a direct investment in BARCS' lifesaving work. This amount covers the supplies and staff time needed to coordinate and manage corporate service groups.
“DOG’S DAY OUT” IN-OFFICE OR VIRTUAL DAY OF SERVICE
“Dogs Day Out” allows you to get together at your workplace, school or gathering place with your coworkers, friends, or family. As a group, you’ll complete activities that benefit the animals in our shelter. Your group will be responsible for purchasing or gathering all of the ingredients and supplies needed for your selected recipes. This group experience includes:
- A visit from a BARCS representative with a dog + a brief oral presentation of our mission
- OR a virtual welcome from a BARCS team member + a digital tour of the shelter
- 1-3 activities of your choice from our Enrichment Menu.
- Scheduled time to deliver your completed enrichment items, with group photo upon delivery
Ahead of your “Dog’s Day Out” volunteer day, we ask that all groups partner with BARCS through a donation of $500 or more, or one of the other impactful contributions listed on the Group Volunteer Application. Your support is a direct investment in BARCS' lifesaving work. This amount covers staff time needed to coordinate and manage corporate service groups.
"GOING MUTTS" SUPPLY DRIVE
With 11,000-12,000 animals entering the care of the BARCS each year, our animals are always in need of treats, toys, and bedding to make their experience as enriching and comfortable as possible. This group experience is a supply drive that your organization can organize to collect supplies to send our animals some love! Once your supply drive is complete, we’ll schedule a time for you to come out and deliver your haul and take a group photo at our facility. Click HERE for our wish list. It’s updated in real-time so the supplies listed are exactly what we need.
Whatever you decide, it all starts here! Click HERE to register your group for an experience they’ll never forget!
