Volunteer
Requirements for Volunteering at BARC:
- You must be at least 21 years old or be accompanied by a parent/guardian
- Bring picture ID and proof of address
- Complete a volunteer form (first visit only)
You can download and complete the Volunteer Release Form. 
Volunteering with BARC is easy! We do not require our volunteers to go through an orientation and no scheduling is necessary, just stop by during the hours listed below.
Dog Walking:
Rain or shine our dogs need to be walked! Stop by BARC and enjoy a nice stroll with one of our dogs during one of the many shifts available--
- Morning Shift, 9:30am to 12pm: Tuesday - Saturday
- Evening Shift, 5:30pm to 7:30pm: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only
NY Cares Volunteer Teams walk dogs Sun and Mon mornings (10:30-1pm) and Wed and Fri evenings (6-7:30pm). At these times we are not able to host individual volunteers.
There are no volunteer shifts on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
UNTIL AUGUST 1ST:
Morning Shift, 9:30am to 12pm: Monday and Tuesday only
Evening Shift, 5:30pm to 7:30pm: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only
What it takes to be a dog walker:
- You should be comfortable with energetic dogs and able to keep up with their physical activity level.
- Wear comfortable sneakers and clothes that can get dirty.
- You MUST be willing to pick up dog poop – it's the Law, and we are good neighborhood citizens. We will provide ample poop bags.
- You need to sign the volunteer sign-in sheet each time you come.
- You should bring a minimum of personal belongings as we have limited storage space (but carry your cell phone in case of an emergency!)
Volunteering in the Cat Loft:
Our cats need to be brushed, pet and socialized in our cat loft in order to promote healthy socialization. The cat loft is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- 12pm to 5pm: Tuesday - Saturday
What it takes to socialize with cats:
- Must love and be comfortable with cats of varying personalities – note some of our cats are loose in the loft.
- You should wear clothes that can get dirty.
- You should bring a minimum of personal belongings as we have limited storage space.
- You need to sign the volunteer sheet inside the store each time you come.
Group Volunteering:
We partner with corporations, schools, and community groups to volunteer with us in groups of 5 to 15 people. If you are interested in scheduling a volunteer project with us, please call the shelter at (718) 486-7489 during office hours.
Give to BARC
Happy Tails
To the Great Folks at BARC-- We wanted to send a Happy Tail about our sweet and wonderful dog, Lola Prefontaine ("Lola"), who was known as MAMA DEBBIE at BARC. Lola was a stray found somewhere in Brooklyn and brought to BARC..