We would love you to join the wonderful group of volunteers who help make Humane Society Silicon Valley the Best Place to Adopt a pet.
All volunteer positions require you be willing to make a commitment of 8 hours per month for a minimum of one year along with all of the required trainings.
Becoming a volunteer is as easy as 1,2,3!
1. Attend a “PAW'er Hour” This is a behind the scenes tour of the shelter and informational meeting to give you details about our past and what the future holds for HSSV!
2. Pick up the volunteer application at the end of the PAW'er Hour.
Fill out the application using the descriptions on the HSSV website.
Please review the descriptions carefully to review training and time commitment
for each of the volunteer positions to decide which position(s) you would be most interested.
Mail to:
Volunteer Department
Humane Society Silicon Valley
2530 Lafayette Street
Santa Clara 95050
3. We'll review your application to learn more about your
interests and availability, and contact you to discuss our
current needs. HSSV relies on volunteers so there are always
many opportunities to help! We will work with you individually
to help you find a role that is a good match. Then, you'll
receive instructions about your volunteer orientation.
Please Note:
You must be 18 years or older to become a volunteer.
Once you receive your notification that your interest and availability match our current needs you will be invited to register for a volunteer orientation.
When you register for orientation there will be a $25.00 non-refundable materials fee that will cover your t-shirt, badge, lanyard and general orientation materials.
If you have any questions feel free to contact
Kris Gunderson
Manager of Volunteer Programs
kris.gunderson@hssv.org
408.727.3383 X872
Community Service Learning Students who are between the ages of 14 and 18 years old have the opportunity to come to the shelter and work on exciting projects to help shelter animals. Students will also be able to meet some special animal guests!
Four Paws Family Pack Volunteer Program : Are you looking for a fun volunteer project to do with your kids? Put your compassion into action! The Four Paws Family Pack empowers families to become animal advocates and future volunteers.
ADOPTION HOST
Value of this position: Humane Society Silicon Valley strives to be the Best Place to Adopt a Pet! To reach this goal, we must be welcoming to the public and exceed their customer service expectations! Adoption Hosts greet customers, answer phones, answer client questions about adoptable animals, and enter potential adopter information into the computer to facilitate the adoption process. Become an Adoption Host and help our shelter guests meet their perfect match!
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Must be a current HSSV cat/dog/rabbit socializer
2. Professional in demeanor with excellent customer service skills
3. Excited about working with the public and answering their questions
4. Basic computer skills
ANIMAL TRANSPORT
Value of this position: Have you ever wished your backseat driver could only say “Meow” or “Woof”? Animal transporters help our shelter guests get to the groomer, to veterinary appointments, to a foster home, and to many other important destinations! Signing up for this position means you agree to be on the on-call list. When a request comes up, you can say yes or no depending on whether or not you can accommodate the request on any given day. Become an Animal Transporter to chauffeur the coolest cats (and dogs…and bunnies) in town!
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment
Frequency of commitment: On call
Expected time on day of activity: Variable
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Valid driver’s license
3. Willingness to transport shelter animals in your personal vehicle
CAT SOCIALIZER
Value of this position: Here kitty kitty! HSSV Cat Socializers provide essential playtime, brushing, kennel maintenance and social interaction for shelter cats to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. During your session, you’ll assess and document all aspects of your interaction with the cats to help potential adopters better understand each cat’s personality. Socializers also assist customers with questions about the shelter and adoptable animals. Become a Cat Socializer and you’ll be the Cat’s Meow!
Time commitment: Minimum 1 year commitment
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Cat Socializer training (includes Safe Animal Handling skills)
3. 3 hour session with a Cat Socializer mentor during your first visit
4. Excited about working with the public and answering their questions
COMMUNITY EVENTS VOLUNTEER
Value of this position: Are you looking for a way to spread the word about the wonderful animals available for adoption at HSSV? Community Events Volunteers set up informational tables at offsite events in a variety of settings. When a request comes up we will email you to check your availability to attend, you can say yes or no depending on whether or not you can accommodate the request on any given day. From Santana Row to a local retirement community to Bark in the Park, HSSV is there to educate the public about our services!
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment
Frequency of commitment: On call
Expected time on day of activity: Variable, depending on event
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Attend one event with an experienced Community Events Volunteer before working independently
3. Professional in demeanor with excellent customer service skills
4. Excited about working with the public and answering their questions
5. Patient and prepared to positively interact with diverse populations
6. Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel back and forth to events in your personal vehicle
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Value of this position: Extra, extra, read all about it! Do you like working behind the scenes? Development Assistants give to the animals by printing copies, filing, stuffing envelopes and helping staff prepare the other communications that share our amazing adoption stories with HSSV supporters!
Time commitment: Flexible.
Frequency of commitment: Flexible; weekdays only 9-5
Expected time on day of activity: Variable, depending on activity
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Computer skills and Excel knowledge a plus but not required
DOG SOCIALIZER
Value of this position: HSSV Dog Socializers provide essential playtime, brushing, kennel maintenance and social interaction for shelter dogs to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. During your session, you’ll assess and document all aspects of your interaction with the dogs to help potential adopters better understand each dog’s personality. Socializers also assist customers with questions about the shelter and adoptable animals. Become a Dog Socializer to wag more and bark less!!
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
1. Safe Animal Handling 1
2. Kennel Assistant Training/ 10 hours of Kennel Assisting
3. Open Paw 2 & 3A
4. Safe Animal Handing 2
5. Open Paw Level 3B
6. Open Paw Level 4
EDUCATION AMBASSADOR
Value of this position:You will work with the Education Department to deliver interactive presentations to youth and adults interested in learning more about our shelter, animal safety, or the compassionate care of companion animals.
The mission of the education department is to explore the history and meaning of our animal kinship and foster a life-long commitment to animals.
Our education department offers a variety of programs for children, teens and adults. Our programs are highly interactive, student-centered and age-appropriate.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment, and be willing to lead a minimum of five (5) workshops or presentations per year
Frequency of commitment: This position is as needed
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Complete of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Be professional in demeanor with friendly communication skills (especially with children)
3. Be excited about working with children and answering their questions
4. You will be required to pay for the cost of a live scan fingerprint and background check which is approximately $20.00.
FOSTER CARE
Value of this position:
The Special Needs Department manages our Foster Care Program. Our goal is to place the many animals that need the extra TLC while waiting to be adopted. Many are young and just need to reach the prerequisites for adoption while others have social issues that only need a loving hand and a little time.
Last year approximately 800 animals were fostered, and we partnered with rescue organizations to find homes for more than 2,600. Many of these animals would have never had the chance to find a home if they were not allowed the small amount of extra time to overcome their immediate need for help.
Time commitment:
Your foster animal will be in your care until he/she is ready to be placed for adoption. The shelter will provide food for your foster animal while you will provide care, love and socialization opportunities for your foster animal. Transport your foster animal to and from the shelter for medical appointments (between 11am – 2pm), as well as any emergencies that might occur.
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Foster Parent Orientation
2. Foster care application is reviewed by the Special Needs Department
3. Once your home has been determined as a possible foster home you will then be invited to attend a 2 hour training by the Special Needs Department.) This may require a home visit.
Things to think about before applying to become a foster parent:
-You must have an indoor area to keep your foster animal(s) isolated from your own companion animals when necessary.
-Many of these animals cannot be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time.
-There may be the need for a home visit by HSSV staff prior to placement.
Click here for applications and more information!
HOSPITAL ASSISTANT
Value of this position:
Calling all Florence Nightgales! You will be assisting hospital staff with the daily feeding, cleaning and administering of medication. Most of all you will be the soft voice and gentle hands that are needed when an animal is recovering from either an injury or an illness. You may eventually be asked to help with medical procedures if comfortable.
There is nothing that brings recovery faster than the feeling of being loved. This position helps these animals have the feeling of comfort and security in a time of recovery from illness and stress.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of General Volunteer Orientation
2. Desire to comfort an animal in need
3. Safe Animal Handling (as needed)
HSSV CONCIERGE
Value of this position:
“May I help you find your new best friend?” HSSV Concierges greet incoming customers as they enter the shelter and float through the lobby and kennel to answer questions as needed.
We want the public to know we are the Best Place to Adopt a Pet. They need to feel welcome when they are looking for the perfect pet. What could be better than to have some one there that is familiar with not only the animals but with the adoption procedure!
Time commitment: Minimum of 12 months
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of General Volunteer Orientation
2. HSSV Concierge Training
3. Professional in demeanor with excellent customer service skills
4. Excited about working with the public and answering their questions
5. Wonderful smile and willingness to help find the right forever friend for the client a must!
PETCO CAT SOCIALIZER
Are you crazy about cats? Can you spare 4+ hours/month to care for, socialize, & help them find homes? This position may be for you!
Value of this position:
Our Petco Satellite Adoption Center, a partnership between HSSV and Petco, and located at Petco Saratoga at 500 El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose, enables HSSV to bring our cats to the public, increasing their exposure and odds of finding a forever home! Petco Cat Socializers provide daily care and socialization for the Petco cats and kittens during a morning or afternoon/evening shift. You will also show cats and kittens to potential adopters, and assist in the operation of the Adoption Center.
Time commitment: Minimum of 6 months
Expected time on day of activity:Minimum 4 hours/month - one shift every other week (preferably every week).
Shifts are available every day of the week during flexible morning or afternoon/evening hours. Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit.
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Volunteer Orientation
2. Cat Socializer training
3. Lastly, before working a shift independently, you are required to “buddy up” for a shift with an experienced Petco Cat Socializer.
PET STORE CLERK (HELP NEEDED!)
What is more fun than shopping for a new addition to your family! You will assist customers with food choices, toys, grooming supplies and more!
Value of this position:
Making that new pet owner feel comfortable with their new addition to their family by addressing any questions and concerns regarding the well being of their new animal or faithful friend at home is our goal. You will be stocking shelves, working with cash register and keeping our store neat and tidy.
We want the public to know we are there to help their animals stay healthy. We are not only the Best Place to Adopt a Pet but the best place to serve any of their pets needs.
Time commitment: Minimum of 12 months
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1.Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Basic computer knowledge
4. Friendly smile
5. Willingness to commit to a firm schedule 4 times per month
RABBIT SOCIALIZER
Value of this position:
Do the bunny hop!! HSSV Rabbit Socializers work with our rabbits to provide a time for them to stretch their legs and cuddle with a new friend! Socializers provide essential playtime, brushing, kennel maintenance and social interaction for shelter rabbits to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. During your session, you’ll assess and document all aspects of your interaction with the rabbits to help potential adopters better understand each rabbits’s personality. Socializers also assist customers with questions about the shelter and adoptable animals.
Time commitment: Minimum 1 year commitment
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/ Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Rabbit Socializer training
SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC HOST
Value of this position:
Provide customer service to clients coming in for medical services and appointments in our clinic. Experience in a medical setting, computers and appointment books is a plus. You will be a liaison from Adoptions to Spay & Neuter Clinic. Provide customer with new pet medical history, discuss additional services available to the client, and schedule surgery dates and times.
We value our clients both new and old! We want them to use our services on a regular basis. Making clients feel at home and comfortable makes them return for service and using this profit to support the animals in need.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment
Shifts are available Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please be able to volunteer at least one to two days per week. Once trained for the position, the schedule is determined on an individual basis.
Frequency of commitment: 1 time per week
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 3 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Professional in demeanor with friendly communication skills
3. Have the ability to exercise patience and tact if a difficult situation arises
4. Basic computer skills necessary/ need to be quick learning a new computer program.
5. Requires intensive training in medical necessities of animals
6. Safe Animal Handling 1
STARBUCK STARS (No experience necessary!)
If you live near Rivermark/Montague and Riveroaks Parkway, this one is perfect for you!
Each morning Starbucks donates pastries to the shelter for staff and volunteers. In this position you will assist in bringing these items to the shelter. You can pick up the items each morning or the night before and exchange an empty “tub” for a full one at Starbucks and bring it to the shelter. Then, you would place the pastries on the tray in the break room.
No waiting in any line! It is ready for you each morning when you get there!
Be prepared to be LOVED by staff and volunteers alike!
WEB PHOTOGRAPHER
Value of this position:
We place a photo of each and every animal on our website when they are ready to go up for adoption. By helping our staff get that terrific photo you will be so proud when that very special picture bring together animal and client!
You will partner with another volunteer to take photos of our shelter animals and to put them up on to our website.
We want the public to know we are the Best Place to Adopt a Pet. When they go to our site we want those photos to POP and reflect the wonderful personalities of each animal.
A picture is worth a thousand words! Say Cheese!
Time commitment: Minimum of 12 months
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2 hours per visit
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Completion of general Volunteer Orientation
2. Digital camera training
3. Computer skills a must