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Volunteer Jobs Available
Thank you for considering volunteering your time to Humane Society Silicon Valley
Below is a list of volunteer jobs in our facility. Positions noted (*) are not available at this time.
HSSV also has volunteer opportunities at both our Satellite Adoption Centers located in both PETCO Saratoga and PETCO Sunnyvale.
 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
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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 1 year 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
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CAT VOLUNTEER
Value of this position: Here kitty kitty! HSSV Cat Volunteers provide essential playtime, brushing, TLC, apartment maintenance, social interaction, and even training for our shelter cats to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. Cat volunteers start out as “cat cuddlers” able to socialize with our emerald, easy to handle, low maintenance kitties. Cat volunteers may also train to work with our more challenging diamond cats which require more experienced handling skills. Become a Cat Volunteer 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. Completion of Cat Volunteering Online Training 101 and CV 101 Quiz
3. Completion of Cat Volunteering 201
4. Session with a Cat Volunteer Mentor and completion of skills checklist!
5. Excited to be working directly with our cats and giving them plenty of love while awaiting their forever families!
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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
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HSSV DOG PARK VOLUNTEER
Value of this position: This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a new and growing program at Humane Society Silicon Valley! HSSV's dog parks are open to membership customers 7 days a week. It's a great opportunity to work outside, meet and talk to community members and get to know their companions. The focus of this program is to maintain safety and fun for all visitors into the parks.
As an independent nonprofit organization, we do not have the
resources to hire additional staff members to supervise the parks during open hours.
HSSV is looking for a dedicated team volunteers to help us supervise the parks during open membership hours, 7 days a week for a minimum of 2 hour shifts. Each Volunteer will serve as a critical member of this
team and have a direct impact on the success of the project.
A successful team will help provide a direct customer experience that enhances the lives of dogs and their families. Which in turn keeps these dogs in their homes and out of shelters. This experience will also provide you with an opportunity to gain valuable behavior information and to learn how other departments interact with this program.
JOB ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) provide additional supervision over the parks to maintain safety, health and a fun atmosphere.
2) participate in trainings as directed by this program.
3) stay current on all materials provided by the dept.
4) comfortable educating membership on other services and programs to enhance their experience.
5) continued communication with Director concerning membership.
6) able to be on your feet for at least 2 hours in varying weather conditions.
7) provide support doing behavior intake evaluations of new members.
8) gain pet CPR/First aid training and certification.
9) assist in cleaning protocols as needed.
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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 listed below are a must:
- Experience in biographical and gift related data entry.
- Extensive experience in word to letter merges.
- Creative writer to help us write our "happy ending stories"
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DOG VOLUNTEER
Value of this position: HSSV Dog Volunteers provide essential playtime, potty breaks, training, suite maintenance and social interaction for our dogs to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. There are different levels of Dog Volunteers to suit just about every dog lovers interests, including: the Potty Squad, Rovers, Diamond Dogs, Matchmakers, Playgroup Leaders and Behavior Evaluation Assistants! Become a Dog Socializer to wag more and bark less!!
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. Completion of Dog Volunteering 101 and DV 101 Quiz.
3. Completion of Dog Volunteering 201.
4. Session with a Dog Volunteer Mentor to become an official Dog Volunteer!
5. Excited to be working directly with our dogs and giving them plenty of love while awaiting their forever families!
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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.
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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!
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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)
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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!
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PET STORE CLERK
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
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RABBIT VOLUNTEER
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
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SATELLITE CAT VOLUNTEER
Did you know HSSV has two Satellite Adoption Centers? Satellite Cat Volunteers provide daily care, essential playtime, and even training for our adoptable cats to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. Find forever homes by showing cats and kittens to potential adopters, and making matches.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment.
Frequency of commitment: 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.
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 Volunteering 101 (online) and 201 (at the ACC); Adoptions 101 is recommended but not required.
3. Lastly, before working a shift independently, you are required to “buddy up” for a shift with a Satellite Cat Mentor at the Satellite.
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SATELLITE DOG VOLUNTEER
Did you know HSSV has two Satellite Adoption Centers? Satellite Dog Volunteers are needed to handle dogs, and acquaint them with potential adopters at the Satellite locations during our Dog Adoption Days. We are also looking for volunteers who can transport dogs to and from HSSV to participate in the event. Hopefully, they find new homes and don't need a chauffeur back to the Animal Community Center! For our next dog adoption day, check the Event Calendar.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment.
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 5 hours/month. Shifts are available on Saturdays for 2.5 hours either 11 am to 1:30 pm or 1:30 pm to 4 pm. Dog Adoption Days rotate locations between Saratoga and Sunnyvale every other Saturday.
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 2.5 hours per visit.
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Volunteer Orientation
2. Dog Volunteering 101, 201, and 301 (at ACC); Adoptions 101 is recommended, but not required.
3. To transport we ask you have a valid driver’s license, and can transport shelter animals in your personal vehicle. Transporters add an hour to their commitment for travel time.
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SATELLITE POCKET PET VOLUNTEER
Did you know HSSV has two Satellite Adoption Centers? Satellite Pocket Pet Volunteers provide daily care, essential playtime, and even training for our adoptable guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and mice to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. Find forever homes by showing pocket pets to potential adopters, and making matches.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment.
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 4 hours/month every other week (preferably every week). Shifts are available every day during flexible hours.
Expected time on day of activity: Minimum 1 hours per visit.
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. Training is one-on-one with Satellite staff; Rabbit Volunteering 101 is recommended but not required.
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SATELLITE RABBIT VOLUNTEER
Did you know HSSV has two Satellite Adoption Centers? Satellite Rabbit Volunteers provide daily care, essential playtime, and even training for our adoptable rabbits to keep them happy and healthy during their stay. Find forever homes by showing bunnies to potential adopters, and making matches.
Time commitment: Minimum 12 month commitment.
Frequency of commitment: Minimum 4 hours/month - one shift every other week (preferably every week). Shifts are available every day during flexible hours.
Expected time on day of activity:Minimum 2 hours per visit.
Prerequisites/Necessary Skills:
1. Volunteer Orientation
2. Rabbit Volunteering 101/201 (at the ACC); Adoptions 101 is recommended but not required.
3. Lastly, before working a shift independently, you are required to “buddy up” for at least one shift with an experienced rabbit volunteer at our Satellite.
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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
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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
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