Little Hands, Big Impact

If your family is looking for a way to give back to the community while spending time with some adorable furry friends, the Cumberland County Animal Shelter (CCAS) is a fantastic place to start. My family was able to participate during the Summer of 2025 and I highly recommend it! Not big on animals? Scroll to the bottom for more ideas!

Volunteering as a family doesn't just help the shelter- it teaches children empathy, responsibility, and the value of community service. Here is everything you need to know about getting your "Macaroni Kids" involved at our local shelter.

Why Volunteer at the Animal Shelter?

For children, the benefits of working with animals are endless. It helps build:

Empathy: Learning to read an animal’s body language and provide comfort.
Confidence: Especially for older kids who take on the responsibility of walking or grooming.
Social Skills: Working alongside shelter staff and other volunteers.

Opportunities for Every Age

Cumberland County Animal Shelter has specific guidelines to ensure both the animals and the volunteers stay safe. Here’s how your kids can help based on their age:

For Teens (Ages 16-17)

Teens can volunteer independently! They’ll need a parent or guardian to attend the initial orientation and sign a waiver, but after that, they are free to schedule their own shifts. This is a great way to earn service hours for school or clubs.

For "Tweens" (Ages 12-15)

Kids in this age group can volunteer as a team with a parent or guardian. You’ll work together (one child per adult) to provide "TLC" to the animals. This is a wonderful bonding activity that gets you out of the house and doing something meaningful together. The volunteer coordinator can walk you through all that you can do as a family.

For the "Junior" Volunteers (Under 12)

While the shelter requires volunteers to be a certain age for hands-on animal interaction, younger kids can still make a huge difference!

Host a Donation Drive: Gather neighbors to collect old towels, blankets, or unopened bags of approved food.
DIY Toys: Make "no-sew" fleece blankets or braided rope toys at home to drop off at the shelter.
Pantry Helpers: Organize a "Pennies for Paws" drive at school to help fund medical care. Or collect needed items that are communicated by the shelter.
Laundry Helpers: This is primarily what my family did as volunteers! We folded laundry and restocked the areas with clean items.
Treat Makers: Help your kids make treats on site at the animal shelter- all materials are provided.

Roles Your Family Can Take On

Once you’ve attended orientation, there are several "tracks" you can choose from:

Dog TLC: Provide much-needed exercise and socialization. This includes walking, playing in the yard, and even light grooming so the pups look their best for potential adopters!
Cat TLC: Spend time in the "Cat-Room" socializing kittens and cats. You’ll help them get used to human touch, making them much more likely to find a "fur-ever" home.
Social Media Help: Are your kids tech-savvy? The shelter always needs help taking great photos and videos of the animals to post on social media. A great photo can be the reason an animal gets adopted! Share them with your volunteer coordinator.
Fostering: If you have room in your home and heart, fostering provides a temporary, quiet space for animals to heal or grow until they are ready for adoption.
Chores: There are countless chores that need to be done to keep the animals in a safe and clean environment.

How to Get Started

Ready to jump in? Here is the "To-Do" list for your family:

Step 1: Attend Orientation.
Step 2: Schedule Your Shift. After orientation, you’ll schedule your first tour and shift.
Step 3: Dress the Part. Always wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting a little "animal love" (hair and dirt) on!

Location: 4704 Corporation Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Hours: Mon-Fri (8 AM – 5:30 PM) | Sat (10 AM – 5 PM)

Email: Amanda Chavis aorgan@cumberlandcountync.gov

Learn More: Visit the Cumberland County Volunteer Page for the latest updates and application forms