Cat, Dog and Small Animal Programs
Every year more than 16,000 animals come into Ventura County Animal Services. We have many dedicated staff members, but we cannot do it alone! If you are over 18, we invite you to become a volunteer and help give animals a second chance! Whether you want to help better the lives of the homeless animals or you want to prevent abuse by raising awareness of the tragedies that occur when people stop caring for animals, your efforts really make a difference and we welcome your offer of help!
How To Get Started
Step 1: Attend Volunteer Orientation
At Orientation, we will discuss the history and mission of Ventura County Animal Services as well as introduce you to the various volunteer opportunities we currently have available. The session is free and will last 45 – 60 minutes.
A $10 fee is requested for which you will receive a Ventura County Volunteer t-shirt and your printed training materials.
Step 2: Begin your Training/ Mentoring
One of the goals of the Volunteer Program at Ventura County Animal Services is to ensure that each volunteer has a positive and meaningful experience with us. Our way of doing that is to provide all new volunteers with training and mentoring by our experienced staff. If you decide that you would like to become a volunteer, a mentoring period will be held to help make your introduction into the world of Animal Shelter a smooth one. This mentoring period will occur during your first 20 hours of volunteer time. During training, we will review the policies and procedures of volunteering as well as learn more about animal behavior. This training is required to become an independent volunteer.
Step 3: Complete Additional Training as Needed
Certain volunteer opportunities require additional training. These positions include Shelter Assistant, Adoption Counselor and Animal Socialization Assistant. Information regarding the additional training will be discussed at Volunteer Orientation.
If you have questions about volunteering, direct them to our Volunteer Email: VCAR.Volunteer@ventura.org.
If interested in volunteering, please download, complete and mail the Volunteer Application to: VCAR.Volunteer@ventura.org.
The Department of Animal Services relies on these and hundreds of other animal rescue organizations to assist in finding qualified, responsible, caring permanent homes for the animals that pass through our shelter. Since our housing space is very limited, thus limiting the time that we can keep individual animals beyond required holding periods, it is crucial to the animals that these “rescuers” continue to provide their valuable services.
Fortunately for the animals, there is a rescue organization for almost every species, size, color, gender, breed, and age of animal. Some groups handle only specific breeds, some only specific species and many welcome all comers. For an idea of the number and focus of just some of the animal rescue groups that we work with check out the HART/MUTTMATCHERS site.
