7 Animal Shelters Where You Can Help Clean, Bathe & Play With The Animals
You can also volunteer as a photographer at some shelters, among other fun opportunities.
1. My Pets' Haven @ Setia Alam
My Pets' Haven is a one-woman powerhouse founded by Auntie Aileen, and she's always in need of extra hands (and hearts).
Volunteers help with the usual shelter duties, such as walking and bathing dogs, scrubbing floors, folding newspapers, plus giving the cats and dogs all the attention they crave. Mornings are the busiest, so come early and bring extra clothes. No experience needed — just show up with compassion and a willingness to work.
Muslim volunteers are welcome to opt out of dog-handling duties and focus on feline care instead.
Photographers are also encouraged to help these adoptable cuties find forever homes with a few well-snapped portraits.
Volunteer slots are limited to five people per session, so book ahead and don't forget to bring some old newspapers!
Sign up here.
Image via My Pets Haven (Facebook)
Image via Pawever Memories
2. A Dog's Life @ Klang
Image via May Vin Ang/SAYS
A Dog's Life is a humble animal shelter in Klang run by the kind-hearted Aunty Jenny, who's spent over two decades giving stray dogs a second chance at life. What started with just one rescue has grown into a safe haven for more than 80 dogs — including pups who've survived car accidents, were abandoned by their owners, or are battling cancer.
The shelter runs purely on donations and compassion, with Aunty Jenny, two helpers, and her son doing everything from feeding to medical care. They're always in need of volunteers and kind souls to lend a hand.
If you wish to volunteer, contact Lester (Aunty Jenny's son) at +6017-6695142.
3. KL Pooch Resort & Rescue @ Kerling
KL Pooch Resort & Rescue isn't your average shelter. It's more like doggy bootcamp meets community hangout, with volunteers right in the thick of the action.
Come ready to bathe scruffy mutts, scrub poop from floors, tend to the garden, and maybe even sew a dog toy or two. It's all physical, messy work, but incredibly rewarding. And yes, cuddles are included — just don't expect a selfie break mid-scrub (phones are off-limits during shifts!).
They run hands-on Volunteer Saturdays with a full morning itinerary: briefing, dog washing, kennel cleaning, and wrap-up. And you'll definitely leave with fur on your clothes and a full heart.
Not a fan of slobbery kisses? You can still help behind the scenes: photography, admin, social media, medical care, or simply organising supplies. Whatever your skill set, there's a doggo (or 300) who could use it.
Image via @klpooch (Instagram)
4. SPCA Selangor @ Ampang
First-timers at SPCA Selangor must go through the Pet Care Programme (PCP), a one-off training workshop that preps you for safe, responsible volunteering. After that, you're welcome back anytime to help with kennel cleaning, walking dogs, cat socialising, and even lending a hand at events or in the office.
This is a great spot for those who want a more structured volunteer experience or need to complete community service hours. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your whole squad, you'll get a crash course in animal welfare and come away with new skills — and possibly a new furry best friend.
Sign up by reaching out to [email protected] or +603-42565312.
More info here.
Image via SPCA Selangor, Malaysia (Facebook)
Image via SPCA Selangor, Malaysia (Facebook)
5. Second Chance Animal Society (SCAS) @ Hulu Langat
SCAS is a no-kill shelter that thrives on the spirit of gotong-royong — welcoming everyone from students to office kakis for meaningful group volunteering. From painting kennels to shampooing pups and scrubbing drains, their themed activity blocks make it easy to pick what suits your energy level.
Each session runs for a few hours and includes everything from cleaning and cuddling to giving tick baths (don't worry, it's more satisfying than it sounds).
Just bring your own lunch, water, and clothes you don't mind getting down and dirty in. Bonus: your participation comes with zero pressure and lots of doggo gratitude.
Sign up by reaching out to [email protected] to book your commitment to the shelter.
More info here.
Image via Second Chance Animal Society (Facebook)
Image via @scas_my (Instagram)
6. PAWS Animal Welfare Society @ Ara Damansara
At PAWS, volunteers get the freedom to decide how they want to help. Whether you're a cat whisperer or a dog-walking enthusiast, you can pick your preferred activity and dive right in. There's not much hand-holding here, so self-starters who can work independently will feel right at home.
Sessions run in the mornings (except Wednesdays and public holidays), and slots are limited — so call ahead to book.
Student volunteers are welcome too, but only on weekdays. Don't forget: appropriate attire and poop bags are non-negotiable, and bringing water and a change of clothes is just smart planning.
Sign up here.
7. S.I Home Shelter @ Shah Alam
S.I Home Shelter is a quiet little haven housing over 400 cats and 12 dogs, including those that were injured or have been abandoned.
Volunteers are welcome to help with feeding, cleaning, and administering medication. If you're a cat lover who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty (and fur-covered), this is your place.
S.I Home Shelter welcomes any form of help be it financially, adopting, volunteering, or even just paying a visit to the shelter.
Their current needs include food (kibbles/canned food), medication (Drontal), wee wee pads, cleaning agents (detergent, bleach, dishwashing liquid), animal shampoo, wood pellets, and old newspapers.
They prefer a heads-up before you visit, so call in advance to arrange your session.
Contact the shelter at +6017-3206869 (Muhamad Razeef).
Sign up here.
Image via S.I Home Shelter (Facebook)
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Image via SAYS


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