Volunteer

Review the recruitment process for a volunteer team by visiting the page for the type of volunteering you are interested in using the tabs above.

We have two types of volunteer opportunities: one-time service and ongoing service. If you are unable to commit to regular shifts or long-term support, please view our one-time service opportunities. To join one of our regular volunteer teams or for information on court-ordered service, please view our ongoing service opportunities above.

We open recruitment on an as-needed basis. When we have opportunities available for a specific team, we will post the application to that team’s page on our website. If recruiting for the team you’re interested in is paused, consider starting with a different opportunity first!   

New volunteers complete their application, orientation and training at one designated location. Because each campus has its own procedures, volunteers wishing to transfer or add additional sites must submit a request to the Volunteer Engagement team. Transfers are approved based on availability at the requested location.  

Instructions are sent via email immediately after the application has been submitted.

It depends on the team! Individual age requirements will vary based on seasonal needs and will be listed on the page for each team or opportunity.

There are several options for younger community members who want to help animals! You can:  

• Find ideas for at-home projects and ways to get involved on our Youth Service page. 
• Host a donation drive at your school or in your community to collect new or used items from our Wish List. 
• Host a fundraiser! You can collect donations online by setting up a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser, or host a lemonade stand, offer to walk your neighbors’ dogs for a donation or sell homemade crafts. The possibilities are endless! 
• Give an animal a temporary home by fostering. This opportunity is open to the whole family, but the primary contact must be 18 or older. 

Hours toward school-ordered community service can be verified after you’ve completed two months of service.  

Hours toward mandated court-ordered community service can be verified after you’ve completed two months of service. Due to a high level of interest in volunteering at San Diego Humane Society, community members interested in fulfilling community service with us must complete our full application process and all required trainings before beginning their service, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. At this time, we do not offer short-term or quick turnaround service opportunities meant to fulfill court-ordered requirements.  

We have partnerships with a few schools in San Diego and host students in our medical departments working towards becoming Registered Veterinary Technicians or Veterinary Assistants. For more information, click here.  

We welcome school, community and corporate groups to volunteer together! Group shifts are typically for 5-15 group members and are held at most of our locations. Please visit our group service page for more information.  

Volunteers are required to purchase a T-shirt or apron, which are available for less than $15. (Not required for fosters or one-time group volunteers.) 

San Diego Humane Society is a local, independent organization that is not affiliated with any other humane society or organization. If you are interested in working with another animal welfare organization, you must complete their volunteer application process.