Volunteer Support From the Community

Become a Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in our volunteer program!

Volunteers are representatives of the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control. There are guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain the standards of the shelter and to provide you with an enjoyable and fulfilling volunteer experience. Orientation and safe animal handling training must be completed prior to becoming a volunteer.

Volunteer Opportunities

Administrative: Aides staff with daily administrative tasks as assigned.
Adoptions: Encourages and participates in the adoption of homeless animals.
Animal Companion: Provides quality care for shelter animals and supports the kennel staff by assisting with basic cage cleaning, cat care and socialization.
Care Center Support: Provides comfort and safety to our animals by assisting with laundry, spot cleaning, enrichment, and feeding.
Community Events: Promotes the department at community outreach events and pet outreach.
Equine Response Team: Volunteers with livestock/equine experience are trained to assist at shelter sites during emergency evacuations.
Foster Care: Provides a temporary home for the shelter animals that require special attention until they can be returned to the shelter for adoption.
Groomer: Grooms animals in preparation for adoption. A clean and well-groomed animal gets adopted much faster
Medical: Assist the clinic staff with basic medical support such as making surgical packs and cleaning instruments.
Professional Services Volunteer: Enhances existing shelter services. Includes Licensed Veterinarians, Registered Veterinary Technicians, photographers, web designers, fundraising specialists, etc.

Requirements and Expectations

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age at the beginning of service. If a volunteer is a minor (16-17), parental permission is required. Orientations are held a minimum of once a quarter or bi-annually depending on the care center location. After applying, you will receive an auto email with more information and a Volunteer Coordinator will reach out with next steps. Once orientation is completed, volunteers will be required to complete online and in person trainings. All volunteers who would like to work with our animals are also required to pass our handling assessment. Once training is completed, volunteers will be required to purchase a volunteer shirt. Shirts are $15.

Please note that not everyone who applies to volunteer will be an ideal fit for our program. Our volunteer coordinators will speak with you to better understand your intentions and expectations. During this conversation, it may be determined that the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is not the most suitable match. If that is the case, we will be happy to refer you to other organizations that may align more closely with your interests.

Volunteer Code of Ethics

• Always demonstrate commitment to your volunteer service.
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Accept supervision and training – ask questions about policies and procedures you do not understand.
• Take pride in your position. You are a valuable team member and animal care center representative.
• Always wear your volunteer uniform and ID badge when you are on duty at the shelter or at any off-site event. Maintain a professional appearance.
• Demonstrate collaboration and loyalty. Serve within the Department’s mission, goals, objectives, and its programs for the greater good of the animals.
• Report concerns to your Volunteer Coordinator/Liaison. Unresolved concerns may be further addressed through the chain-of-command: Care Center Manager, Volunteer Programs Director, and lastly the Deputy Director of the care center for which you volunteer. Resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Always maintain professional customer service standards.
• Contribute your skills, energy, and experience. Be eager to offer a willing heart and mind. Your knowledge will benefit the care center and the animals.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control Code of Ethics will provided to you during orientation, and you will be required to sign that you have received it.