spcaLA: Friends for Life

Volunteer Services

Things to know before you apply

Questions to ask yourself before you apply

• Can I volunteer consistently for at least one year and commit to a weekly schedule?
• Are there personal or professional obligations that would interfere with my volunteer responsibilities?
• Do I have skills to offer the organization?
• Am I willing to invest time in learning new skills?
• Am I comfortable handling dogs, cats, puppies and kittens of all sizes, ages and personalities?
• Do I have any allergies or conditions that I should consider before working directly with animals?
• Would I prefer to volunteer at the shelter with animals, in the community, or support spcaLA’s work “behind the scenes?”
• Do I enjoy interacting with people? Am I friendly and outgoing?
• What do I know about spcaLA’s services and programs?
• Do I accept the philosophy of spcaLA regarding animal receiving, adoption, spay/neuter, declawing, and euthanasia?

Steps to becoming an spcaLA Volunteer

1. Determine your schedule (based on the current positions available) and make a one-year commitment of at least two hours a week.
2. Complete and return an Adult or Youth Volunteer Application by
   email or mail.
3. Attend a New Volunteer Orientation class (a four-hour class, scheduled regularly). Applicants must complete the orientation within 90 days of initial invitation.
4. Complete any required meeting, classes, or training:
   • For the Long Beach Companion Animal Village & Education Center or the South Bay Pet Adoption Center:
     • Animal Care Training (ACT): A one-hour class, scheduled regularly. New volunteers must complete this class within 60 days of completing the New Volunteer Orientation.
     • Helping Enhance Animals’ Lives (H.E.A.L.) I Workshop: A six-hour class, scheduled regularly. New volunteers who wish to work with dogs must complete this workshop within 60 days of completing the New Volunteer Orientation.
   • Animal-Assisted Therapy Program: Complete the AAT application; attend one, 30-minute evaluation to assess if you and your pet are eligible for this program.
   • Foster Care Program: Complete the Foster Care application; attend one, two-hour training class which covers the basics of fostering.
   • Humane Education Department: Complete the HE application; schedule a personal interview with spcaLA staff to determine if you are suited for this department’s various projects, programs and services.
5. Volunteer regularly!
   Enjoy!

Age requirement for spcaLA volunteers

Adult Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

Youth Volunteers, ages 12-17, must be accompanied by an adult teammate at all times. An adult teammate must be 18 years or older and he/she can be a parent, guardian, family member or friend.

The adult teammate is trained as a volunteer and supervises his/her Youth Volunteer teammate at all times (this includes the New Volunteer Orientation and all training workshops).

The supervision and participation of an adult teammate ensures the safety of our Youth Volunteers and the shelter animals.

spcaLA volunteer commitment

spcaLA is looking for volunteers who are able to make a minimum one year commitment. To remain active in our program, volunteers must be able to dedicate time on a weekly basis and commit to a regular schedule.

If you would like to complete a short-term project to fulfill a community service or school requirement, check out our Community Service Projects list.

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If you have read and understood the requirements it takes to become an spcaLA volunteer, please click on the button below.

Apply