Did you know? Many companies will match employees’ volunteer hours with a donation. Learn more about volunteer grants.

How do I start?

Our next recruitment starts February 1st, 2025.

Because of the training provided for weekly in-shelter volunteering, we are only able to bring on new volunteers during recruitment periods. The application for recruitment is posted here during the first two weeks of February, May, August, and November.

Please note that we are not able to bring on new volunteers outside of these recruitment periods. Sign up here to get a notification when the application goes live!

What is the onboarding process?

You will have the opportunity to choose which roles and shifts you are interested in on the application. After the application closes, our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you to let you know if we were able to find a placement for you.

The onboarding process is slightly different for each role. Each role will complete an orientation, then trainings based on your role. Once trainings are complete, then you can start your shift!

Who can volunteer?

The minimum age is 16 years old (or turning 16 in the next 6 months). Please note that the minimum age for the in-shelter volunteer program is strictly upheld; underage volunteers cannot volunteer with an adult. We welcome youth volunteers to check out our other opportunities, such as Doggy Day Out!

There is no maximum age and no prior experience required.

What is the committment?

Due to the level of training that we provide, we ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours every week for 4 months.

If you aren’t able to make this commitment, we encourage you to take part in our drop-in opportunities below.

Sign up for the opportunities below at any time.

Minimum age: 16 years
When: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Animal ambulance volunteers take animals needing specialty care to vet appointments. Volunteers also take sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife from our shelter to the wildlife center in Burlingame for rehabilitation. When animals need transport, you’ll receive a text or email alert. If you are available to transport, you have the option to accept the transport. There is no obligation if you’re unavailable, and you’ll only receive messages on the days you choose. Start saving animals today!

Minimum age: 12 years
When: Monday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Office admin volunteers help with the essential front desk tasks that keep the shelter running, including organizing pet supplies and paperwork, greeting guests, and setting up for events. This is a great opportunity for young volunteers looking to get involved. Get involved today!

Minimum age: 5 years with an adult
When: Select days, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Want to make a shelter dog's day? Take one out for a Doggy Day Out! Through this field trip program, participants give our active, large and small breed dogs (that tend to pull on the leash and don’t quite yet understand good manners but are otherwise great dogs) a chance to experience fun outside of the shelter! Field trips can be a relaxing morning at home, a visit to a park for playtime, or even a hike on one of the Bay’s dog-friendly trails! Sign up to make a dog’s day!