Volunteer
Your time can change lives. Let’s get started.
Volunteers Needed
At ICARE, we welcome volunteers from every walk of life. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, what kind of car you drive, what your house looks like, or who you know. We don’t care about your job title, your past, or your politics.
What we care about is your heart.
If you care about animals—if you’re willing to show up, get your hands dirty, and give love to the ones who need it most—you belong here.
Our volunteers come from all backgrounds. Some have made mistakes in life. Some have degrees, some don’t. Some vote red, some blue. But when we walk through the doors of the shelter, none of that matters.
We laugh together. We cry together. We celebrate every adoption. We grieve every loss. And most of all, we stand together for the abandoned, the broken, and the forgotten.
That shared love for animals—that’s what binds us. That’s what keeps us going. And that’s what makes this team so strong.
Ready to join us? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care.
Cat Care & Cleaning Volunteer
Help keep our cats and kittens clean, comfortable, and happy while giving them the care and attention they need.
What you’ll do
Feed cats and refresh water
Clean litter boxes and sanitize cages
Sweep and vacuum cat areas
Socialize, play, and provide gentle care
Available shifts
Saturday morning: 8:00–10:00 AM
Saturday evening: 4:00–7:00 PM
Sunday evening: 4:00–7:00 PM
Time needed
About 30–60 minutes
Location
ICARE Shelter
214 Circle Dr, Melbourne
(Next to the sheriff’s office)
Requirements
18 years or older
Reliable and punctual
Comfortable working alone or with a buddy
Able to bend, lift, and stand as needed
Comfortable handling cats of all temperaments
Willing to follow cleaning and safety guidelines
A kind, patient, and caring attitude
Morning Dog Kennel & Feeding Volunteer
Help us start the day right by caring for our dogs first thing in the morning.
ICARE is run entirely by volunteers. We have no paid staff. Every meal, every clean kennel, and every moment of care comes from people who choose to help.
Available shifts
Monday: 6:00–9:00 AM
Tuesday: 6:00–9:00 AM
Friday: 6:00–9:00 AM
We especially need a dependable Monday morning volunteer. One person or a couple is welcome. Even every other Monday helps.
What you’ll do
Let dogs outside
Clean and hose down kennels
Hose and wipe down dog beds
Tidy each dog’s space
Wash food and water bowls
Feed dogs
Mop shelter floors
Manage blankets during colder months
Time needed
About 1 to 1.5 hours
Why mornings matter
Our dogs are on a routine. They eat at 6:00 a.m., and keeping that schedule helps them stay calm, healthy, and comfortable.
Shelter setup
Six kennels
Usually no more than two dogs per kennel
Requirements
Dependable and committed
Comfortable working independently
Able to work around small and large dogs
Physically able to handle cleaning tasks
Not afraid of hoses, messes, or hard work
This isn’t glamorous work, but it matters.
The dogs rely on it. They need to be fed on time and kept in clean, safe spaces. You’ll help animals who were abandoned feel safe again—and you’ll be part of something that truly matters in this county.
If you can help, please message us. If Sundays don’t work every week, reach out anyway. We still want to hear from you.
Dependable volunteers keep ICARE going.
Pet Photographer Volunteer
Great photos save lives. They’re often the first reason someone stops scrolling and chooses to adopt.
At ICARE, photos are one of our most powerful tools. They help our cats and dogs get noticed, get shared, and get adopted. We use photos on social media, paper flyers, and multiple adoption websites. When pets grow or stay with us longer, we refresh their photos every few months to keep them visible and appealing.
We truly can’t have too many good photos.
What you’ll do
Take clear, friendly photos of cats and dogs
Capture each pet’s personality and size
Upload photos to ICARE’s OneDrive (internet provided at the shelter)
Work independently or bring a friend if you prefer
Schedule
Flexible
One or two times per week
No set days or times
Why this role matters
Photos are often the first impression. A good photo helps people picture a pet in their home. It increases shares, inquiries, and adoptions. For pets who aren’t adopted right away, updated photos keep them from being overlooked.
This role directly helps animals find homes.
What you’ll need
A camera or smartphone (iPhone or Android works great)
Comfort handling cats and dogs, small to large
Ability to bend, crouch, and move around
Willingness to learn our photo and upload process
Requirements
18 years or older
Comfortable working independently
Able to handle cats and dogs safely
Reliable internet use (Wi-Fi is available at the shelter)
Willing to follow basic photo and file-naming guidelines
You don’t need to be a professional photographer. We’ll train you. What matters most is patience, consistency, and a good eye for capturing moments.
If you enjoy photography and want to make a real impact, this is one of the most meaningful ways to help.
Interesting in Volunteering?
We’re glad you’re here. Complete the form below and our volunteer coordinator will reach out within 72 hours.
Animal Shelter
214 Circle Dr
Melbourne AR 72556
Saturdays 9am - Noon
Visits outside these hours are available by appointment
Paws & Claws Thrift Store
189 S Lunen St
Melbourne AR 72556
Mon - Sat 10am - 2pm
Donations can be dropped off anytime
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Izard County Animal Rescue Effort