Skills-based volunteering, also called pro bono volunteering, is a great way for you to donate your time, energy and talent in a meaningful way, while you develop your skills, and enhance your resume.
How to Become a Pro Bono Volunteer
- Review the volunteer opportunities below and apply for a position.
- Our volunteer coordinator will review your information and schedule a phone or in person interview if there is a position that fits your skills and interest.
VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
Now recruiting DVMS, RVTS & VA’s!
Professional Veterinarians, Registered Vet Technicians and Vet Assistants volunteer with our Veterinary team during surgery, treatments and/or rehabilitation for shelter foster/animals and in our vaccine clinic. Volunteers must successfully complete a working interview prior to joining the team. DVM volunteers must possess a valid CA license. RVT volunteers must possess a valid CA RVT certification. Typical commitment is one 3–4-hour shift per week.
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS
Professional Dog Trainers and Animal Behavior Specialists assist with training and behavior modification for resident animals. Volunteer trainers may also assist the Behavior & Training team with public classes, translation of behavior & training resource center articles into Spanish (if applicable), public behavior helpline support and outreach events. Volunteers must successfully complete a working interview prior to volunteering and possess a valid animal training or behavior specialist certification (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CTC, CBCC-KA, CAAB, etc). Typical commitment is one 2–4-hour shift per week.
PROFESSIONAL GROOMERS AND BATHERS
Professional Groomers assist with grooming adoptable animals at the Pet Adoption Center or at your grooming salon. Volunteer groomers must have professional grooming experience with bathing, cleaning ears, trimming nails and cutting/working with a variety of coats. Typical commitment is one 3–4-hour shift per week/every other week. Volunteers use their own grooming equipment. Typical commitment is one 3–4-hour shift per week/every other week.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photographers conduct weekly photo shoots for adoptable dogs and cats to be used as promotional photos on the animals’ online profiles. Volunteers will also be asked to serve as event photographers to cover various fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteers must submit a professional portfolio, including samples of companion animal photography, to be reviewed for quality and brand fit. Professional animal photography experience preferred. Typical commitment is one 2-hour shift per week.
PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHERS
Videographers shoot and edit videos for adoptable dogs and cats to be used as promotional videos on the animals’ online profiles. Volunteers will also be asked to serve as event videographers to cover various stories and fundraising events throughout the year. Volunteers must submit a professional portfolio, including samples of videography work to be reviewed for quality and brand fit. Professional videography experience preferred but will also consider students and storytelling enthusiasts with own camera or high-quality cell phone. Commitment is a weekly set shift, typically 2 hours in length.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS
Professional Administrative Assistants help with database management, donor relations and various clerical tasks. Volunteers must have office experience and be computer and database savvy. Typical commitment is one 3–4-hour shift per week.
HANDY-MAN/MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS
Professional Maintenance Technicians are certified in trade skills such as electricians, landscapers, carpenters, automotive specialists, and painters. They assist our Maintenance Manager with comprehensive projects dedicated to enhancing our Center. Typical commitment is one 3-4 hour shift weekly.