We are thrilled you want to volunteer with us. Our volunteers are the backbone of our rescue. We can't wait to introduce you to our organization and the team that makes it all happen. Please take a few minutes to read through the website. Learn our foster and adoption processes (no quizzes...we promise), and read the stories of the animals whose lives have been changed through Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. When you're ready, please fill out our VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Fostering with Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
At Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, fostering is at the heart of what we do. All of our dogs live in foster homes because we believe this is the best way to truly get to know them—their personalities, quirks, and needs—so we can help them thrive in their forever families. Foster families provide love, structure, and a safe environment while giving us valuable insight that helps match each dog with the right adopter.
Our cats are cared for both in our shelter and in foster homes. Fostering is especially important for kittens, cats needing extra socialization, or those who would do better in a home environment. A foster home provides a comfortable, supportive space for animals who may not thrive in the shelter—such as young puppies and kittens, pets recovering from surgery or illness, or those who simply need extra love and attention.
KAR provides veterinary care and supplies—our fosters provide the heart and home. Foster stays may last a few weeks or several months, depending on the animal’s needs. By fostering, you play a vital role in saving lives: you give animals the individualized care they deserve, free up shelter space for more pets in need, and help each dog and cat take the next step toward a forever home.
Cat Care with Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
At Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, we are dedicated to giving every cat the care, comfort, and attention they deserve while they wait for their forever homes. Our cats are cared for both in our shelter and in foster homes, depending on their needs.
In the shelter, cats receive daily care including fresh food and water, clean litter boxes, cozy bedding, and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. Volunteers spend time socializing with the cats—playing, petting, and getting to know their personalities so we can help match them with the right families.
Cats who need extra support—such as kittens, shy cats, or those recovering from illness or surgery—are placed in foster homes. This allows them to grow, heal, and thrive in a quiet, loving environment until they are ready for adoption.
Through consistent care, medical support, and lots of love, KAR ensures every cat has the best chance to live a healthy, happy life and find their perfect forever home.
Social Media & Marketing with Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
Social media and marketing play a key role in helping Kalamazoo Animal Rescue share our mission, showcase adoptable pets, and connect with our community. Through engaging posts, photos, videos, and stories, we highlight the animals in our care, promote adoption events, encourage fostering and volunteering, and share success stories that inspire support.
Our marketing efforts extend beyond social media to include newsletters, flyers, event promotion, and partnerships with local businesses and media outlets. By spreading the word, we raise awareness about the needs of homeless pets and the impact KAR has in saving lives.
Every post, photo, and campaign helps us reach more people, find more forever homes, and ensure that every dog and cat in our care has the best chance at a happy future.
Application Screening with Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
Application screening is an essential step in ensuring that every dog and cat in Kalamazoo Animal Rescue’s care is placed in a safe, loving, and permanent home. Each adoption application is carefully reviewed by our volunteers to confirm that the potential adopter’s home, lifestyle, and expectations are a good fit for the animal they are interested in.
The process may include verifying veterinary history, contacting references, confirming landlord or housing policies, and discussing the adopter’s experience with pets. This helps us ensure that our animals are placed in environments where they will be well cared for and thrive long term.
Our goal is not only to find homes quickly but to find the right homes. Thorough screening helps us reduce returns, support successful adoptions, and give every animal the best chance for a happy forever family.
Be Part of the Team!
Kalamazoo Animal Rescue’s Cans & Bottles Fundraiser is powered by volunteers who help collect and return donated cans and bottles. It’s a simple but impactful way to support our mission—every dime from every container goes directly toward the care of dogs and cats in need.
By joining the team, you’ll help us turn bags of empties into food, medical care, and supplies for homeless pets. Whether you can assist with collection, sorting, or turning in returns, your time and effort make a big difference. Together, we can turn small change into big help for animals!
Medical Team Volunteer
Medical Team Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the dogs and cats in Kalamazoo Animal Rescue’s care. Working closely with our veterinary staff, volunteers assist with tasks such as administering medications, monitoring recovery, preparing animals for procedures, and supporting medical record-keeping.
Volunteers may also help with basic wellness checks, post-surgical care, and keeping medical areas clean and organized. Training is provided, and while no prior medical experience is required, a strong, ongoing commitment is essential to ensure animals receive reliable, consistent care.
By volunteering on the medical team, you help ensure that every pet receives the attention and care they need to be healthy, happy, and ready for their forever home.
Fundraising with Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
Fundraising is a vital part of supporting the dogs and cats in Kalamazoo Animal Rescue’s care. From special events and donation drives to creative campaigns and community partnerships, every effort helps provide veterinary care, food, supplies, and shelter for the animals who need it most.
Volunteers and supporters play a key role in generating resources that allow us to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pets. Whether you organize a collection, host a benefit, or promote a campaign, your time and energy directly impact the lives of animals in our community.
By fundraising with KAR, you become an essential part of our mission—helping animals live healthy, happy lives and find their forever families.
