Volunteer: Quiet Kennel- EnrichmentAssist our canine residents by walking through the kennels and giving out treats when they are quiet and have all four feet on the kennel floor. This helps them have a positive outlook on strangers approaching the kennels, and decreases stress and noise! This opportunity is excellent for any volunteers who are looking to drop by briefly. Program: Animal Resources Assist our canine residents by walking through the kennels and giving out treats when they are quiet and have all four feet on the kennel floor. This helps them have a positive outlook on strangers approaching the kennels, and decreases stress and noise! This opportunity is excellent for any volunteers who are looking to drop by briefly. Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Hands-On Training SessionsThis will include a hands-on demonstration, tour of the building, and we will go over the different types of opportunities we have for our animals. Only volunteers with a registered account are allowed to attend. If you would like family members or friends to attend with you, they must also make an account and sign up for an open spot. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Minors 16 years and older must have a parent or guardian present if they do not have reliable transportation onsite. Uber, Lyft, or other transportation services do not qualify as reliable transportation. If a parent or guardian is transporting a minor, they are required to stay with the minor and go through the onboarding process as well. There is a 4-hour requirement to maintain for every 4 months in order to be considered active. Requirements: Proof of age by a Government ID already on file in your volunteer accountLong pants and close-toed shoesHighly suggest a water bottle, especially in the warmer monthsProgram: Animal Resources This will include a hands-on demonstration, tour of the building, and we will go over the different types of opportunities we have for our animals. Only volunteers with a registered account are allowed to attend. If you would like family members or friends to attend with you, they must also make an account and sign up for an open spot. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Minors 16 years and older must have a parent or guardian present if they do not have reliable transportation onsite. Uber, Lyft, or other transportation services do not qualify as reliable transportation. If a parent or guardian is transporting a minor, they are required to stay with the minor and go through the onboarding process as well. There is a 4-hour requirement to maintain for every 4 months in order to be considered active. Requirements: Proof of age by a Government ID already on file in your volunteer accountLong pants and close-toed shoesHighly suggest a water bottle, especially in the warmer monthsProgram: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Policy RenewalsWelcome back! This is for veteran volunteers that are dusting off the ole dog walking shoes or are ready for some kitty snuggles. We'd love to update you on anything new and exciting going on with the volunteer program. If none of the available dates/times are suitable, please email acaroutreach@alachuacounty.us to schedule an individual time and date. We are thrilled to have you back at the shelter to help out our furry friends. There is a 4-hour requirement to maintain for every 4 months in order to be considered active. *This is not for new volunteers. New volunteers please sign up for a Training Session for a full orientation* Program: Animal Resources Welcome back! This is for veteran volunteers that are dusting off the ole dog walking shoes or are ready for some kitty snuggles. We'd love to update you on anything new and exciting going on with the volunteer program. If none of the available dates/times are suitable, please email acaroutreach@alachuacounty.us to schedule an individual time and date. We are thrilled to have you back at the shelter to help out our furry friends. There is a 4-hour requirement to maintain for every 4 months in order to be considered active. *This is not for new volunteers. New volunteers please sign up for a Training Session for a full orientation* Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Black Lake Preserve Tree PlantingJoin the County Arborist and a crew of Volunteer tree planting enthusiast to help plant a legacy of shade trees at one of our newest County Preserves: Black Lake. We will plant 20 native trees to provide shade for the improved parking area at Black Lake; located near 6197 NE 225th Street Melrose. Please wear sun protection, and sturdy work clothes and shoes. Please bring a refillable water bottle. Program: Environmental Protection Join the County Arborist and a crew of Volunteer tree planting enthusiast to help plant a legacy of shade trees at one of our newest County Preserves: Black Lake. We will plant 20 native trees to provide shade for the improved parking area at Black Lake; located near 6197 NE 225th Street Melrose. Please wear sun protection, and sturdy work clothes and shoes. Please bring a refillable water bottle. Program: Environmental Protection Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On May 30, 2026 Zip Code: 32666 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Animal TransporterProgram: Animal Resources Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dog WranglerProgram: Animal Resources Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Cat CuddlerProgram: Animal Resources Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Doggy Day OutAt ACAR, we strive to get our dogs as much time outside of the shelter as possible to give them a break from the stress of the kennels and to get better behavior notes to get a more accurate depiction of who the dog is outside of this environment. We welcome our volunteers to take a dog on an offsite adventure to any dog-friendly location of their choosing (with the exception of off-leash dog parks). This includes nature trails, stores, restaurants, even your house! If you want to keep the adventure going, our volunteers can also take the dog home for a doggy sleepover and return the next day. All supplies will be provided. Requirements: No dog parksDog must remain on a leash while outdoorsVolunteer must have access to reliable transportationDogs should be kept separate from unknown animalsHave fun!How to participate: Sign up to become an ACAR volunteer by creating an accountComplete a Hands-On Training SessionOnce you have been trained, you can participate in Doggy Day Out anytime we are open to the public! Dogs can be picked up after 10:30am Tuesday through Saturday and can return to us by 5:00pm.Program: Animal Resources At ACAR, we strive to get our dogs as much time outside of the shelter as possible to give them a break from the stress of the kennels and to get better behavior notes to get a more accurate depiction of who the dog is outside of this environment. We welcome our volunteers to take a dog on an offsite adventure to any dog-friendly location of their choosing (with the exception of off-leash dog parks). This includes nature trails, stores, restaurants, even your house! If you want to keep the adventure going, our volunteers can also take the dog home for a doggy sleepover and return the next day. All supplies will be provided. Requirements: No dog parksDog must remain on a leash while outdoorsVolunteer must have access to reliable transportationDogs should be kept separate from unknown animalsHave fun!How to participate: Sign up to become an ACAR volunteer by creating an accountComplete a Hands-On Training SessionOnce you have been trained, you can participate in Doggy Day Out anytime we are open to the public! Dogs can be picked up after 10:30am Tuesday through Saturday and can return to us by 5:00pm.Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dog Walking - AM ShiftThis opportunity focuses on walking and rotating dogs either through our play yard or on the walking trail. This shift is in the mornings from 8am-10am. Requirements - Completion of Hands-On Training session - Long pants and close-toed shoes Highly Recommend - Water bottle - Treat pouch (we can provide treats) - Poop bags (we can provide dependent on supply) Program: Animal Resources This opportunity focuses on walking and rotating dogs either through our play yard or on the walking trail. This shift is in the mornings from 8am-10am. Requirements - Completion of Hands-On Training session - Long pants and close-toed shoes Highly Recommend - Water bottle - Treat pouch (we can provide treats) - Poop bags (we can provide dependent on supply) Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Dog Walking - PM ShiftThis opportunity focuses on walking and rotating dogs either through our play yard or on the walking trail. This shift is in the afternoons from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Requirements - Completion of Hands-On Training session - Long pants and close-toed shoes Highly Recommend - Water bottle - Treat pouch (we can provide treats) - Poop bags (we can provide dependent on supply) Program: Animal Resources This opportunity focuses on walking and rotating dogs either through our play yard or on the walking trail. This shift is in the afternoons from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Requirements - Completion of Hands-On Training session - Long pants and close-toed shoes Highly Recommend - Water bottle - Treat pouch (we can provide treats) - Poop bags (we can provide dependent on supply) Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Play Group RunnerThis opportunity will give you a chance to run dogs to and from play group. Don't worry you get to watch them play too! This is a big assistance to staff as they try to get as many dogs into play groups as possible. There will be a short training session in the beginning and then we will start the fun! Requirements - Long pants and close-toed shoes Program: Animal Resources This opportunity will give you a chance to run dogs to and from play group. Don't worry you get to watch them play too! This is a big assistance to staff as they try to get as many dogs into play groups as possible. There will be a short training session in the beginning and then we will start the fun! Requirements - Long pants and close-toed shoes Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Foster Coordinator AidHave you ever been curious about what goes into a foster program? This is a great way to learn! You can aid the Foster Program Coordinator with prepping supplies, gathering pictures and information for foster pleas, and helping with sending animals into their new temporary home. Hands-On Training Session Required before signing up. Program: Animal Resources Have you ever been curious about what goes into a foster program? This is a great way to learn! You can aid the Foster Program Coordinator with prepping supplies, gathering pictures and information for foster pleas, and helping with sending animals into their new temporary home. Hands-On Training Session Required before signing up. Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Cat Cleaning AMFor those that prefer the cuddly kitties, we have a chance for you to help staff clean our adoptable cats. We will provide training and and support until you feel comfortable to do it yourself. You're welcome to provide enrichment while you clean and play with them once the cleaning is done. This is will be highly appreciated and needed during kitten season (March-November). Cleaning times will be Tuesday - Saturday from 8am-10am. We want our kitties looking and feeling their best before our adopters come in! Program: Animal Resources For those that prefer the cuddly kitties, we have a chance for you to help staff clean our adoptable cats. We will provide training and and support until you feel comfortable to do it yourself. You're welcome to provide enrichment while you clean and play with them once the cleaning is done. This is will be highly appreciated and needed during kitten season (March-November). Cleaning times will be Tuesday - Saturday from 8am-10am. We want our kitties looking and feeling their best before our adopters come in! Program: Animal Resources Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 32609 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Volunteer Trail MonitorTrail monitors are our eyes and ears within the preserves. They check our trail heads for brochures and clean up any branches or trash left behind. They walk the trails to report any needs (tree down, trimming/mowing needed, maintenance required on infrastructure).
Program: Environmental Protection Trail monitors are our eyes and ears within the preserves. They check our trail heads for brochures and clean up any branches or trash left behind. They walk the trails to report any needs (tree down, trimming/mowing needed, maintenance required on infrastructure).
Program: Environmental Protection Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32601 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Foster Grandparent VolunteerWe are seeking volunteers at least 55 years young to help special needs children in your community by providing them with the love, encouragement, support and assistance they need. Our Foster Grandparent Volunteers go into classrooms or child care centers during the school/center hours. For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, please call (352) 264-6730. Eligibility: Persons age 55+ Meet income guidelines Be in reasonably good health Enjoy working with children Residents of Alachua County Complete forty hours of pre-service training Pass background screenings Program restrictions may apply
Benefits: Receiving non-taxable stipend payment of $4.00 per hour for time served Supplemental medical and automobile insurance Transportation provided or reimbursement for mileage up to 20 miles per day Daily meal or meal reimbursement Free annual physical examination Paid personal leave benefits Volunteer Recognition Opportunities to meet new people and enhanced socialization Learning environment where volunteers share and gain new skills Serve as a positive role modelFunded by the AmeriCorps Seniors and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners. Program: Community Support Services We are seeking volunteers at least 55 years young to help special needs children in your community by providing them with the love, encouragement, support and assistance they need. Our Foster Grandparent Volunteers go into classrooms or child care centers during the school/center hours. For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, please call (352) 264-6730. Eligibility: Persons age 55+ Meet income guidelines Be in reasonably good health Enjoy working with children Residents of Alachua County Complete forty hours of pre-service training Pass background screenings Program restrictions may apply
Benefits: Receiving non-taxable stipend payment of $4.00 per hour for time served Supplemental medical and automobile insurance Transportation provided or reimbursement for mileage up to 20 miles per day Daily meal or meal reimbursement Free annual physical examination Paid personal leave benefits Volunteer Recognition Opportunities to meet new people and enhanced socialization Learning environment where volunteers share and gain new skills Serve as a positive role modelFunded by the AmeriCorps Seniors and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners. Program: Community Support Services Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32641 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Victim Services Helpline CounselorsCaring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. Our program has two volunteer tracks to pursue - serve as a Helpline Counselor, answering our 24/7 rape crisis helpline, or a Community Ambassador, promoting awareness at community events. Volunteer Helpline Counselors answer our program's 24/7 helpline, covering evening, weekend, and holiday shifts when our offices are closed. Volunteers carry a County-issued cell phone and respond to victims and citizens in our community seeking crisis counseling and resources. Callers range from victims in crisis to friends and family members seeking information on how to support their loved one. Potential helpline volunteers must successfully complete 40 hours of online and in-person training, comprised of roleplays, readings, and quizzes, under the supervision of program staff. In-person training takes place at the program's offices at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service. Upon graduating training, volunteers must commit to a minimum of 36 helpline shifts over the course of 9 months. For more information on becoming a Helpline Counselor, contact Cassandra Moore at (352) 264-6767. Complete an online application: http://alachuacounty.us/depts/css/victimservices/pages/volunteerinfo.aspx Program: Community Support Services Caring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. Our program has two volunteer tracks to pursue - serve as a Helpline Counselor, answering our 24/7 rape crisis helpline, or a Community Ambassador, promoting awareness at community events. Volunteer Helpline Counselors answer our program's 24/7 helpline, covering evening, weekend, and holiday shifts when our offices are closed. Volunteers carry a County-issued cell phone and respond to victims and citizens in our community seeking crisis counseling and resources. Callers range from victims in crisis to friends and family members seeking information on how to support their loved one. Potential helpline volunteers must successfully complete 40 hours of online and in-person training, comprised of roleplays, readings, and quizzes, under the supervision of program staff. In-person training takes place at the program's offices at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service. Upon graduating training, volunteers must commit to a minimum of 36 helpline shifts over the course of 9 months. For more information on becoming a Helpline Counselor, contact Cassandra Moore at (352) 264-6767. Complete an online application: http://alachuacounty.us/depts/css/victimservices/pages/volunteerinfo.aspx Program: Community Support Services Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32641 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Victim Services Community AmbassadorsSee website for the volunteer application: http://alachuacounty.us/depts/css/victimservices/pages/volunteerinfo.aspx Caring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. Our program has two volunteer tracks to pursue - serve as a Helpline Counselor, answering our 24/7 rape crisis helpline, or a Community Ambassador, promoting awareness at community events. Volunteer Community Ambassadors assist program outreach staff by representing our agency at local outreach events, explaining program services to community leaders, and generally promoting awareness about sexual violence and local resources. Additionally, volunteers help organize and prepare for events and assist staff with performing general office duties as needed. Ambassadors must complete a short in-house training, which takes place at our program's offices located at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service. Upon completing their training, Community Ambassadors are expected to participate in 2 hours of outreach work each week. For more information on becoming a Community Ambassador, contact Bethan O'Connor at boconnor@alachuacounty.us. Program: Community Support Services See website for the volunteer application: http://alachuacounty.us/depts/css/victimservices/pages/volunteerinfo.aspx Caring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. Our program has two volunteer tracks to pursue - serve as a Helpline Counselor, answering our 24/7 rape crisis helpline, or a Community Ambassador, promoting awareness at community events. Volunteer Community Ambassadors assist program outreach staff by representing our agency at local outreach events, explaining program services to community leaders, and generally promoting awareness about sexual violence and local resources. Additionally, volunteers help organize and prepare for events and assist staff with performing general office duties as needed. Ambassadors must complete a short in-house training, which takes place at our program's offices located at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service. Upon completing their training, Community Ambassadors are expected to participate in 2 hours of outreach work each week. For more information on becoming a Community Ambassador, contact Bethan O'Connor at boconnor@alachuacounty.us. Program: Community Support Services Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32641 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Volunteer Crisis Line CounselorsThe Alachua County Crisis Center offers 24/7 crisis and suicide intervention services to all residents of Alachua County. These services include 24/7 crisis phone counseling and mobile response care teams, as well as emergency walk-in services and ongoing counseling during regular business hours. Additionally, the Crisis Center provides support during community trauma responses and community education and outreach. The Alachua County Crisis Center is accepting applicants for Volunteer Crisis Line Counselors. The training includes 80 hours of in-depth training in active listening, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Training is held over Zoom and starts with an initial Saturday followed by Tuesday and Thursday evenings for eight weeks. Program: Community Support Services The Alachua County Crisis Center offers 24/7 crisis and suicide intervention services to all residents of Alachua County. These services include 24/7 crisis phone counseling and mobile response care teams, as well as emergency walk-in services and ongoing counseling during regular business hours. Additionally, the Crisis Center provides support during community trauma responses and community education and outreach. The Alachua County Crisis Center is accepting applicants for Volunteer Crisis Line Counselors. The training includes 80 hours of in-depth training in active listening, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Training is held over Zoom and starts with an initial Saturday followed by Tuesday and Thursday evenings for eight weeks. Program: Community Support Services Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32641 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Environmental Education and Events Assistant Inspire wonder and capture the magic of our natural resources with youth and adults in our educational programs! Volunteers will work with schools, community centers, and camps to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental advocates. Programs focus on pollution prevention, water conservation, and springs protection. Help us reach the community at fun and interactive events! Volunteers will represent the Environmental Protection Department, tabling to connect with residents and promote educational campaigns. Availability on weekends is crucial to reach our community. Program: Environmental Protection Inspire wonder and capture the magic of our natural resources with youth and adults in our educational programs! Volunteers will work with schools, community centers, and camps to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental advocates. Programs focus on pollution prevention, water conservation, and springs protection. Help us reach the community at fun and interactive events! Volunteers will represent the Environmental Protection Department, tabling to connect with residents and promote educational campaigns. Availability on weekends is crucial to reach our community. Program: Environmental Protection Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32601 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Rain Garden Steward Help us care for rain gardens at public elementary and middle schools! This may include working alongside enthusiastic students! Duties Include: Pulling weeds Pruning plants Spreading mulch Planting Working with local studentsProgram: Environmental Protection Help us care for rain gardens at public elementary and middle schools! This may include working alongside enthusiastic students! Duties Include: Pulling weeds Pruning plants Spreading mulch Planting Working with local studentsProgram: Environmental Protection Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32601 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Water Resources VolunteerWork with us to protect our community's precious water resources! Volunteer activities may include: Hiking through wooded areas to collect water samples Visiting water treatment facilities Conducting inspections to ensure compliance Community outreach and education Supporting the water resources team through data entry or administrative work
Program: Environmental Protection Work with us to protect our community's precious water resources! Volunteer activities may include: Hiking through wooded areas to collect water samples Visiting water treatment facilities Conducting inspections to ensure compliance Community outreach and education Supporting the water resources team through data entry or administrative work
Program: Environmental Protection Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Flexible Zip Code: 32601 Allow Groups: Yes |