Volunteers Fuel ASPCA Animal Rescue Efforts Nationwide

Dedicated volunteers drive the ASPCA's core mission of safeguarding animals and combating cruelty through their unwavering compassion, expertise, and commitment across various aspects of our operations. While our New York City base boasts an impressive array of supporters—in 2025 alone, they logged

Dedicated volunteers drive the ASPCA's core mission of safeguarding animals and combating cruelty through their unwavering compassion, expertise, and commitment across various aspects of our operations. While our New York City base boasts an impressive array of supporters—in 2025 alone, they logged over 25,000 hours—the influence of our volunteer community stretches far beyond the city limits, delivering profound results especially during critical emergencies.

The ASPCA's National Field & Disaster Response team maintains a robust network of 3,400 volunteer responders ready to mobilize alongside us for extracting animals from situations of alleged cruelty, neglect, and natural catastrophes. These invaluable volunteers, complemented by contract professionals, supply essential support for our field operations. In 2025, this included interventions in 18 cases linked to cruelty and disasters across 10 states, ultimately benefiting 21,000 animals.

During an ASPCA operation in Vermont, Teresa Ladner from the ASPCA was captured on camera. Above, responders Adam Jackson and Summer Piper from the ASPCA are pictured in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

'Volunteers are indispensable to the triumph of our deployments, particularly when we require extra specialized knowledge,' explains Teresa Ladner, vice president of Criminal Practice & Investigations at the ASPCA. Having retired from the FBI in July 2017, Teresa promptly began volunteering with the ASPCA and Tallahassee Animal Services, giving her intimate insight into the pivotal contributions of volunteers.

'Their unique abilities, devotion, and flexibility significantly enhance the efficiency of our missions and the quality of care extended to suffering animals. We hold immense appreciation for the time, effort, and passion they invest in our life-saving endeavors.'

Why They Do It

In February, partnering with local authorities and animal welfare organizations, the ASPCA facilitated the rescue of over 200 dogs from an extensive suspected dogfighting network covering numerous properties in and around Dallas, Texas. The response team in Dallas comprised 103 individuals—73 staff, 20 contract responders, and 10 volunteers.

Carol S., a volunteer responder hailing from St. Cloud, Minnesota, assisted in establishing and breaking down the temporary shelter for the dogs rescued in Dallas. She escorted the dogs to their veterinary assessments and prepared them for relocation to an ASPCA recovery center, where they continue to receive specialized treatment.

Carol's inaugural deployment occurred in 2011 as part of the Washington State Animal Response Team to a puppy mill in Hot Springs, Arkansas. There, the ASPCA supported the removal of more than 100 dogs from dire conditions.

'It was heartbreaking,' she remembers. 'Tears came when I witnessed the extent of abuse and neglect those dogs had endured. I questioned if I could face it again. Yet, I understood this marked the beginning of a brighter future for them.'

By 2013, Carol had officially joined the ASPCA's volunteer responders list.

'Participating as a volunteer fills me with joy,' she shares. 'I've connected with countless individuals who share my deep love for animals. Some have become lifelong friends, and even brief encounters leave a lasting impression.'

Nancy W. from Longwood, Florida, enlisted in the ASPCA volunteer roster three years ago and participated in the Dallas operation. Her deployments have taken her to North Carolina amid Hurricane Helene, Southern California during wildfires, Montana for an equine cruelty investigation, and beyond.

'I thrive on contributing in ways that create real change,' Nancy states. 'My driving force is advocating for those unable to speak for themselves.'

Showing Up When It Matters Most

Megan Allan, the ASPCA's manager of the Responder Resource Unit, spent four years as a volunteer responder with the Florida State Animal Response Team before transitioning to a full-time role with the ASPCA in 2024. She oversees logistics for transportation and accommodations for staff and responders, while offering on-site assistance for any emerging challenges.

'We empower local organizations eager to tackle these issues but often short on necessary resources,' Megan notes. 'Our volunteers are crucial in turning that support into action.'

Pam L., a retired fitness coach volunteering from Charlotte, North Carolina, has responded to Dallas and multiple other incidents. She describes the work as endlessly fulfilling.

'What keeps me going is liberating animals from appalling environments and watching many secure wonderful forever homes,' she explains.

Responders were deeply moved by the ASPCA's involvement in extracting dogs from an Iowa puppy mill, an operation that left a profound mark.

Glen H., a retired IT specialist from Tampa and contract responder specializing in animal behavior, recalls his standout experience: rescuing 160 Samoyeds from an Iowa puppy mill. He organized play sessions to aid their rehabilitation at an ASPCA center. In Dallas, he managed the urgent transport of dogs and puppies requiring immediate medical attention.

'Our presence here is solely for the animals,' Glen affirms.

Iris B., a Seattle-based volunteer who joined the Dallas effort, echoes this sentiment. 'We're all driven by that shared purpose,' she says. 'It's inspiring to see how widespread the care for animals truly is.'