WE NEED YOU!
Did you know that volunteers are crucial to pursuing our mission, which is to unite dogs and cats with loving people?
As a volunteer, you are essential to the successful operation of Valley Animal Center. As we have grown into a shelter, clinic, and dog park, volunteers have been, and continue to be, a vital part of our growth.
The health and safety of our shelter animals are of paramount importance, and our volunteers provide assistance in keeping the shelters in pristine condition. Volunteers also support other areas, such as the dog park and administration office, and help spread our story and services to the Central Valley community through outreach events, public speaking, humane education, and fundraising.
We welcome you to be part of our volunteer team! You can volunteer as an individual or a group! Individuals 18 years and under can volunteer with us also, but they will need a parent/guardian to accompany them for their orientation and shifts.
*We are not able to support court-appointed volunteer hours at this time.*
If you are a Fresno State student who has a Service Learning Plan, email maritza.lopez@valleyanimal.org.
For Marketing related courses, email rob.piccolo@valleyanimal.org.
Please take a moment to watch the presentation and then review our volunteer positions available prior to completing the form located at the bottom of the page.
We sincerely thank you for considering to volunteer your time and look forward to welcoming you into our family!
Please click on the following department to jump directly to where you're interested in volunteering:
CAT ADOPTION CENTER
The Cat Adoption Center is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteer shifts may start as early as 8 a.m. and end as late as 7 p.m.
To ensure the health and wellbeing of our cats and kittens, our main tasks include cleaning and socializing with the animals.
The following list consists of some of the tasks you may be expected to do:
- Clean the adoption and intake areas
- Clean crates
- Sweep
- Mop
- Fold laundry
- Brush cats
- Read to cats
- Assemble information packets
- Socialize with cats
If you are a Fresno State Animal Science student seeking a CBO and you're interested in volunteering at the Cat Adoption Center, please do not complete an application and email our animal care operations supervisor, Maritza Lopez, at maritza.lopez@valleyanimal.org with your full name and project summary.
DOG ADOPTION CENTER
The Dog Adoption Center is 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteer shifts may start as early as 8 a.m. and end as late as 7 p.m.
To ensure the health and well-being of our dogs and puppies, our main tasks include cleaning and socializing with the animals.
The following list consists of some of the tasks you may be expected to do:
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- Clean the adoption and intake areas
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- Clean crates
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- Sweep
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- Mop
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- Fold laundry
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- Assemble information packets
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- Walk dogs (must attend instructional sessions)
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- Bathe dogs (must attend instructional sessions)
If you are a Fresno State Animal Science student seeking a CBO and you're interested in volunteering at the Dog Adoption Center, please do not complete an application and email our animal care operations supervisor, Maritza Lopez, at maritza.lopez@valleyanimal.org with your full name and project summary.
DR. JAMES W. THORNTON DOG PARK
The Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park is our membership-based dog park and a wonderful resource for the Central Valley community. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and volunteer shifts may start as early as 7 a.m. and end as late as 7 p.m.
The opportunity to assist us in maintaining the Dog Park is new and we hope that you please consider volunteering your time in this area.
The following list consists of some of the general housekeeping duties you may be expected to do:
- Clean toys
- Empty trash cans
- Disinfect garbage cans
- Wipe down benches
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Volunteering your time at our administration office is a new opportunity. Administration office volunteers provide valuable support to our administrative staff.
The following list consists of some of the tasks you may be expected to do:
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- Answer incoming calls
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- Monitor the front desk counter
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- Provide exceptional customer service
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- Assist with some computer work (Word, Excel, Data Entry)
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- Stuff envelopes and sort bulk mailings
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- Cut flyers and buck slips
MARKETING
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- Photography
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- Videography
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- Produce website assets
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- Graphic design
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- Write social media posts and press releases
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- Assist in event planning
If you are a Fresno State student seeking a CBO and you're interested in assisting the marketing team, please do not complete the volunteer application and email our executive director, Rob Piccolo, at rob.piccolo@valleyanimal.org with your full name and project summary.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
At Valley Animal Center, we rely on volunteers to help us share our story and services to the Central Valley community. Community outreach volunteers are on an as-needed basis and those interested in volunteering their time are contacted as the need arises.
The following list consists of some of the tasks you may be expected to do:
- Staff booths at community events
- Ask for monetary and in-kind donations at community events
- Share information about Valley Animal Center
- Make presentations to various groups about Valley Animal Center
- Place and collect donation boxes at local businesses
EVENTS
Valley Animal Center is a nonprofit organization and does not receive any government funds. As a way to raise additional funds, we host many events throughout the year, and it can be difficult to find volunteers to assist us at these events.
We welcome new volunteers to sign up to help. You do not have to attend a volunteer orientation and must simply complete an Event Only Volunteer Form and Waiver & Release Form before volunteering at the event you choose. If applicable, you must also attend any meeting prior to the event via Zoom. These are recorded and may be viewed at your own time.
Below is a list of upcoming events, and if you are interested in helping us make any of them as successful as possible, click on each event to view volunteer opportunities. If you have additional questions, please contact our marketing manager, Alisia Sanchez, at alisia@valleyanimal.org.
Take the next step and let us know you're interested in volunteering at Valley Animal Center!
If you're interested in volunteering at the Cat and Dog Adoption Centers, you must attend an orientation. After you submit your Volunteer Application you will receive an email with upcoming orientation dates and information on how to sign up.
For all other departments, you will be instructed further on how to proceed after the initial sign up.
If you're under the age of 18, an adult or guardian must accompany you to an orientation and any volunteer shifts.