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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a volunteer?
North Campus: Volunteer Orientations are offered a couple times a month, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator 760-757-4357, ext. 1244, for orientation dates and times. The next step is to show up at the time you request.
Gaines St. Campus: Fill out the on-line volunteer profile and email (Volinfo@sdhumane.org) or mail to Volunteer Department, San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110. Applicants whose interests, skills and availability match our current volunteer positions will be invited to an interview to learn more about our volunteer programs and complete an official volunteer application indicating their top program choices. Due to the large number of applications received, we regret that we are unable to place everyone who applies.
What training is required?
Volunteers must complete New Volunteer Orientation and the appropriate training workshops and/or shadow training for their assigned programs.
Can I start volunteering tomorrow?
We appreciate the enthusiasm of our volunteer applicants but it does take some time and training to become a San Diego Humane Society volunteer. If your application matches our needs, you will be contacted within three weeks of submission to schedule an interview. After you choose your program at the interview, you will be invited back to complete orientation and training when we have a need for new volunteers in that particular area. It can take some time to become a volunteer, but we are certain you will find the extensive training you receive with us to be a valuable addition to your skills.
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 Gaines St. 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?
Volunteers must successfully complete a minimum of six months in their program before we will verify hours for school or college applications.
Can I satisfy court-ordered community service requirements?
At this time, we do not accept volunteers with mandatory court ordered service requirements.
What is the minimum time requirement?
We ask that our new volunteers make an initial commitment of six months. Monthly 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?
A few of our programs do have mandatory equipment purchases. All volunteers working with dogs (Dog Buddies, Animal Care Assistants and Dog Activities) must purchase a volunteer vest and leash package for $25. Pet-Assisted Therapy volunteers with CGC certified therapy dogs must purchase a therapy dog vest for $35.
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 voldept@sdhumane.org.
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Gaines Campus: 5500 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110 | (619) 299-7012
North Campus: 2905 San Luis Rey Rd., Oceanside, CA 92058 | (760) 757-4357
