San Diego Campus
Volunteer applications for the San Diego Campus are temporarily closed as we redesign our new volunteer training courses.
We will reopen this application on Dec. 30. We look forward to meeting you in the new year.
This volunteer program is designed for community members who are interested in making an ongoing comittment and would like to volunteer at least twice a month. If you would rather help one time, or just a few times throughout the year, please join our interest list to be notified when we launch a new program for folks interest in episodic service later in 2025!
Volunteer Activities:
Guest Guide
Be the first smiling face our visitors see when they arrive on campus. Provide a welcoming experience by greeting each guest and connecting them with the services they need. Community members visit us for many different reasons, such as adopting a new family member, bringing in a found stray, receiving free pet food and supplies, reclaiming a lost pet or having to relinquish their pet. Whatever they need, our Guest Guides are there to assist them with compassion. Shifts typically available 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.
Animal Care - Projects
Support the animals in our care by helping with shelter and enrichment projects, such as laundry, dishes, treat prep and more! These tasks do not involve handling animals which allows volunteers to get started and make an impact quickly, with limited training requirements. Helping with these daily tasks ensures the animals are well taken care of and comfortable while at the shelter. Shifts typically available 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.
Animal Care – Morning Cleaning Routine
Assist staff before the shelter opens with cleaning kennels for dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs. This activity is available to volunteers after completing two initial shifts helping with Projects or Guest Guide. Shifts typically available 7 - 10 a.m., Monday-Sunday.
Animal Handling Activities
After ten hours and two months of successful service on this team, volunteers 18 and older are eligible to apply to step up to an animal handling team to support activities such as dog walking (greatest need), kitten care in our kitten nursery etc. We recruit for these teams periodlically throughout the year, as needed. These roles require online and hands on training, more responsibility and a weekly 2-3 hour shift commitment.
Commitment:
One 2-hour shift every other week. Flexible schedule - Shifts are booked online via website or app.
Volunteer Requirements:
Age - Volunteers 16 or older may volunteer unaccompanied. Volunteers 14/15 can volunteer if accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is also an approved volunteer. Under 14 but want to get involved? Check out our DIY page or Youth Services page!
Access to a computer or smart phone - All volunteer communication is done via email, scheduling and training is done online via the website or app.
Application:
Applicants must complete their Orientation within one month of applying and serve their first volunteer shift within one month of attending Orientation.
- Application - We recruit new volunteers throughout the year, on an as-needed basis. Our online application is posted below during open recruitment periods.
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Online Learning - Complete one training course to learn more about San Diego Humane Society and the volunteer program.
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Orientation- This small group session includes a behind-the-scenes tour and group service projects to determine if our activities are the right fit for you.
