UPDATE (4/21): After two years of (not so) patiently waiting, the HSVC is thrilled to welcome back all our volunteers. We are so grateful for your patience through this pandemic, and we are happy to be at a place where we can start accepting volunteers back to our facility!
New volunteers are required to complete an online training, general orientation, and then depending on their interests, a dog or cat-specific training. Returning volunteers are required to complete a refresher training which will be 30-45 minutes. We will also require that volunteers be vaccinated and wear masks when indoors. If you are concerned with this mask policy, we welcome you to volunteer outdoors with the dogs!
If you are interested in moving forward with the volunteer process, please fill out an interest form below. Next, our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Fraza will email you a link to complete Fear Free Shelter training online. This training is a prerequisite for all volunteers both new and returning. If you are returning and have already completed it, please email your certificate of completion to [email protected]. Please see below for next month's volunteer orientation schedule.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Humane Society of Ventura County. 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 a 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!
Volunteer Orientation Schedule (May)
- Thursday, May 5: Refresher for returning volunteers
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Saturday, May 7
- 10 am-10:30: General Orientation
- 10:30- 11 am: Cat Orientation (as needed)
- 11-12 pm: Dog Orientation
- 1 pm: Refresher for returning volunteers (Cat and Dog)
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Saturday, May 28
- 10:00-10:30: General Orientation
- 10:30-11 am: Cat Orientation (as needed)
- 11-12 pm: Dog Orientation
- 1 pm: Refresher for returning volunteers (Cat and Dog)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How do I become a Volunteer for the HSVC?
Fill out the form at the bottom of this page. Once completed, our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Fraza, will contact you with the next steps in the volunteer orientation process.
2. When will general volunteers be allowed back to the shelter?
New volunteers are required to complete an online training, general orientation, and then depending on their interests, a dog or cat-specific training before being allowed back to the shelter. Returning volunteers are required to complete online training and a refresher training which will be 30-45 minutes. Once all training/orientations are completed and approved by our Volunteer Coordinator, individual volunteers will be welcomed back to the shelter!
3. I am a volunteer; how do I know if I’m an Animal Ambassador?
HSVC Animal Ambassadors have achieved their status after a long history of volunteering at the Shelter and by receiving additional training. Animal Ambassadors can be identified by their teal-colored volunteer shirts. If you are interested in becoming an Animal Ambassador, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Fraza, at [email protected]
4. Can I foster for the HSVC?
For those interested in the HSVC Foster Program, visit our Foster Page and click the red "Become a Foster" button to fill out an application.
5. Can I visit the animals if I’m not a volunteer?
Yes! The HSVC is now open to the public Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm for walkthroughs to visit the animals.