Volunteer at the Animal Shelter

Sign up to volunteer with Berkeley Animal Care Services and help our animals get love, care, and a chance to find a forever home. As a volunteer, you play a vital role in providing quality care to our shelter animals and preparing them for their new beginnings.

Application process

To start volunteering, apply online and attend an orientation session: 

1. Fill out our online application form.
2. Register for an orientation session, posted at the bottom of this page and on our events calendar.

After the orientation, you will complete 6-8 hours of training sessions. You have the flexibility to schedule these training hours for the dates that work best for your schedule, including weekend options.

Volunteer requirements

At Berkeley Animal Care Services, you have the freedom to volunteer any time during our open hours. There are no rigid schedules or mandatory shifts and you don't have to commit to the same time each week.

We ask new volunteers to commit to a minimum of 1 hour per week for the first 6 months. Your dedication will help us ensure the well-being of our shelter animals.

Youth aged 14-15 are more than welcome to volunteer, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Youth aged 16-17 can volunteer independently with their parent or guardian's consent.

Volunteer opportunities

You can choose from a variety of volunteer roles at the shelter:

• Dog Volunteers: As a dog volunteer, you'll engage in activities such as providing exercise, leash training, and playtime for our dogs and puppies. You'll also play a crucial role in socializing the dogs, promoting good behavior, and increasing their chances of finding a loving home.
• Cat Volunteers: Our cat volunteers offer care and affection to our adorable cats and kittens. By playing with and petting these feline friends, you'll contribute to reducing their stress and anxiety.
• Ambassadors: Ambassadors will be the first point of contact for the public at the shelter, assisting with traffic control in the lobby and directing visitors to the appropriate staff members. If visitors are here to see our residents, Ambassadors will provide information about where to find cats and dogs and answer questions about the shelter and available animals.

Each role has specialized training to prepare you for volunteering. You will choose which role to train in during the orientation process.

No matter which role you choose, you make a meaningful impact on the lives of shelter animals and help them get the love and care they deserve.