Volunteer!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the County of Santa Clara Animal Shelter! 

Volunteers provide much needed socialization and enrichment for shelter pets and help to make their stay more comfortable, while increasing their adoptability. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must attend a volunteer orientation. Please review the following volunteer opportunities. 

Volunteer opportunities:

Dog Socializers

Dog Socializers provide exercise, affection and enrichment to maintain t​he physical and mental well-being of shelter dogs. Dog Socializers may walk dogs, play with them in our play yards, help with playgroups, or even just sit with them in their kennels to provide a sense of comfort in the shelter. This position also assists in preparing and distributing special treats and toys. Dog Socializers help with introducing dogs to potential adopters and help them to put their best paw forward. We ask that Dog Socializers commit to at least two hours weekly. Volunteers’ shifts are Monday through Friday anytime between 8:30am-5pm, and Saturday/Sunday anytime between 8:30am-4:30pm.

Cat Socializers

Cat Socializers have the dream job of cuddling cats! Cat Socializers allow adoption cats an opportunity to exercise outside of their apartments. Volunteers in this role will play with, groom, and provide tasty treats for shelter cats. Advanced Cat Socializers will be matchmakers in the adoption process. Socializers must commit to one day a week for three hours. Volunteers’ shifts are Monday through Friday anytime between 8:30am-5pm, and Saturday/Sunday anytime between 8:30am-4:30pm.

Foster Parents

Foster Parents provide care for shelter pets from the comfort of their own home. When puppies and kittens are too young for adoption, being in a foster home provides them with protection against disease as well as maternal care they need to thrive. During the spring and summer, the shelter takes in hundreds of young kittens who need to be fostered until they are at least six weeks old. We are also in need of foster homes willing to provide hospice care to elderly or terminal animals and for pets who need to recover from illness or injury. Foster parents are also needed to provide a break for pets who have been at the shelter for an extended period of time and would benefit from time decompressing with a family.

The County of Santa Clara Animal Shelter is in San Martin, South of Morgan Hill. Call us at (408) 686-3900 if you have questions or would like to propose an opportunity that is not listed.

Become part of our lifesaving team!​ 
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