El Cajon Campus
Our volunteer recruitment round for El Cajon Campus is currently closed.
We received a high volume of applications and reached capacity for this recruitment round. Please check back in early September for additional opportunities or apply now to volunteer at one of our other campuses: Oceanside, San Diego or Escondido
New volunteers help with non-animal handling activities in our Guest Relations and Animal Care departments. During this initial period you will learn about animal sheltering and San Diego Humane Society services all while supporting our daily work! After 5 shifts and two months of successful service on our team, volunteers 18 and older are eligible to apply to step up to an animal handling team.
Volunteer Activities:
Guest Guide
Be the first smiling face our visitors see when they arrive on campus. Provide a welcoming experience by greeting each guest and connecting them with the services they need. Community members visit us for many different reasons, such as adopting a new family member, bringing in a found stray, receiving free pet food and supplies, reclaiming a lost pet or having to relinquish their pet. Whatever they need, our Guest Guides are there to assist them with compassion. Shifts typically available 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.
Animal Care - Projects
Support the animals in our care by helping with shelter and enrichment projects, such as laundry, dishes, treat prep and more! These tasks do not involve handling animals which allows volunteers to get started and make an impact quickly, with limited training requirements. Helping with these daily tasks ensures the animals are well taken care of and comfortable while at the shelter. Shifts typically available 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.
Animal Care – Kennel Cleaning
Assist staff before the shelter opens with cleaning kennels for dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs. This activity is available to volunteers after completing two initial shifts helping with Projects or Guest Guide. Shifts typically available 7 - 10 a.m., Monday-Sunday.
Animal Handling Activities
After 5 shifts and two months of successful service on our team, volunteers 18 and older are eligible to apply to step up to an animal handling team to support activities such as dog walking (greatest need), cat socialization and small pet socialization. We recruit for these teams periodlically throughout the year, as needed. These roles require online and hands on training, more responsibility and a commitment of 4 shifts per month.
Please review these requirements to determine if our volunteer program is a match for you:
Location: By signing up for an orientation in El Cajon, you are committing to volunteer at the El Cajon location. If you are interested in volunteering at another campus, please complete the application and orientation for that location.
Schedule: Initial volunteer shifts available 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Tuesday-Sunday. Additional volunteer activities during early mornings and on Mondays unlocked after completing first two shifts in the shelter. Flexible schedule, but shifts must be pre-booked online via website or app.
Commitment: One 2-hour shift every other week.
Age: 16+
Access to a computer or smart phone: All volunteer communication is done via email. Scheduling and training are done online via the website or app.
New volunteer onboarding steps:
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Application - We recruit new volunteers throughout the year, on an as-needed basis. Our online application is posted below during open recruitment periods.
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Online Learning - Complete one training course to learn more about San Diego Humane Society and the volunteer program.
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Orientation- This small group session includes a behind-the-scenes tour and group service projects to determine if our volunteer team is the right fit for you.
Training deadline: Applicants must complete their in-person Orientation within one month of applying and serve their first volunteer shift within one month of attending Orientation.
FAQs: You can review additional frequently asked questions here!
Recruitment Period and Application
Our volunteer recruitment round for El Cajon Campus is currently closed.
We received a high volume of applications and reached capacity for this recruitment round. Please check back in early September for additional opportunities or apply now to volunteer at one of our other campuses: Oceanside, San Diego or Escondido
