Volunteer Program
Sonoma County Animal Services
How to Volunteer
- Review our age requirements and list of volunteer positions below.
- Complete the Volunteer Application and email it to SCASVolunteers@sonoma-county.org (if under 16, your parent or guardian will also need to complete an application). Please note you will need Adobe Reader, or you can print it and email us a copy of the completed application.
- Receive an email response from us with a sign up link for our upcoming volunteer orientations.
- Attend orientation and tour the facility.
- Sign our Code of Conduct, Volunteer Policies, and Parental Consent (if needed) forms, sent by email after you attend orientation.
- Complete our required online trainings. Volunteers over 18 must complete the California Harassment Prevention Training (approx. 1 hour). Dog volunteers must complete the Fear Free Shelter Training (approximately 5 hours). You will receive links and details of these trainings after you attend orientation.
- Submit your forms and training certificates to SCASVolunteers@sonoma-county.org .
- Sign Up for your first shift once you receive the link. Our shifts are in 2 hour blocks. Typically our volunteers come in 2-20 hours per week depending on their schedules. The sign up link will be provided upon receipt of the above listed items. Dog volunteers will receive one on one training with an experienced volunteer during their first shift.
Please Note: Our volunteer hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm. The Shelter is closed Sundays and Mondays. We require at least a 6 month committment for our volunteers.
Age Requirements
- Volunteers ages 9+ years old may work with cats, rabbits and small animals.
- Volunteers ages 9-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult (a parent or guardian who must also submit a completed Volunteer Application).
- Volunteers ages 16-18 may volunteer independently with written consent from their parent or guardian.
- Volunteers must be 14 years and older to work with dogs.
- It is recommended that students needing credit or short-term hours for school find other opportunities as we ask for at least a 6 month committment from our volunteers.
Dog Fitness Coach
Our Dog Fitness Coaches provide exercise for the dogs including on-leash walking and off-leash playing in the exercise areas. 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 offsite. Please be prepared: most of our dogs are over 60 pounds.
All dog volunteer positions are for volunteers ages 14 and up only. Volunteers 14-15 must have a parent or guardian present. 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 and purple level dogs requires assessment of your skills by the Shelter Supervisor or Animal Health Technician. Please note: most of our dogs tend to be orange and purple level so it may take some time to learn how to work with them effectively and safely.
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 reward-based basic obedience training, 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.
All dog volunteer positions are for volunteers ages 14 and up. Volunteers 14-15 must have a parent or guardian present. Our dogs are assigned a color level based on their assessments: green, orange or purple. All dog volunteers, regardless of previous experience, start at the green level. Advancing to orange and purple level dogs requires staff assessment of your skills.
Please note: most of our dogs are orange or purple level, and learning to work with them effectively and safely takes time.
Dog Spa Attendant
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. Spa services may include: bathing, towel drying, brushing, and pampering so these fresh and clean dogs can put their best paw forward.
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. We will be holding a Paws on the Page event monthly for you to come read to our shelter animals. Please contact us for our next Paws on the Page day. Petting is not required but highly encouraged! Please bring your favorite books or choose from our selection. Volunteers ages 9 to 15 years old need a parent or guardian present.
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.
Our cats are assigned a color level based on their assessments: green or purple. All cat volunteers, regardless of previous experience, start at the green level. Advancing to purple level cats requires assessment of your skills by a staff member.
Rabbit & Small Animal Companion
Our Rabbit and Small Animal Companions provide hands-on care to the rabbits, Guinea pigs, and other small animals, 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 are key cornerstones of being a companion.
Client Services
Our Client Service Volunteers support the front office staff in the following ways:
- Filing, copying and other general office tasks.
- Assist with mailings.
- Greet people as they arrive in the lobby.
- Help people search for lost pets.
- Escort people to adoptable animals.
Shelter Support
Shelter Support includes help with laundry, washing dishes and kongs, preparing and distributing enrichment items, organizing, and yard clean up.
Animal Chauffeur
This on-call position will assist in transporting shelter animals to and from locations such as community partners, rescue organizations, and veterinarian appointments.