**IMPORTANT MESSAGE**
At this time, we are prioritizing the onboarding of new volunteers who are interested in working with dogs, with a particular need for those comfortable handling large dogs. If you’re not interested in working with dogs, please email us at VCAR.VOLUNTEER@VENTURACOUNTY.GOV so we can notify you when onboarding for non-dog volunteers resumes in early spring 2026. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Ventura County Animal Services!
Volunteers are absolutely essential to our lifesaving efforts. Without your time, dedication, and compassion, we could not provide the level of care, enrichment, and support that helps make each animal’s stay as comfortable, and as brief, as possible.
VCAS volunteers contribute in many meaningful ways, from working directly with animals and supporting daily shelter operations, to representing our agency within the community. Regardless of your interests, skills, or availability, there is an opportunity where you can make a real impact.
If you’re seeking Community Service Hours, please review the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
What Volunteers Do?
All new volunteers begin with Shelter Support tasks, which are essential to daily operations and animal care.
Shelter Support Tasks Include:
- Click for Quiet (positive training for dogs)
- Dishwashing
- Filling treat buckets
- Laundry
- Poop Patrol (hosing kennels)
- Preparing and providing daily enrichment and experiences for dogs and cats
- Sorting donations
- Spending supervised outside-of-kennel time with dogs
- Updating kennel cards daily
- Updating kennel whiteboards
After contributing four (4) or more hours of Shelter Support and becoming familiar with the shelter environment, volunteers may train for additional roles. Please note that most positions require training and an ability to meet the physical and mental capabilities of the task. Tap/click here to view the list of these required capabilities.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities May Include:
- Administrative support
- Adoption counseling (introducing pets to potential adopters)
- Assisting in the Veterinary Office (limited availability)
- Daily cat care and companionship
- Daily rabbit care and companionship
- Dog walking, playtime, and companionship
- Giving tours
- Greeting and assisting the public
- Marketing animals
- Photography and videography
- Representing VCAS at adoption/community events
- Serving as a Store Angel at partner pet stores
- Taking dogs on Doggy Day Trips (Please note: hosting a dog overnight or longer requires a foster application.)
- Transporting animals
Animal handling and certain other roles require additional training and are limited to volunteers who meet minimum requirements.
Volunteer Requirements
Age Requirements:
- The minimum volunteer age is 13. Those under 13 are encouraged to participate in our レスキュー・リーダー program until they are old enough to volunteer.
- Volunteers 13–15 must apply with an adult volunteer partner. They must also submit applications, train, and volunteer together at all times.
- Volunteers under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- A parent or guardian must attend First Day Training with volunteers under 18.
Community Expectations:
- Volunteers must treat animals and people with kindness and respect and must work well with others.
- Volunteers must be willing to accept guidance, feedback, and coaching as needed.
- Volunteers must be adaptable to changing guidelines and protocols.
- Volunteers must adhere to all Volunteer Policies and the Code of Conduct outlined in the application.
Time Commitment:
- While there is no required monthly minimum for general volunteering, we kindly ask that those who sign up for our popular First Day Training class, that you do so with the intention of volunteering once a week for a minimum of 2時間 for at least three (3) months.
- Some roles (such as working with the Bunny Brigade or in our Veterinary Hospital) will require you to commit to a regular scheduled shift.
- Other roles offer flexible, self-scheduled opportunities to accommodate varying availability.
How to Sign Up
Tap/click the Volunteer Application button below. Again, please note that we are currently prioritizing the onboarding of those who want to work with dogs, especially large dogs. If that is not your focus and wish to volunteer in other capacities, please email VCAR.VOLUNTEER@VENTURACOUNTY.GOV so we can contact you when we resume general volunteer onboarding, likely in early Spring of 2026.
After you submit your volunteer application, you should receive an auto-response email with a link to our Volunteer Orientation Video. Watch the video as it will tell you more about VCAS and your role as a volunteer, and how to sign up for First Day Training using the Volunteer Portal.
The application includes electronic signature/verification of the Volunteer Agreement, Release of Liability and Waiver, and Code of Conduct.
Disclaimer: Volgistics, the third-party platform we use for the volunteer application process, is not entirely compatible with Google Chrome または Microsoft Edge browsers. We recommend using a different browser before you tap/click the Sign-Up button above. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions
Yes. If you need to complete a limited number of hours for court or school, you can do so by helping out in our laundry room at the Camarillo Shelter. To be a Community Service Volunteer, please complete the following steps:
ここをタップ/クリック to submit the application then email vcar.volunteer@venturacounty.gov or call our office at 805-388-4320 to set up a training time at our Camarillo Shelter.
After you’ve been onboarded, you will sign in and sign out at the shelter to track your hours electronically. We can sign paperwork as needed to verify your hours.
After you’ve completed your required hours, if you decide to continue to volunteer, we’ll be happy to tell you how!
Application problems:
Make sure you have completed all the required fields and submitted a photo of yourself. The photo will be used on your identification badge, so submit one that you like!
Problems signing up for First Day Training:
If you don’t receive your welcome email with the Orientation Video link after completing the application, please check your spam/junk mail folders and adjust your email settings to allow email from vcar.volunteer@venturacounty.gov.
If you can’t find any First Day Training openings, it is most likely that they are all full. Be sure you are looking at the Monthly view. If you don’t see a button that says, Schedule Me!, then there are no openings. To be placed on the waitlist, email us at vcar.volunteer@venturacounty.gov. It’s suggested you check back in the 24 hours before a First Day Training, as other opening may become available.
No. The animals in our care live in somewhat stressful conditions, thus any handling requires special training to ensure safe handling, and a general knowledge of how our agency works and where most things can be located. To that end, we require new volunteers to attend First Day Training そして do a minimum of four (4) hours of Shelter Support tasks before taking their first animal handling class.
Yes! We love volunteer group, but due to safety concerns, group volunteer opportunities are limited to project-based activities and not activities involving the handling of animals. The typical visit lasts 90 minutes, and consists of a tour, a service activity, and a supervised visit with a friendly animal.
Many visiting groups, especially from businesses, often bring a donation or donated items for our animals. Groups interested in bringing items are encouraged to view our アマゾンほしい物リスト to ensure you’re getting items we need.
Please contact our Volunteer Office to set up a Group Volunteering service day. Vcar.volunteer@venturacounty.gov or 805-388-4320.
Current Volunteers and New Applicants
If you’re a current volunteer or new applicant, sign-in below to sign up for volunteer shifts and available trainings.
- Contact our Volunteer Center for questions or assistance:
- vcar.volunteer@venturacounty.gov
- (805) 388-4320