Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with One of a Kind Pet Rescue! Our volunteers help us give our animals the best care possible and that’s what they deserve. Extra hands make for lighter work and reduce the need for paid staff so we can use that money for food, medicine and other supplies. We are glad that you have considered giving your time and talent to the care and socialization of orphaned pets.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, and come in on a regular basis, the first step is to submit a Volunteer Application using our online form. You will be added to a database and notified by email approximately two weeks prior to our next training. Training classes occur approximately every 6 weeks. Volunteer Orientations are the first Sunday of each month at 10am, and the second Monday at 6pm with additional dates added as needed. Volunteer Applicants who have not already signed up for an orientation are notified by email at the beginning of each month with upcoming dates.
If you are interested in coming in as a group for a single service opportunity, please contact our volunteer coordinator directly at volunteer@oneofakindpets.com to schedule a date. Groups are limited to 12 people, and service projects are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays between 8am-5pm. Groups do not attend the training class and do not purchase a t-shirt.
If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by emailing volunteer@oneofakindpets.com.
Requirements
- All on-going volunteers must complete an orientation prior to working with us. As part of the orientation you will be required to purchase a volunteer t-shirt for $15. (These requirements do not apply to groups coming in for a one-time service.)
- Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Volunteers between the ages of 13-15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to the orientation and must work in tandem with that person who took the orientation with them while they are here.
- Volunteers are required to sign a Waiver of Release. Anyone between 13-17 must have a parent/guardian sign the waiver.
- Volunteers may volunteer when they are available, and are welcome to stay as long as they are available. Occasionally we do schedule volunteers for shifts, but that is only in the case of large events. Volunteers will receive an email if volunteers are needed for an event and they will be able to sign-up to volunteer for that event at that time.
Volunteer Positions
Foster Parents
Foster Parents are volunteers that help us save lives! Our puppies and dogs often need a temporary place to stay before they become eligible for adoption. As a foster, you are an important leg of their journey to a new home. We cover all the expenses and you get to experience their love, trust, and companionship while offering them security – maybe for their first time ever!
Dog Walkers
Dog Walkers are needed intermittently from 8:30 am – 8:00pm. The dogs and puppies enjoy the attention and it helps to keep them socialized. Your time spent with them will improve their chances to get a home of their own! Dog walkers must be 16 years old or older.
Event Team Volunteers
Event Team Volunteers take literature to a public event and promote One of A Kind Pet Rescue. Frequently animals accompany volunteers at events. Taking animals gives both One of A Kind Pet Rescue and One of A Kind Pet Spay & Neuter Clinic positive exposure and the dog(s) and / or cat(s) get exposure too!
Dog Socializers
Dog Socialization makes our canine tenants really happy too! Dogs exercised and loved show so much better to a potential adopter. We also host Doggie Playgroups to allow the dogs to learn how to play with other dogs and to be in social settings.
Cat Socializers
Cat Socialization makes our feline tenants really happy. Feel free to brush, pet, or play with our cats and kittens.
Administrative Help
Administrative Help Volunteers help with record keeping, letter writing, data entry, and more. These talents are invaluable to the organization.
Fundraising Volunteers
Fundraising Volunteers are needed to assist in raising money to keep the rescue operation funded. Join a planning committee, help promote our events, or stuff mailers. There is something for everyone!
Done-in-a-Day Volunteers
Done-in-a-Day Volunteers often come as a group and tackle a big project for us. Projects may include cleaning animal rooms at the Adoption Center or Clinic, picking weeds, spreading mulch, or setting up for an event. You must schedule in advance for your group to come in by emailing volunteer@oneofakindpets.com.
#RunningDog
#RunningDog – these volunteers are individuals that enjoy multi-mile runs on a daily or weekly basis. They come in to help run our higher-energy dogs and train them to be good running partners. Read about their results on their facebook page, RunningDog Runners.
Two Convenient Locations
Rescue & Adoption Center
1929 West Market Street
Akron, OH 44313
(330) 865-6200
Spay & Neuter Clinic
1700 West Exchange Street
Akron, OH 44313
(330) 865-6890
Connect with Us
Meet Our Pets
We feature “One of A Kind” kittens, cats, puppies and dogs. Review our adoptable pets online and then come into the adoption center and visit them to see which one is right for you.
Subscribe to Pets News
Sign up for our email newsletter and receive One of a Kind updates each week. You'll get everything from local pet events to exciting new products you can find in our retail store.
Upcoming Events
There's so much going on and we have the scoop on every kind of pet event. Find out what new pet-friendly events are coming up and join us for some fun and furry happenings.
Support our mission... make a donation today!