Attention Animal Lovers: These NoVA Shelters and Rescue Programs Need Your Help

These programs offer short-term foster and volunteer opportunities.

By Kate Oczypok • Posted June 5, 2025 at 8:39 a.m.

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Maybe you’re not ready to permanently adopt a pet. But you still love animals, and want to volunteer and enrich the lives of shelter animals. If so, read on for some options for daytime and short-term foster and volunteer programs.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s “Book Buddies”

Book Buddies is for children in third grade through high school seniors who can read at any level. They are invited to visit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s shelter to read to cats and other small animals in the adoption room. Participants can sign up for half hour sessions with the animals on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue’s “Tails Out” Program

This program works to get dogs out and about in the community and local homes for an afternoon, evening, or overnight while they wait for their forever homes. Those interested can take dogs at the rescue out for activities like a sleepover, nature hike, field trip, or for a drive. 11116 Fairfax Station Rd., Fairfax Station

L ost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation’s “Dogventures”

Suggested options for this Dogventure program are a hike at Great Falls or a quiet nap together on your couch. You can take a pup out of the rescue care center for just a few hours, an entire day, or overnight. Training must be completed before participating. And photos and post-adventure writeups are encouraged. 6801 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church

Fairfax County Animal Shelter

This Fairfax County Animal Shelter is currently looking for fosters who are interested in helping large adult dogs who need a short or longer-term stay to get a break from the shelter. 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton

Loudoun County Animal Services’ Crochet Club

Join Loudoun County Animal Services’ Crochet Club on June 13 from 6-7 p.m. to make a cat toy or blanket. Guests are welcome to start an entirely new project or bring one they’re working on from home. Supplies and lessons will be available, and the activity is recommended for ages 12+. All skill levels welcome, and no sign up is required for this free event. 42225 Adoption Dr., Leesburg

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Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.