Volunteer

Join Us in Making a Difference for Animals in Our Community!
SVACA welcomes dedicated volunteers to help provide top-quality care for our animals.

Who Can Volunteer?

Volunteer Age Requirements  

Commitment and Requirements
 
  • Adults (18+): Socialize and exercise animals, assist with various tasks.
  • Teens (13-17): Volunteer with a parent/guardian at all times. One parent per minor per shift. No exceptions.
  • Minimum 2 hours per week for 6 months.
  • Follow all safety rules, represent SVACA in a professional and positive manner, and be respectful and courteous to the public and staff.

In-Shelter Volunteer Application

Application Status: The volunteer application for November is now closed. It will reopen here on December 9 at 10 am.

To begin volunteering, you’ll need to fill out an application. The application opens once per month. The link to the application will be posted on this page. It fills up quickly, typically within less than 10 minutes. If you are between 13-17 years, you and your parent/guardian must both attend an in-person training session together. See the FAQ section below for more information. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email from the outreach coordinator in the afternoon on June 10 with next steps.

 Volunteer Shifts  Volunteer Fee  Active Volunteers
 
  • Shifts are available every day, Monday-Sunday.
  • 2-hour shifts starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m.
  
  • A $35 volunteer fee covers your t-shirt and training materials.
  • The fee will be paid at the time of the in-person training.
  

Volunteering Opportunities

In-shelter Animal Socialization
Exercise, groom, and socialize dogs, cats, rabbits, or spicy kittens. Make and give enrichment treats and activities to animals in our center. Clean and perform other tasks as assigned. Please note that in-shelter animal socializers do not take dogs on walks.

Transportation Volunteer
Transfer animals in the Bay Area to and from SVACA. This can include dogs, cats, and rabbits, as well as wildlife. If interested, please fill out this form.

Foster Volunteers
Interested in fostering? Learn more about our foster program.

Group Volunteering and Yappy Hours

Group Volunteering
Our group volunteering program is currently on hold. Click here for humane education opportunities.

Team Building Yappy Hours
Treat your team to one hour of de-stressing, animal playtime, and teambuilding through our Yappy Hour program. Yappy Hours can be held at SVACA's Animal Care Center for a donation of $1,000 or off-site at your workplace for a donation of $1,500. Please note that this must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Complete the Yappy Hour Request Form to book your preferences and we will get in touch with you to schedule.

FAQ

  1. What if I am under 18? What is the minimum age to volunteer?
    Volunteers must be 13 or older. Those under 18 must volunteer with a parent or guardian. One guardian per child is required. If you have two children, each child must have their own guardian, or only one child can volunteer at a time (for liability reasons). Both the parent and child must attend the volunteer training together. During regular volunteer sessions, you must stay together at all times. 

  2. What is the time commitment?
    Volunteers must commit to at least 2 hours per week for 6 months.

  3. Is there a fee to volunteer?
    Yes, there is a $35 fee, which includes a t-shirt and training materials.

  4. How do I start volunteering?
    See the above section called In-Shelter Volunteer Application.

  5. What if I want to foster animals?
    Learn more about our Foster Program here.

  6. What do I do during a socialization session?
    You can socialize with the animals in their rooms, our indoor playroom, or our play yard. Please note that we do not have dog-walking volunteers or a Doggy Day Out program.
Last Updated:
11-22-2025