pet pals Volunteer Program 

Thank you for considering donating your time, energy, and pet skills with us. Our volunteers help us provide enrichment, care, and sharing the stories of the over 15,000 animals who pass through our doors annually.

We offer volunteer opportunities at our dogs, cats, and small animals shelter and offsite that may or may not have direct contact with the pets in our care, including fostering. There is an opportunity for everyone to make a difference in the lives of pets. 

How to start volunteering:

 STEP 1: COMPLETE THE VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Complete your application online.

 STEP 2: COMPLETE THE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

There are some basics we need to you know before you begin volunteer training at our Animal Care Center. We've made orientation as easy as possible. Our entire volunteer orientation is online and access to the virtual modules will be provided once your application is approved. 

 STEP 3: SIGN THE VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT

Once you have completed Steps One and Two, you can go ahead and sign the provided Volunteer Agreement and Handbook so we know you're ready to come to our Animal Care Center and begin your volunteer training. 

 STEP 4: COMPLETE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

All volunteers must successfully 1) complete their application online, 2) watch the online orientation presentation (13 minutes), as well as 3) complete Fear Free Shelter Program (5 hours), and 4) complete Maddie's University Customer Service for Animal Shelters course (1.5 hours).

All training programs are available online for free and can be viewed at any time. 

Volunteer roles working with the shelter pets require completing pet team-specific classroom training (1.5 hours) and hands-on training shadowing a mentor (3 hours). Training requirements must be completed within 45 days of your registered orientation date.

 STEP 5: START VOLUNTEERING

We use Bloomerang to help manage communications and scheduling. The app is available for download from the Apple Store and Google Playstore. To get started, watch the Volunteer Video Course and check out Knowledge base.

Minimum Requirements

• 18 years of age or older OR between the ages of 14 and 17 volunteering with a parent or guardian. Youth opportunities do not include working with the dogs.
• Be a resident of Santa Clara County.
• In good standing with the City of San José Animal Care and Services Division.
• Able to volunteer at least six hours a month for three months.
• Able to represent yourself and our division in a professional manner and treat the public, staff, and other volunteers with courtesy and respect.
• Willingness to learn and participate.
• Ability to follow instructions from staff and lead volunteers.
• Concern for the welfare of the pets in our care.
• Must not have allergies to animals that cannot be managed by medication.
• Must be able to tolerate strong and unpleasant odors and loud noises.
• Prior animal handling experience is not required but is suggested.

For more information, contact the volunteer team at volunteeracs@sanjoseca.gov.