Volunteer
No one is more important to our animals than our volunteers!
We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. We have a small staff, and our volunteers are critical to our mission. There are many ways you can help our animals – here are just a few:
- Become a dog or cat pet pal. Help keep our critters happy and sane!
- Help socialize our rabbits and other small companion animals.
- Are you a people–person? Learn how to help with adoption counseling, or working at our front desk.
- Help out at adoption events.
- Interested in helping at our spay/neuter events? Some of our most cherished volunteers are the ones we hardly ever see – they work behind the scenes, cleaning for us when we’re closed, and taking care of our adoption cats held off-site.
- Do you like animals and kids? Come be a part of our humane education team and talk to local school classes about animal topics.
- And don’t forget our foster program; you can help save a life from your own home. Click here for more information on fostering.
It all starts by attending a volunteer orientation. These are limited to 15 people per month, so call to pre–register. We ask for a minimum commitment of 4 hours per month for a six month period. You are shown the ropes by a mentor volunteer, whom you meet with at least one time. Kids 10 to 13 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian who would be the primary volunteer; kids over 14 may volunteer on their own. Volunteers over 18 must be fingerprinted.
Volunteer Orientations
Orientations are held the first Saturday of each month at 3pm. These typically book up in advance, so call to pre-register at 778-4396 ext 3.
Community service
We are unable to provide community service projects for schools at our shelter. We regret we don’t have the staff to oversee this program. We do welcome projects that take place outside of the shelter; fund raising projects, making cat toys or beds – your imagination is the only limit. Call us with your ideas! Call Kathy at 778-4396 ext 5, or email at ksousa@ci.petaluma.ca.us.