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 General Orientation. If you are 16 and older you can simply sign up for the General Orientation.

Step 2: Sign up and come to an orientation. The orientations are open to register for a month in advance. You will need to contact the shelter directly for date and times of orientations. The orientation is held twice a month and will last approximately one and a half hours. We will give you an overview of shelter operations, and various volunteer opportunities. While you are at the General Orientation you will have the opportunity to fill out an application if you are still interested in becoming a volunteer. Please be sure and wear long pants and closed toed shoes as well.

Step 3: 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 the Volunteer Coordinator at 805-646-6505 for more information.

Step 4: Be able to commit to six months. We suggest that all of our volunteers be able to commit to eight hours a month for sic 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.

***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 the Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteer@hsvc.org if you have any questions.