WE NEED YOU!
Did you know that volunteers are crucial to pursuing our mission, which is to unite cats and dogs 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.*
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 daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 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, volunteers' 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
DOG ADOPTION CENTER
The Dog Adoption Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 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, volunteers' 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
- Assemble information packets
- Walk dogs (must attend instructional sessions)
- Bathe dogs (must attend instructional sessions)
DR. JAMES W. THORNTON DOG PARK
The Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park is our membership-based park and is 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 10 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
LOW-COST CLINIC
Volunteering your time at our low-cost clinic is a new opportunity. While the clinic provides a variety of services to the Central Valley community, much-needed help is needed to maintain both the clinic and surgery annex.
The following list consists of some of the tasks you may be expected to do:
- Clean front desk area
- Sweep
- Mop
- Fold laundry
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:
- Answer incoming calls
- Monitor the front desk counter
- Provide exceptional customer service
- Assist with some computer work (Word, Excel, Data Entry)
- Stuff envelopes and sort bulk mailings
- Cut flyers and buck slips
MARKETING
Our marketing department is growing and we're looking for individuals interested in gaining knowledge and experience in the field! Various forms of media creation are necessary in helping us spread the word about Valley Animal Center. We're looking for photographers, videographers and storytellers!
The following list consists of some of the tasks you may be expected to do:
- Photography
- Videography
- Produce website assets
- Graphic design
- Write social media posts and press releases
- Assist in event planning
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
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 coming orientation dates and information on how to sign up.
For all other departments, you will be instructed further 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.