Volunteer with C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter

GIVE YOUR tiME
change a life

Our volunteers are the heart of C.A.R.E. Whether you’re walking dogs, socializing cats, or helping at events — every hour you give matters.

75+

Active Volunteers

2000+

Animals Rescued

25 years

No-Kill Shelter

ways to help

Volunteer Overview

There’s a place for everyone at C.A.R.E. From hands-on animal care to behind-the-scenes support, every role makes a real difference in the lives of our animals.

Animal Care

Clean kennels and the cattery, maintain living areas, do laundry, and spend meaningful time socializing with dogs and cats through exercise and playtime.

On-site · Ongoing

Events & Outreach

Help at events, fundraisers, and community outreach activities that grow our reach and raise vital funds.

Flexible schedule

Office & Admin

Greet visitors and handle administrative tasks that keep our shelter running smoothly every day.

On-site

Age requirement

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Who can volunteer

We welcome all experience levels. Be mature, dependable, and ready to work independently or as part of a team.

Commitment

One shift per week. Flexible schedules from 2 hrs/day, 1 day/week up to 5 hrs/day, 4–5 days/week.

get started

Volunteer Application

Choose the option that works best for you — apply online or download the form and bring it in person.
option 1

Apply Online

Fill out and submit the application directly from your browser. Your completed form will be sent to our volunteer coordinator.

option 2

Download & Print

Prefer paper?  Fill it out at home, print and drop it off at the shelter at your convenience.

What happens after you apply

We review your application.

Get matched to your role.

Get a tour & learn about your role.

Start making a difference!

Leadership at C.A.R.E.

About
Our Board

Board of Directors (BOD) members are integral in helping to shape the direction, operations, and policies of C.A.R.E. In accordance with our Bylaws, a call for new or additional board members may be made, when appropriate. The Board is composed of no less than six (6) members, and a term is for two (2) years.

President (Chair)

Provides leadership to the Board, sets agendas, presides over meetings, and ensures C.A.R.E. remains aligned with its mission and strategic goals.

Vice President (Vice Chair)

Supports the President and assumes their duties in their absence. May also lead special projects.

Secretary

Maintains accurate records of Board meetings, including minutes and official documents, and ensures proper documentation and compliance with governance requirements.

Treasurer

Oversees the financial health of the organization, communicating with the accountants for financial reporting, and ensuring appropriate financial controls and transparency.

Board members who do not serve as officers are responsible for participating fully in the governance of the organization.

They attend and contribute to board meetings, serve on committees, and support the mission and strategic direction of C.A.R.E.

Interested in learning more about serving on the Board of Directors? Contact C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter at 813-645-2273.

Meet Our Volunteers

Volunteer
Spotlight

Thank YOU Volunteers for all you do!

Our Volunteers do it all! Dedicating their time, commitment, and big hearts to our animals. These animals have the best chance at C.A.R.E., all thanks to our amazing Volunteers!

Michelle

Michelle

Dog Volunteer

A long-time dog volunteer, Michelle never misses a beat! Dogs love her instantly!
kathy b

Kathy

Dog Volunteer

Another long-time dog volunteer. Kathy is patient and kind and loves the dogs, no matter the size or personality!
skyler

Skylar Betsinger

Dog Volunteer

Skylar spends two days a week lovingly caring for all of our dogs.
kathy

Kathy Bartolomeo

Cattery Volunteer

Kathy is a long-time volunteer; she is very dedicated to the shelter — even her shoes and socks have cats and dogs!
Kay

Kay Williamson

Office Volunteer

Kay is our Saturday office volunteer. She does an excellent job of greeting all callers and visitors, as well as assisting all prospective adopters. We are so lucky to have her at C.A.R.E.
Sally

Sally

Dog Volunteer

A long-time dog volunteer, who has the adoring love and compassion of our most difficult dogs, Peppermint, Gwen and Pepito.
Mike

Mike Hale

Dog Volunteer

Mike loves walking Gwen, rain or shine he is there making sure Gwen gets her walks.
Sandy Miskiewicz dog

Sandy Miskiewicz

Office Volunteer

Long time C.A.R.E. office volunteer and Food Shed Handler on Thursday's. Sandy handles office visitors, phone calls and emails and always does it with a smile.

Shoutout

We also want to send a shout out and thank you to Vicky, Karen S., Linda and Liz, our cat and dog volunteers.

Your Story
Could be Next

Join a growing community of volunteers who give their time, skills, and love to the animals of C.A.R.E. and get so much back in return.

Thank you for visiting the C.A.R.E. website and offering a donation.

At this time, all donations will need to be made at our facility located at

1528 27th St SE, Ruskin, FL 33570 

Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. You will receive a receipt with your donation.
Thank you for your patience as we build our new Website. We cannot wait to show you all the exciting new features we are working on!