Volunteers Make a Difference!
Join like-minded people and make new friends — both two- and four-legged! As a team, staff and volunteers care for more than 14,000 animals every year that come to us as strays, owner surrenders, and cruelty/neglect cases.
The time and talent of our animal-loving volunteers are essential to providing quality care and giving each animal a chance for a new and happy life. We’re all here for one thing: the animals — and together, we can make a difference!
Current Volunteers
Thank you for your help!
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers contribute throughout nearly every part of our operations, including:
- Socializing animals
- Feeding and cleaning
- Providing excellent customer service
- Helping reunite lost pets with their families
- Assisting at mobile adoption events and fundraisers
How Do I Get Involved?
For those at least 18 years of age, the first step to volunteering is to apply online.
Note: We often receive more applications than we can onboard quickly. Proper training and mentoring take time, so there may be a delay before you can start. Despite this, please submit your application — we truly appreciate your passion and patience!
Tip: If you are interested in AM/PM cleaning/feeding or laundry/dishes, indicate this on your application. We may be able to get you started sooner.
Once your application is reviewed, we will contact you.
Basic Requirements of All Volunteers
All prospective volunteers must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have the ability to work independently with good judgment
- Have strong communication skills (reading, writing, and verbal)
- Comprehend and follow directions, policies, and procedures
- Physically perform the volunteer role(s) selected
- Work effectively and professionally with the public, staff, and fellow volunteers
- Maintain a positive attitude and represent the shelter in a supportive manner
Not 18 Years of Age?
We offer S.T.A.M.P. (Sacramento Teen Animal Membership Program) for teens ages 12–18. Orientations are generally held twice a year.
For more information, email SacCountySTAMP@hotmail.com or connect with S.T.A.M.P. on Facebook.
Community Service Hours
We are unable to provide volunteering hours for:
- School projects (including Senior Projects)
- Animal behavior training schools
- Court-ordered community service
For alternatives, check:
Minimum Time Commitment
To ensure training and mentoring efforts are well utilized and rewarding:
- Volunteers must commit to at least 10 hours per month
- For a minimum of 6 months
Volunteer Orientation
After review of applications, qualified applicants will be invited to an applicable orientation(s). Orientations are generally held once a month or every other month, depending on the specific roles.