Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Humane Society of Ventura County. Our volunteers play a crucial role in promoting health, safety, welfare, compassionate care and protection of all animals in the Ventura County. Our volunteers are dedicated members of our team assisting in all areas of our operation. As a private, non-profit organization that does not receive funding from the government or national animal welfare organizations like HSUS or ASPCA we depend on people like you who selflessly give their time to the animals and the programs that support them. Becoming a volunteer with HSVC is both a great responsibility and privilege. We (both shelter staff and volunteers) pride ourselves on our outstanding care of animals and expect the same from incoming team members. But don’t worry! We will provide all the training you will need to make this experience “pawsitive” for you and the animals!
How to become a Volunteer
Step1: Be ten years of age or older. Volunteers 15 years of age and younger are considered Junior Volunteers and will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times. The adult that will be accompanying the Junior Volunteer will also need to come to the orientation in Step 3. Volunteers
Step 2: Fill out an application. You will need to fill out the form at the bottom of this page and submit it along with a $10 donation to be used for your volunteer t-shirt and badge. Please be sure to have your a credit card ready along with a photocopy of your license as it will be required at the end of the application. If you would like a hard please stop by the shelter to fill one out and submit a photocopy of your ID. If you have any questions email Volunteer Coordinator, Kate Nelson, at volunteer@humanesocietyvc.org.
Step 3: Come to an orientation. Once your application and photo have been received we will sign you up for a volunteer orientation. The orientation will last approximately 2 hours. We will give you an overview of shelter operations, volunteer opportunities, proper cat handling, and dog walking. If you did not submit your application electronically, please bring $10 in the form of cash or check to the orientation. Please be sure and wear long pants and closed toed shoes as well.
Step 4: Be able to commit to 6 months. We suggest that all of our volunteers be able to commit to 8 hours a month for 6 months. This being said, we understand that people lead busy lives and appreciate any amount of hours that can be donated. We depend on experienced volunteers and ask that as you further your training here you use it to give our animals the much needed, care love and training that they need.
Step 5: Come to further training. We want you to be comfortable and enjoy your time here. We will be holding monthly classes for further training with animal handling and periodic training for the multitude of other positions we have available. Please call Kate Nelson at 805-646-6505 for more information.
***Please note that if you are volunteering to fulfill court ordered community service you will need to contact Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman at 805-646-6505 to set up a special meeting and orientation. Please note that the general volunteer orientations will not clear you to volunteer for court hours. ***
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer! We look forward to working with you soon!
Please email Kate Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@humanesocietyvc.org if you have any questions.
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR WILL BE AWAY FROM THE OFFICE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19 THROUGH NOVEMBER 29. PLEASE BE PATIENT, SHE WILL RESPOND TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.)
