MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF SHELTER PETS
We rely on compassionate, hardworking volunteers to provide vital daily care, socialization, and advocacy that keep animals healthy and happy while they wait for their forever homes.
ACCESS VOLUNTEER PORTALVolunteer Program Mission Statement
To provide a meaningful experience for volunteers as they enrich the lives of shelter animals, provide assistance to shelter staff, customers, and potential adopters.
volunteer program basics
- Anyone 18 years or older may apply to become a volunteer.
- We offer outside projects for our younger animal lovers – Click here for youth volunteer programs.
- You will be given a name badge on your first day. Temporary name badges are available in the volunteer center if you forget your badge. No open toe shoes. Long pants are required.
- Shirts are given out after 10 hours of volunteer service is completed.
- Please note that we do not offer court ordered community service.
Program Overview
To complete the volunteer application, applicants must provide:
- A valid Driver’s License or Identification Card
- Proof of current medical insurance
- Volunteers are not covered by workers’ compensation while volunteering for us. Proof of medical coverage is therefore required as part of the application process.
- A Fear Free Shelter Program Certificate of Completion
Before submitting a volunteer application, all applicants must complete the free online Fear Free Shelter Program and include their certificate of completion with their application.
The Fear Free Shelter Program introduces strategies and techniques designed to improve the emotional well-being of shelter and rescue animals by reducing fear, anxiety, stress (FAS), and frustration.
The program includes four self-paced modules, and your progress can be saved so you can complete the training over multiple sessions. After completing all four modules, you will receive a certificate of completion. When registering for the Fear Free Shelter Program, please use Inland Valley Humane Society as your organization.
Fear Free Shelter Program RegistrationAll new volunteers begin in the Tier 1 – Shelter Support role, which does not involve direct animal handling.
Before becoming eligible for Animal Handling, Adoption Ambassador, or Veterinary Care Assistance training, volunteers must complete at least 6 service hours in approved Tier 1 activities, such as:
- General Assistance
- Laundry Assitance
- Cat Center Maintenance
- In-Kennel Enrichment
Completing these foundational service hours helps new volunteers become familiar with shelter operations, safety procedures, and expectations before advancing to roles involving direct animal care.
We ask volunteers to remain active in the program so they can stay familiar with current shelter procedures, safety protocols, volunteer expectations, and so there is consistency for IVHS & SPCA and the animals.
Volunteers are encouraged to complete at least four activity hours per month to maintain an Active status in the volunteer program.
We do not accept or provide court-ordered community service hours.
Requirements and Expectations
Volunteering in an animal shelter can be both rewarding and demanding. To help maintain a safe, supportive environment for our volunteers, staff, visitors, and animals, volunteers should be able to meet the emotional and physical requirements associated with their assigned role.
Volunteers should be able to:
- Work in an emotionally challenging environment. An open-admission animal shelter may care for animals who are homeless, abandoned, injured, ill, or have experienced neglect or abuse. Volunteers should be prepared for the emotional realities of working in this environment.
- Understand that humane euthanasia may occur. In some circumstances, humane euthanasia may be necessary for certain animals. Volunteers must be comfortable working in an environment where IVHS must make these difficult decisions.
- Manage emotionally difficult situations appropriately. Volunteers should be able to remain professional and composed when encountering stressful or emotionally charged situations involving animals or people.
Volunteer roles involving direct animal interaction may have additional requirements, and those assigned to these roles should be able to:
- Follow established animal-handling procedures and staff instructions, including recognizing when to stop an interaction and request assistance.
- Lift and safely handle small- to medium-sized animals weighing up to 50 pounds, when required by the assigned role.
- Bend, kneel, or squat as needed to leash or harness an animal, perform cleaning duties, or safely assist an animal.
By completing the volunteer application and orientation process, applicants acknowledge that they have reviewed these requirements and believe they can perform the essential responsibilities of their assigned volunteer role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable accommodations may be available and will be considered in connection with role placement, consistent with applicable California law. Volunteers who have questions about a requirement or support needs can contact the Community Engagement Manager at [email protected].
Steps to become a volunteer
- Complete your fear free training.
- Submit an application through our volunteer portal.
- Attach your completed Fear Free Shelter Program certificate, provide your identification and proof of medical insurance, and sign the Volunteer Waiver.
- Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
- The Community Engagement Manager will verify that all application fields are filled out. Once confirmed you will receive an email response with information about registering for an onsite orientation.
- Please note that it may take 3 to 5 business days for your application to clear.
want to volunteer as a group?
At this time, our group volunteer opportunities are temporarily paused as we navigate a transition period and improve our group volunteer experiences. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we get everything settled and implemented.
Please continue to check back for updates and thank you for wanting to make a difference for animals in need.
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