Group + Workplace Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter)! We currently offer group volunteering exclusively through dog-walking activities, providing your team a hands-on way to make a difference for animals in our care.

However, volunteer activities are contingent on current animal needs and shelter capacity. As an open-admission animal shelter, the number of animals on site can fluctuate dramatically. Depending on the needs of the animals in our care, a group may provide a more positive impact for our animals by assisting with other projects beyond dog walking - and anytime we have a lot of empty kennels, this is a cause for celebration. 

We always are looking for assistance, and in giving us that support we ask that you follow the directions of our staff to keep our animals’ needs first and foremost!

If this opportunity is a match for your group, please review the requirements below. Once confirmed, click "Next" to fill out our Group Volunteer Application. Due to high demand, please allow a week or more for us to review your application, depending on the time of year.

Group Volunteering Requirements:

• Age Requirement: All participants must be 18 years or older.
• Dress Code: Volunteers who are not wearing long pants and flat, close-toed shoes appropriate for being around animals will be unable to participate.
• Group Size: Groups must consist of 6 – 16 people, allowing us to organize everyone safely for dog-walking activities.
• Activity Type: Group volunteering is currently limited to working with large dogs (we’re unable to offer group activities with cats).
• Schedule: Group volunteer hours are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 AM–1 PM or 1 PM–3 PM. We cannot accommodate other days or times, as these are the only slots when we have the capacity to support group volunteers.
• Health Insurance: All volunteers must have their own health insurance in order to volunteer on site; no exceptions. You do not need to bring your insurance card, however, in signing our waiver, you are stating that you are insured.
• Email and Registration: Once your application is accepted, each participant will need to pre-register on our volunteer management program for the event day, providing an email address and some basic personal information.

To support our shelter, we ask corporate groups to partner with BARCS through a donation of $500 or more. This contribution covers supplies and staff time for coordinating group volunteer days and directly supports our lifesaving work.

Thank you for helping us make a difference for Baltimore’s animals!

Charitable Contribution

We ask for a $500 minimum donation from groups volunteering at BARCS, particularly for corporate or for-profit organizations, to help cover the costs associated with organizing and supporting volunteer days. While group volunteering provides valuable exercise for our dogs and enriches their experience at the shelter, it also requires significant staff time and resources to coordinate, ensure safety, and manage the activities. As a nonprofit, we rely on donations to continue our lifesaving work, and this contribution helps offset the operational costs, such as staff time, supplies, and logistics, to make these volunteer opportunities possible. The donation also helps ensure that we can continue offering meaningful volunteer experiences while maintaining the care and attention our animals deserve. Your support directly contributes to our ability to serve the animals and community while fostering corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

Tell us about your group!

Please provide the following contact information. Additionally, we'd love to know a little bit more about you, your love for animals and other unique skills and talents that you have!

Date / Time Restrictions

Group volunteering hours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays during two time slots: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM or 1:00 PM–3:00 PM. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate other days or times, as these are the only periods when our staff is available to support group activities.

We strive to host as many amazing teams and groups as possible who are eager to support our mission. However, please note that not all requested dates may be available. Once your group's Jotform application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a Calendly link to select an available volunteering date.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility—we’re so grateful for your enthusiasm to help!

Contact Person's Information

Please provide the following contact information. Additionally, we'd love to know a little bit more about you, your love for animals and other unique skills and talents that you have!