DMV area volunteer opportunities

Chantilly

A Forever-Home Rescue Foundation is a non-profit, all-breed cat and dog rescue that works to find loving new "Forever Homes" for cats and dogs.

Bethesda

Alley Cat Allies is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping feral cats by reforming ineffective, inhumane animal control polices and providing resources.

Fairfax Station

Animal Allies is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of companion animals in northern Virginia since 1984.

Merrifield

The 4Paws Rescue Team is a nonprofit community-based all volunteer organization that takes in neglected, abandoned, abused and unwanted cats and kittens.

Waldorf

Last Chance Animal Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to minimize the euthanasia of homeless pets through both adoption and providing low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter for both dogs and cats.

Arlington

The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF) rescues abandoned or displaced dogs and cats from the threat of euthanasia in over-crowded shelters or other at-risk situations and places them for adoption into loving homes.

Arlington

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless, neglected, and abandoned animals from certain euthanasia and finding them loving forever homes. We educate the community and all pet parents on responsible pet parenting, including the importance of spay/neuter, obedience training, and good nutrition.

Alexandria

King Street Cats all-volunteer organization that rescues cats and kittens and places them in permanent loving homes.

Washington DC

DC PAWS Rescue saves stray, neglected, unwanted and abused animals from animal control facilities and places them in safe, supportive and loving foster and adoptive homes in the Washington, DC and surrounding areas.

Newington

An all-volunteer non profit animal rescue organization that is dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals. We do this through the rescue, medical care, rehabilitation and placement by adoption of homeless and/or abandoned cocker spaniels and cocker spaniel mixes to good homes.

Alexandria

An all volunteer foster home-based group. We rescue abandoned/homeless cats & kittens and prepare them for adoption into permanent homes. We offer community outreach, temporary custody, and spay/neuter assistance in addition to maintaining a small Pet Food bank. Special needs cats are considered.

Norfolk

The Norfolk Animal Care Center's (NACC) volunteer program involves assisting staff with essential animal care, such as dog walking and cleaning kennels, as well as providing crucial socialization for cats and other small animals. Additionally, volunteers can assist with administrative tasks, events, and a robust foster program that provides temporary homes for animals in need. 

Fairfax

Homeward Trails offers many ways for volunteers to make an impact, with roles suited to different schedules and interests. Whether you want to help at the Adoption Center by cleaning, socializing dogs, or being part of “Tails Out/Peace Out” programs, or assist with adoption counseling, application screening, event support, or transportation – there’s something for everyone.

Aldie

Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) is a no-kill animal shelter in Northern Virginia dedicated to rescuing rehoming cats and dogs in need. Volunteers play a role in walking dogs, socializing cats, and assisting with adoption events to helping with cleaning, fundraising, and administrative tasks. FOHA also welcomes youth and group volunteers for special projects and community outreach.

Garett County, MD

After training, you can work hands-on with dogs and cats, help with animal care, assist at adoption events, or contribute through fundraising, public awareness efforts, and back-office tasks.

Fauquier County

opportunities include dog walking, cat socializing, grooming, assisting with special events, and supporting youth education programs. For those under 16, opportunities are available through fundraising, collecting needed items, or posting flyers.

Washington DC

The Brandywine Valley SPCA in Washington, D.C., offers a variety of volunteer roles, including direct animal care, socialization, and enrichment activities. A low-commitment option is "Shelter Skip Day," where you can take a dog out for a fun excursion with no advance registration needed.

The AWLA Junior Volunteer program is an eight-part training experience for 14 to 17-year-olds that teaches participants about shelter operations, animal behavior and care, fundraising, and advocacy. After completing training, junior volunteers can begin working independently in a variety of roles at the shelter

Volunteers over 18 can do all tasks, plan events, walk dogs, and take care of shelter animals.

Loudon

Our mission is to honor all of creation through providing a safe & forever home for farmed animals in need, so they can live free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Poolsville

Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary is a 400 acre non-profit refuge for farm animals and wildlife that relies entirely on public donations for support. Our mission is to offer care, rehabilitation, and permanent sanctuary for neglected, abused or abandoned farm animals, as well as providing a protected habitat for wildlife.

Manassas

We are dedicated to providing a nurturing home for over 250 formerly neglected and abused farm animals. Our mission is to create a loving and beautiful environment that encourages relationships between our animals and the people who visit them.

Bethesda

We do that by caring for rescued farmed animals and providing an idyllic sanctuary for children and families to visit and enjoy the animals and cultivated lavender and seasonal vegetables. We offer educational tours, volunteer and internship opportunities.

Orange County, VA

Rikki’s  Refuge is a unique place, with over 1,200 animals, supported by many  volunteers. Whether on-site or off, hands-on or behind the scenes, we welcome your talents to help keep Rikki’s Refuge running smoothly and safely.

Bedford

Butterfly Field Farm Sanctuary in Bedford, VA, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing farm animals from neglect or abuse and providing them with a permanent, peaceful home. Volunteers are essential and needed for general farm chores like cleaning and maintenance, as well as for spending time loving on the rescued residents.

Arlington

To build a generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hand-on service to the land.

Various

Potomac Conservancy is the region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and vibrant communities. We combine the grassroots power of over 30,000 supporters with conservation and policy initiatives to restore the Potomac River to full health.

Arlington

Join the Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) volunteers and work hands-on to improve habitat.

Falls Church

The Wildlife Rescue League is a non-profit organization providing care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in order to return them to the wild.

Fridays for future is an international youth climate action group that gets together for strikes, and other community engagements actions

Fairfax

Volunteer Program is a community-based project designed to reduce invasive plants on our parklands. This program gives volunteers an opportunity to connect with like-minded people while taking care of natural resources.

Multiple Locations

This is a field based service opportunity where volunteers will be able to support the various projects within the Natural Resources Branch. Please carefully ready the specific descriptions for each shift as activities and locations can vary.

Enjoy the company of others who care about the environment while learning about your local forests.

Richmond, VA

Volunteering at the Science Museum of Virginia gives you the opportunity to share your experience and knowledge, making science more inspiring for our guests.

The commitment and support of our volunteers provides valuable assistance in all areas of the Science Museum, from engaging with guests in the exhibits and labs to providing administrative support.

Prince William

Leopold's Preserve offers volunteer events on the third Saturday morning of each month, from February through November.

Volunteers are welcome to stay as long as they'd like - drop in for an hour, or stay for the full event.

Falls Church, VA

The Community Clean-Up events are typically held every April and October. Volunteers meet at the Community Center (213 Little Falls St.), are organized into teams, and assigned to work areas throughout the city. City staff distributes trash pickers, trash bags, recycling bags, gloves, and reflective vests.

Norfolk

Keep Norfolk Beautiful works to lead our community to reduce litter, recycle right, and beautify Norfolk through education and volunteerism. These efforts help support clean, safe, and resilient neighborhoods.

Join the Alice Ferguson Foundation in making a tangible difference in our environment. Whether you’re seeking to fulfill Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, connect with nature, or contribute to community well-being, we offer diverse volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and schedule.’

Arlington

EcoAction Arlington depends on a network of dedicated volunteers to accomplish our mission to educate, advocate, and act to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis. We welcome all who are dedicated to supporting our mission.

Alexandria

Friends of Dyke Marsh is a volunteer group dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Dyke Marsh, a freshwater tidal marsh in Fairfax County on the Potomac River just south of Alexandria, Virginia.

The Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is a unit of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and is administered by the National Park Service.

Mason Neck, VA

Volunteer opportunities include:

Assisting staff with interpretative programs for the visiting public and groups

Participate in special one-day events such as Clean the Bay Day, First Day Hike, and the Eagle Festival

Lead special projects 

Perform routine maintenance tasks (such as trail maintenance and clearing)

Staff the contact station and visitor center

Alexandria
Friends of Little Hunting Creek is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to protecting the Little Hunting Creek watershed in Fairfax County, Virginia. Founded to address the creek's significant trash pollution and outdated stormwater infrastructure, the organization now focuses on cleaning the creek, improving community access to it, educating the public, advocating for policy changes, and promoting private property stewardship.

The Friends of Huntley Meadows Park was founded in 1985 and is a nonprofit organization of individuals dedicated to the protection of Fairfax County's premier wetland wildlife sanctuary. With over 400 members, we represent an active and influential voice for the Park and for open space throughout the county.

Rock Creek, MD

Rock Creek Conservancy combines volunteer stewardship with advocacy for policies that protect the Rock Creek watershed. Their policy efforts focus on issues like park access, transportation projects, and stormwater management. Through community cleanups and stewardship programs, they mobilize residents to advocate for greener infrastructure and better protections for Rock Creek.

Anacostia

AWS offers volunteer opportunities focused on restoring the Anacostia River and its surrounding ecosystems. Volunteers help with trash cleanups, invasive plant removal, tree planting, wetland and meadow restoration, and special projects like freshwater mussel restoration. AWS also engages volunteers in education programs, citizen science, and group service events, making hands-on community stewardship central to its mission.

Various

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation offers diverse volunteer opportunities, including hands-on restoration projects like planting trees and growing oysters. Volunteers can also participate in advocacy and education, serving as Bay ambassadors to raise awareness and promote policy changes in their communities.

Multiple Locations

Appalachian Voices relies on volunteers to support their mission of protecting the land, air, and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Volunteer opportunities vary by their offices in states like North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, and can include advocacy work, helping at community events, or providing help during business hours.

Washington DC

Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the nation's capital. Their ambitious goal is to reach 40% tree canopy coverage in D.C. by 2032.

Washington DC

Washington Parks & People's mission is to grow city-wide park-based community health and justice by revitalizing D.C.'s public lands and waters. Volunteers participate in a range of activities, including urban farming, park clean-ups and restoration, invasive species removal, and historic building renovation.

Statewide

The Piedmont Environmental Council is a locally based, donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an accredited land trust. They strive to make the Virginia Piedmont a model and leader on conservation, restoration, smart growth and climate action. At the core of their approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities. 

Whether it’s getting your hands dirty with one of our Watershed Restoration projects, acting as a voice for the river through our Advocacy efforts or helping out with office tasks, there is a job for everyone to play a part in making a cleaner James River.

Hampton Roads, Virginia

Volunteering for the Elizabeth River Project is a great way to do something beautiful for the Elizabeth River. From litter clean-up and restoration projects to volunteer opportunities at Paradise Creek Nature Park, anyone can pitch in and do their part to help clean the river.