Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Feline Animal Care Support

Duties:

This position supports our Animal Care team, as they work to ensure every one of our animals is as comfortable and well-cared for as possible. Assisting with essential daily tasks like feeding and cleaning improves welfare and helps get our animals adopted. Potential adopters make a connection with animals when they’re clean, comfy and cozy!

Time Commitment:

2-hour morning and afternoon shifts are available. All cats and kittens must be fed breakfast and have their living areas cleaned by 12 PM, so the morning is when we have the greatest need. Afternoon shifts from 3-5 PM involve feeding and spot cleaning and shelter care tasks as needed. We ask each volunteer to make a six-month minimum commitment, but we hope you stay longer!

Supervisor: Animal Intake & Care Manager

Tasks:

• Work alongside Animal Care Technicians to provide routine care for our felines.
• Prepare food, deliver meals, and provide fresh water for our cats and kittens.
• Clean and sanitize habitats and cages, including scooping and/or replacing litterboxes.
• Record appetite and elimination information on observation cards to assist with monitoring health.
• Provide and set up clean bedding and toys.
• Clean food and water bowls.
• Participate in the general upkeep of our adoption and holding areas including laundry, sweeping, and mopping.

Qualifications:

• Desire to help our cats and kittens have the best life possible while at the shelter!
• Ability to commit to a 2-hour shift once a week for a minimum of six months
• Ability to read signage and follow instructions (written and verbal)
• Ability/ willingness to follow shelter protocols
• After initial training period is complete must be able to work independently with limited staff supervision
• This role is fairly physical and involves cleaning, light lifting and bending, and spending time on your feet. Please note in your application if you are unable to perform these duties, and we will explore modifications or alternatives with you.

Training & Support:

• Must complete the Humane Society of Sonoma County’s New Volunteer Orientation.
• One-on-one training provided by shelter staff during your first two shifts.
• During the animal care shift you will become familiar with working in a shelter environment and learn our safety and disease prevention protocols.
• All Feline Animal Care Support volunteers are eligible for additional training and volunteer opportunities if they maintain their regular schedule and complete the required training. Volunteers interested in socializing with and providing enrichment for our feline population are welcome to work with our Feline Behavior Department after completing 20 hours of animal care.

Canine Animal Care Support

Duties:

This position supports our Animal Care team, as they work to ensure every one of our animals is as comfortable and well-cared for as possible. Assisting with essential daily tasks like feeding and cleaning improves welfare and helps get our animals adopted. Potential adopters make a connection with animals when they’re clean, comfy and cozy!

Time Commitment:

2-hour morning and afternoon shifts are available. All dogs and puppies must be fed breakfast and have their living areas cleaned by 12 PM, so the morning is when we have the greatest need. Afternoon shifts involve spot cleaning as needed and feeding after 3 PM. We ask each volunteer to make a six-month minimum commitment, but we hope you stay longer!

Supervisor: Animal Intake & Care Manager

Tasks:

• Work alongside Animal Care Technicians to provide routine care for our canines.
• Prepare food, deliver meals, and provide fresh water for our dogs and puppies.
• Clean and sanitize habitats and kennels, including scooping and disposing of animal waste.
• Record appetite and elimination information on observation cards to assist with monitoring health.
• Provide and set up clean bedding and toys.
• Clean food and water bowls.
• Participate in the general upkeep of our adoption and holding areas including laundry, sweeping, and mopping.

Qualifications:

• Desire to help our dogs and puppies have the best life possible while at the shelter!
• Ability to commit to a 2-hour shift once a week for a minimum of six months
• Ability to read signage and follow instructions (written and verbal)
• Ability/ willingness to follow shelter protocols
• After initial training period is complete must be able to work independently with limited staff supervision
• This role is fairly physical and involves cleaning, light lifting and bending, and spending time on your feet. Please note in your application if you are unable to perform these duties, and we will explore modifications or alternatives with you.

Training & Support:

• Must complete the Humane Society of Sonoma County’s New Volunteer Orientation.
• One-on-one training provided by shelter staff during your first two shifts.
• During the animal care shift you will become familiar with working in a shelter environment and learn our safety and disease prevention protocols.
• All Canine Animal Care Support volunteers are eligible for additional training and volunteer opportunities if they maintain their regular schedule and complete the required training. Volunteers interested in walking, socializing with, and providing enrichment for our canine population are welcome to work with our Canine Behavior Department after completing 20 hours of animal care. Opportunities include creating and distributing enrichment, walking, taking dogs to yards, taking dogs on Out & About field trips, and playgroup!