San Diego Campus
The volunteer recruitment period is now closed - thank you to all the community members who signed up in May, we are excited to get you started!
If you are interested in volunteering, please check back in July for our next recruitment round.
Thank you for your interest in serving at the shelter!
Our team of dedicated volunteers help at our San Diego Campus with animal care tasks and exceptional guest service. If you can commit to one shift every other week, for at least three months, we would love to have you join the team!
New volunteers join the team and help with non-animal handling activities in our Guest Relations and/or Animal Care departments. Learn about animal sheltering and San Diego Humane Society services all while supporting our daily work!
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 – Kennel Cleaning Routines
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 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 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), kitten care in our kitten nursery etc. We recruit for these teams periodically 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 team is a match for you:
Schedule: Initial volunteer shifts available 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Tuesday-Sunday. Additional volunteer activities unlocked after completing first two shifts in the shelter. Flexible schedule - Shifts must bebooked online via website or app.
Commitment: One 2-hour shift every other week, for a minimum of 3 months.
- Application - We recruit new volunteers throughout the year, on an as-needed basis. Our online application is posted below during open recruitment periods.
- Online Learning - Complete one training course to learn more about San Diego Humane Society and the volunteer program.
- Orientation- This in person, 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.
Recruitment Period and Application
The volunteer recruitment period is now closed - thank you to all the community members who signed up in May, we are excited to get you started!
If you are interested in volunteering, please check back in July for our next recruitment round.
