Join us at one of our New Volunteer Orientations where you will recieve a behind the scenes tour of the shelter and sit in on an informational meeting about the VHS history, mission, and the volunteer program. 

Please arrive to Orientation 10 minutes early to check in and to fill out the volunteer application. 

We are currently only recruiting for the following positions: Cat Care, Isolation Assistant, Foster families, Humane Educators, Critter Cabbers, and Green Team, Hope Hospice. (This list may be subject to change at anytime)

For further job descriptions, please email the Volunteer Manager at mbonnel@valleyhumane.org.

If you are not interested in one of these positions, please check back next month for our current needs. 

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Bonnel at mbonnel@valleyhumane.org or 925-426-8656 ext 16.

Volunteer Program FAQs

1. How do I become a volunteer?

 Log onto www.valleyhumane.org and click on “Volunteer”. From there you will be able to sign up for a new volunteer orientation. We open up the list to RSVP to orientations on the first of every month at 9AM; if you are unable to RSVP, that means that the orientations that month are full- check back the 1st of the next month to register!

2. What training is required?

 Volunters must complete the New Volunteer Orientation and the appropriate training workshops and/or shadow training for their assigned paths.

3. Can I start volunteering tomorrow?

 We appreciate your enthusiasm of our volunteer program, but it does take some time and training to become a Valley Humane Society volunteer. After you attend orientation, you will choose a volunteer path and then attend the required workshops within that path. It can take some time to become a volunteer, but we are certain you will find the extensive training you receive with us to be a valuable addition to your skills.

4.How old do I have to be to volunteer?

 We ask that all volunteers be a minimum of 12 years old to work with a parent or guardian. Volunteers must be at least 16 to work independently. Some positions have different age requirements as well.

6.What happens during the orientation?

 During the orientation, volunteers will learn more about our shelter, our programs, our volunteer program, get to know other staff & volunteers, go on a behind the scenes tour, and learn about shelter essentials and our guidelines and policies.

7. What is the minimum time requirement?

 We ask that our new volunteers make an initial commitment of six months. Monthly minimums vary by path by plan to spend at least four hours a month volunteering to meet requirements of most programs.

8. Do you have drop-in volunteer hours?

 No, we do not. All of our shifts are scheduled so that our animals stay on a routine.

9. Are there any costs associated with volunteering for the Valley Humane Society?

 All new volunteers must purchase a Volunteer Starter Kit for $20 that will set you up with a volunteer t-shirt, name badge, discount card for workshops, discount card for Pet Food Express, and volunteer manuals. This fee allows us to provide your materials without taking any money away from the support of the animals in our care.

10. How do I get my dog involved in Canine Comfort?

Please attend a Canine comfort Orientation where you will learn about VHS and our history. First and foremost, our Canine Comfort volunteers are VHS volunteers so they must be aware of what is happening in the shelter. At orientation, you will have the opportunity to sign up for a Canine Comfort workshop where we go in depth about the program and how to get involved. At the Canine Comfort workshop, please leave your dog at home. Email caninecomfort@valleyhumane.org to register.