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, while you develop your skills, and enhance your resume.
How to Become a Pro Bono Volunteer
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Review the volunteer opportunities below and apply for a position.
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The Volunteer Engagement team will review your information and schedule a phone or in person interview if there is a position that fits your skills and interest.
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Qualified applicants selected for a program will be trained on San DIego Humane Society policies and procedures by our professional staff!
Veterinary Professionals
Now recruiting DVMS
- San Diego Campus Vaccine Clinics, Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- El Cajon Campus Vaccine Clinics, Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
- Escondido Campus Shelter Hospital
- Oceanside Campus Shelter Hospital
Now recruiting RVTs/VAs
- San Diego Campus Shelter Hospital
- Escondido Campus Shelter Hospital
- Oceanside Campus Shelter Hospital
Professional Veterinarians, Registered Vet Technicians and Vet Assistants volunteer with our Veterinary team during surgery, treatments and/or rehabilitation for shelter animals in our vaccine clinics, hospital or Kitten Nursery. Volunteers must successfully complete a working interview prior to joining the team. DVM volunteers must successfully complete a background and possess a valid CA license. RVT volunteers must possess a valid CA RVT certification. Typical commitment is one 3-4 hour shift per week.
Additional Opportunity for Veterinary Professionals
- Community Engagement - Microchip Assistant
Our free microchipping events out in the community are a vital part of our mission, enabling us to provide a lifeline for lost or missing pets. We would love volunteers to join us at these community events and work alongside our Medical team to implant microchips or assist with restraining pets using Fear Free methods. By volunteering your expertise with us, you'll be an essential link in the chain of reuniting pets with their families and bringing comfort and peace of mind to pet owners. This is a great role for volunteers with advanced animal handling experience or RVT/VAs looking for an impactful opportunity to engage with the community.
Professional Dog Trainers
Now recruiting for Oceanside Campus
Professional Dog Trainers and Animal Behavior Specialists assist the Behavior & Training team with training and behavior modification for shelter animals. Volunteer trainers may also assist the Behavior & Training team with public classes, translation of behavior & training resource center articles into Spanish (if applicable), public behavior helpline support and outreach events. Volunteers must successfully complete a working interview prior to volunteering and possess a valid animal training or behavior specialist certification (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CTC, CBCC-KA, CAAB, etc). Typical commitment is one 2-4 hour shift per week.
Professional Groomers and Bathers
Now recruiting for Escondido Campus
Professional Groomers assist with grooming adoptable animals at the shelter or at your grooming salon. Volunteer groomers must be have professional grooming experience with bathing, cleaning ears, trimming nails and cutting/working with a variety of coats. Typical commitment is one 3-4 hour shift per week/everyother week. Volunteers use own grooming equipment.
Professional Bathers assist with bathing dogs at the shelter. Volunteer bathers must be have professional experience with bathing and cleaning ears. Typical commitment is one 3-4 hour shift per week/every other week.
Professional Photographers
Not currently recruiting
Shelter Animal/Event Photographers conduct weekly photo shoots for adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals to be used as promotional photos on the animals’ online profiles. Volunteers will also be asked to serve as event photographers to cover various fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteer applicants must submit a professional portfolio, including samples of companion animal photography, to be reviewed for quality and brand fit. They must also use their own photo equipment. Professional animal photography experience preferred. Typical commitment is one 2-hour shift per week.
Click here to fill out our interest list and be notified when there is an opening on our Photo team.
Professional Videographers
Not currently recruiting
Shelter Animal/Event Videographers shoot and edit videos for adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals to be used as promotional videos on the animals’ online profiles. Volunteers will also be asked to serve as event videographers to cover various stories and fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteers must submit a professional portfolio, including samples of videography work to be reviewed for quality and brand fit. Professional videography experience preferred, but will also consider students and story telling enthusiasts with own camera or high quality cell phone. Comittment is a weekly set shift, typically 2 hours in length; training provided.
Administrative Professionals
Not currently recruiting
Professional Administrative Assistants help our Operations, Philanthropy and Human Resources teams with database management, donor relations and various clerical tasks. Volunteers must have office experience and be computer and database savvy. Typical commitment is one 3-4 hour shift per week.
