Volunteer Program
Sonoma County Animal Services
How to Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Animal Services, Volunteers are an essential part of how we serve our animals and the community! Please read about our Volunteer Positions below to find one (or more!) that matches your interests.
Our Volunteer Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm
- Volunteers ages 9-13 years old may work with Cats, Rabbits and Small Animals
- Volunteers must be 14 years and older to work with Dogs
- Volunteers ages 9-16 years old must be accompanied by an adult (typically a parent or guardian)
- Volunteers ages 16-18 may volunteer independently with written consent from their parent or guardian
Please note: All volunteers will need to attend an in-person Orientation and Pet Enrichment Session prior to signing up for Volunteer shifts at our shelter. We ask that volunteers make a least a 3 month commitment. Dog Volunteers will be required to complete the Fear Free Shelter Training online (approx. 5 hours)
All Dog Volunteer Positions are for Volunteers ages 14 and up only. Our Dogs are assigned a Collar Level based on their assessments: Green, Orange or Purple. All Dog Volunteers regardless of previous experience start at the Green Level. Advancing to Orange Level Dogs requires assessment of the Volunteers skills by the Shelter Supervisor or Animal Health Technician. Please note: most of our Dogs tend to be Orange Level and Purple Level so it may take some time to learn how to work with them effectively and safely.
To apply, please complete the application below and submit to SCASVolunteers@sonoma-county.org you will be contacted by email after your application is reviewed
Dog Fitness Coach
Our Dog Fitness Coaches provide exercise for the dogs including on-leash walking and off-leash playing in the exercise areas. Dog Fitness Coaches will utilize the Enrichment Cards to determine which dogs have not had the time to hit the gym recently and are in need of some one-on-one walking and play time. Dogs are to remain on leash at all times when on walks. Field Trips are also available if you would like to take one of our dogs to a park or hiking trail. Dogs will have "Adopt Me" vests to wear to wear when in public. Dog Fitness Coaches will be assigned one of three “collar color” levels designating the dogs they may work with. Volunteers may graduate to the next collar color through continued training and testing by the Shelter Supervisor and Animal Health Technicians.
Dog Companion
Our Dog Companions provide hands-on care to the dogs, and assist with ensuring that their shelter living environment is as comfortable as possible. Companions help keep the animals socialized, work on basic obedience training, give out treats and provide valuable information for potential adopters by filling out the Enrichment Cards. Enrichment and positive-reinforcement training are two key cornerstones of the Dog Companion position. Dog Companions will be assigned one of three “collar color” levels designating the dogs they may work with. Dog Companions may graduate to the next collar color through continued training and testing by the Shelter Supervisor and Animal Health Technicians. Volunteers ages 14 and up only. 14-16 years old need parent or guardian present at all times.
Dog Spa Attendant
Rub a Dub Dub, Pups In A Tub! Our Dog Spa Attendants provide hands-on bathing of the dogs at the shelter. Spa Attendants will utilize the Enrichment Cards to determine which dogs are in need of a bath and will have access the bathing area. Spa Services may include: bathing, towel drying, brushing, and general pampering to help the dogs look (and smell) so fresh and so clean to put their best paw forward for their potential new homes. Studies have probably shown that the better they smell, the more likely they are to get adopted. Volunteers ages 14 and up only. 14-16 years old need parent or guardian present at all times. We do provide a ramp into the tub but for the larger dogs at the shelter, it is recommended that you be able to lift up to 50lbs.
Paws on the Page
Our animal friends like to keep their minds sharp while they are here. Whether you want to improve your reading skills or enjoy sharing your favorite stories out loud, our dogs/cats and bunnies will provide a non-judgmental ear (or two) to listen. Your storytelling will also help them improve their social skills. Petting is not required but highly encouraged! Please bring your favorite books or choose from our selection. Volunteers ages 9 to 16 years old need a Parent or Guardian present. Volunteers under the age of 14 can read to Cats, Rabbits and Small Animals.
Cat Companion
Our Cat Companions provide hands-on care to the cats, and assist with ensuring that their shelter living environment is as comfortable as possible. Cat Companions help keep the cats and kittens socialized as well as provide valuable information for potential adopters by filling out the Enrichment Cards. Cat cuddles and attention are key cornerstones of being a Cat Companion.
Rabbit & Small Animal Companion
Our Rabbit and Small Animal Companions provide hands-on care to the rabbits, gineua pigs, etc. and assist with ensuring that their shelter living environment is as comfortable as possible. Companions help keep the animals socialized as well as provide valuable information for potential adopters by filling out the Enrichment Cards. Socializing, cuddles and care and key cornerstones of being a Companion.
Client Services
Our Client Service Volunteers are usually the first person that the public meets when they come to the shelter. They greet people as they arrive, answer basic questions, and point the person in the right direction. They provide office support such as mailings, filing and assisting with reuniting lost pets and their owners by conducting a search of the website, searching the stray kennels, filling out a lost pet report, and providing advice on how to conduct a search. They also help potential adopters by showing the available pets on the website.
Shelter Support
We have a variety of shelter projects that involve different aspects of the shelter. We often
need the most help with laundry, dishes, filling kongs, distributing treats, folding towels & blankets, organizing storage etc. For group volunteer inquiries please email us at SCASVolunteers@sonoma-county.org
Animal Chauffeur
Our animal friends appreciate traveling in style. This position is on-call will assist in transporting shelter animals to and from locations such as community partners, rescue organizations, other adoption centers, often to improve their adoption outcome. This will be on an as needed basis.
Foster Care
Do you have a loving home that you would like to share with an animal in need? Show your love by providing in-home care and extra TLC to special needs animals such as nursing kittens and puppies or animals recovering from injuries. We also have a Two Week Foster B&B Vacation to provide a break from the kennels for our shelter dogs. Foster Care Volunteers can determine the types of animals they choose to receive training to care for. Click below for more information on Fostering.