Volunteers

Volunteers make a difference! We rely on the hard work, love and commitment of our volunteers in all of our programs.

We have a new, revamped volunteer orientation and training that is COVID safe. Please read the information below to see the volunteer guidelines and how to get started!

Volunteer Age Guidelines

  • Age 16 and older: can volunteer with no special supervision.

  • Age 13 to 15: must volunteer with an adult that is 18 years or older. This adult must also go through the volunteer training process. 

  • Age 12 and under – cannot volunteer at the shelter. However, there are other volunteer opportunities outside the shelter. Please see this page for more information.

Volunteer Hours

Volunteers can sign up for shifts as early as 8:30am Monday - Saturday. Later shifts may run as late as 6:00pm on some of those operating days. Currently, there are no volunteer opportunities available on Sundays for new volunteers. However, once volunteers have completed a certain amount of training and hours, Sunday options may be available.

Volunteer Orientation & Training

Volunteer orientation consists of a short video and quiz which will be provided to you. This will give you an opportunity to learn about our animal shelter, volunteer program, and volunteer roles to make sure it is the right fit for you. Once you’ve completed the orientation you will watch a training video and then have one-on-one training with the Program Team or a Volunteer mentor..

 

Volunteer Positions

Volunteer opportunities are categorized by groups:

  • Basic – entry level volunteer position

  • Advanced – requires additional training

  • Mentoring - after a combination of 100 hours and demonstration of shelter knowledge and leadership, appointed by Program Coordinator

If you have a special skill, talent or hobby, please feel free to share them with us. There may be a need you can help with.


Basic

  • Cat Socializer

  • Clerical Assistant

  • Co-location (Emergency) Shelter Assistant

  • Dog Walker/Socializers

  • Groomer

  • Kennel Assistant for cats and dogs

  • Laundry Assistant

  • Outreach/ Special Events Representative

  • Small Animal Companion

Advanced

  • Adoption/Meet and Greet Counselor

  • Rabies Clinic Assistants

Mentor

  • Training Mentor - assist with the volunteer orientation and volunteer training

  • Volunteer Mentor - “Go To” person for new volunteers and assist with coaching of new volunters

How to Begin

Please fill out an inquiry form here: https://airtable.com/shrDXXpHtIM4XbmNc 

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE OFTEN GET A HIGH NUMBER OF INQUIRIES AND IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME BEFORE YOU GET A RESPONSE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!


Court or Attorney Ordered Community Service:

If you have been ordered to complete community service by the court or your attorney, we have a separate community service hours program. Though we are not a 501(c)3, we are accepted by Orange County courts as an organization to complete community service. Community Service hours are available to be completed Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm. Due to the detailed and in-depth training required to handle animals this involves no animal handling. Duties will include laundry of soiled animal bedding (primary task), cleaning public areas and hallways (sweeping and mopping), administrative tasks (folding brochures, etc.) and other activities that do not include direct interaction with the animals. The quickest way to get your community service hours started is by emailing our program coordinator at tschifano@orangecountync.gov with the subject “court/attorney ordered community service.” This program is not available for students needing hours for school—you will need to complete your hours via the traditional volunteer program mentioned above.

Need Service Hours Quickly? 

Depending on space and availability, you may be able to earn service hours quickly by performing the same duties as our Court Ordered Community Service program. Community Service hours are available to be completed Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm. Due to the detailed and in-depth training required to handle animals this involves no animal handling. Duties will include laundry of soiled animal bedding (primary task), cleaning public areas and hallways (sweeping and mopping), administrative tasks (folding brochures, etc.) and other activities that do not include direct interaction with the animals. The quickest way to get your community service hours started is by emailing our program coordinator at tschifano@orangecountync.gov with subject “Need Service Hours Quickly.”