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Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you accept volunteer applications?
We currently accept applications from prospective volunteers
on an every other month basis. The
application is available on our website during the months of January, March,
May, July, September, and November.
Completed applications must be received by the volunteer office by the
last day of the month to be considered for that cycle.
How do I become a volunteer?
- After
your application is received you will receive confirmation from one of our
Volunteer Coordinators. You will be
invited to attend a group interview session where you will receive more
information about the San Diego Humane Society and the various volunteer
opportunities we have available as well as a behind-the-scenes tour. We look forward to getting to know you and
showing you our campuses.
- Following
the interview, the Volunteer Engagement department will validate your
application and contact you if there is an appropriate volunteer assignment
that matches your skills, interests and schedule.
- Once
you have received your assignment, we will schedule training necessary for our
program. This will include a Volunteer
Orientation as well as a training workshop and/or shadow training with a staff
member.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
We have limited opportunities for youth volunteers. At our North Campus, youth
ages 16 or 17 can volunteer for positions with cats, rabbits, and office roles.
Please note our canine companion and foster volunteer positions are for ages 18+.
At our Central Campus,
volunteers aged 14 or 15 can apply for our Cat Companion or Small Animals
Programs. These volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian,
who is also an approved volunteer, at all times while volunteering. Volunteers
aged 16 or 17 can apply for our Cat, Small Animals or Dog Buddy programs and
may volunteer unaccompanied.
I’m not quite 14 yet but my friends and I
really want to help. Isn’t there anything we can do?
While you are not yet
able to work directly in the shelter, we do have a few options for volunteers
who do not meet the minimum age requirement. Two things you might want to
try:
- Host a donation drive at your school or in your
community to collect various new or used items from our Wish List such as
towels, blankets and pet supplies which you can then donate to our
shelter.
- Print Furry Fliers off of our website and distribute
around your neighborhood to help us get our available animals
adopted. Furry Fliers can be found here».
Can I get community service hours
for school?
After completion of your six month commitment as a volunteer, we are happy to
verify hours for school programs.
Can I satisfy court-ordered community service requirements?
At this time, we are
unable to verify hours to meet community service requirements mandated by the
court.
What is the minimum time requirement?
We ask that our new volunteers make an initial commitment of six months.
Monthly hour minimums vary by program but plan to spend at least six hours a
month volunteering to meet requirements of most programs.
If I complete your application can I volunteer
at any Humane Society in the county?
All humane societies are independent organizations. If you are interested
in working with another animal welfare organization, you must complete their
volunteer application process. Also - please note that volunteers will be
assigned to assist at a specific campus (North Campus or Gaines St. Campus) of
their choosing.
Are there any costs associated with volunteering
for the San Diego Humane Society?
Volunteers are required to purchase a t-shirt or apron to complete their
volunteer uniform. These uniform pieces
are available for less than $10 at any of our Muttique locations.
A few of our programs do
have additional equipment purchases. All volunteers working with dogs
(Dog Buddies, Animal Care Assistants and Dog Activities) must purchase a
volunteer vest and leash package for $30. Pet-Assisted Therapy volunteers
with CGC certified therapy dogs must purchase a therapy dog vest for $40.
How do I get my dog involved in Pet-Assisted
Therapy?
Please see our information here».
How can my group get involved in volunteering?
We have three great opportunities for groups to volunteer. Each year our
special events, the Fur Ball, the Walk for Animals and our telethon, require
the help of hundreds of volunteers. For more information on how to get
involved with any of these great events, please contact volinfo@sdhumane.org.
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