UPDATE

In response to the current state of affairs regarding COVID-19 and its prevention, we are temporarily suspending all large gatherings in accordance to statewide policies. Unfortunately, this does include any new volunteer information sessions, and therefore our volunteer recruitment and onboarding are suspended until further notice. Thank you for your patience, and we wish you continued health and safety.

Thank you to the over 3,500 community members who have expressed interest in fostering animals for San Diego Humane Society. We currently have more community interest than need, but if you would like to be added to our foster interest list, please click here to read more about the program and apply to join the list for future needs.

Thanks for your interest in supporting our lifesaving work.

More Covid-19 Updates

Volunteer Information

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

The work San Diego Humane Society accomplishes would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers.

To get started, please click the buttons below to read more about our various volunteer opportunities and sign up for the team or location that best matches your interests, skills and experience.

Current Volunteer Login

Book a Callback Appointment
COVID-19 Updates

Companion Animals

Volunteer at Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego campuses.
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Foster

Temporarily opening your home to an animal allows our shelter to take in more animals that need help.
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Community Engagement

Opportunities to volunteer and share our mission throughout our community
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Project Wildlife

Volunteer with Project Wildlife and help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild mammals and birds.
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Emergency Response Team

Highly trained volunteers who work in stride with Humane Law Enforcement during times of disaster.
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Specialized Skills and Pro Bono

Skills-based volunteering, also called pro bono volunteering, is a great way for you to donate your time, energy and talent in a meaningful way.
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Short Term Service

Volunteers looking for a quick fix!
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Externship Programs

Externship opportunities at San Diego Humane Society
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We have three campus locations, employ over 500 staff and rely on more than 5,000 volunteers for their time, love, and support. Compassionate, dedicated volunteers are essential to our programs and services organization wide and it is important to us that volunteering be a meaningful experience for everyone who participates.

We recruit new volunteers on an as needed basis giving us time to meet the hundreds of people who express interest and make sure they are placed in an appropriate role and properly trained before they begin.

More opportunities

Group Service

Youth Service

Volunteer with Your Pet

Volunteer FAQs

Volunteer of the Month

Ways to Give