Become a Songbird Monitor Volunteer with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Starr Ranch manages other songbird monitoring projects that utilize volunteer citizen scientists who are trained by ornithologists. Monitoring usually targets rare species and habitats such as coastal sage scrub but we also use songbirds as indicators of restoration success and climate change. New monitoring projects help them make decisions on which invasive plant species they will work to control. Below are some current songbird monitoring projects that utilize citizen science volunteers. Songbirds of Starr Ranch Coastal Sage Scrub, Effects of Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration on Songbirds, Effects of the Streambank Weed, Periwinkle, on Songbirds, Songbird Phenology in Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian Woodlands. If you would like to volunteer or would like to learn more about Starr Ranch songbird monitoring projects, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.
Become a Wildlife Monitor Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Currently Starr Ranch biologists train citizen science volunteers to help them monitor wildlife that serve as good indicators of habitat quality and help them decide which invasive species they will work to control. These are long term projects that will also aid in detection of shifts in wildlife populations that may be associated with a changing climate. Current wildlife monitoring projects include: Aquatic Vertebrates of Bell Creek (fish, reptiles and amphibians), Perennial Pools of Bell Creek, Effects of the Streambank Weed, Periwinkle, on Small Mammals and Invertebrates, Phenology of Butterflies (and Plants) of Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian Woodland. If you would like to volunteer with their wildlife monitoring projects, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.
Become a South County Fire Watch Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
In partnership with the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Starr Ranch runs a volunteer fire watch. Each year since 2008 volunteers are trained in late summer by the OCFA to deter arson and report behaviors that could lead to fires and to detect fires quickly if they start. Volunteers work in pairs during Red Flag Warnings, periods of high winds and dry conditions, usually in the fall. Lookout locations are at the edges of south Orange County preserved land from Starr Ranch south to the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Contact Sandy at (sdesimone@audubon.org), or Laura at (lcoleyeisenberg@ranchomv.com)
Become a Stream Bioassessment Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Since 2003, Starr Ranch biologists have trained volunteers to use a standardized protocol to gather data on stream water quality and the impacts of urban run-off on the physical, chemical, and biological components of water quality in the creeks of Starr Ranch. Their results are sent to a statewide database. If you would like to volunteer with the annual stream bioassessment project, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309. For more information visit Riparian Habitat Enhancement and Monitoring.
Become an Invasive Plant Control Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Starr Ranch “Weed Warriors” help us remove invasive plant species. Invasive species can alter habitats and can have negative effects on wildlife. All of our weed control is non-chemical, and done with hand tools. Currently volunteers help us with periwinkle, English ivy, and Smilo grass removal. If you would like to become a “weed warrior” at Starr Ranch, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.For more information and Saturday volunteer dates please see our invasive plant control volunteer flyer.
Volunteer at Beagles and Buddies
Want to be a volunteer? Check out the following: Pooper Scoopers: They have around 100 dogs at any given time, and they do produce a lot of poop! General handyperson: The kennel is so maintenance intensive they are always in need of cleaners & repairs all over the place. They work very hard to keep the environment clean and safe & if you can use a hammer, screwdriver or have any electrical skills, they could really use a helping hand. Can you paint, plaster, do wood work on fences & gates? Animal Trainer: Someone who can spend time at the sanctuary teaching the dogs basic commands and obedience training. You don't have to be a professional trainer- one of their volunteers learned most of what she knows from youtube vids! Veterinarian: they desperately need a practical minded Veterinarian who is willing to make house calls once or twice a month here to the sanctuary. It's a major hardship to bundle up & haul 20 separate dogs over to another location simply for shots & general care. If they were blessed with a Veterinarian angel who could make house calls to the sanctuary, of course they are more than willing to pay & would be ever grateful. (They'd also like to feature our Sanctuary Vet here on their website.) Doggie Wranglers needed: Folks who love dogs & can pet them, brush them, walk them, or just hang out with the shy ones to help them socialize. Anyone from age 14 to 100 who can love a dog is welcome. Children under l4 must have consent & supervision of a parent or guardian. This job also includes pooper scooping.Kennel cleaning: Cleaning doggie houses, washing and replacing beds. This is a job for those not afraid of hot water, bleach & pinesol. They keep the doggies and their living spaces clean and that's a demanding chore. They could use help in this area. Could you sew & tack little bedding pads together? They need people to cut up blankets and comforters & tack then together to make little doggie sleeping pads. theyhave the materials and need you to cut them up into bedding approximately 3'x3' and 2'x2' (Of course, a few inches either way won't matter.) They need them fluffy and tacked together so they can wash & dry them faster & easier. Bug those friends and neighbors: for older polyester comforters that you can fold into quarters & tack together to make softer fluffier washable bedding for these doggies to snuggle on inside their kennels. Sign painter who could make nice yard signs for the reception area & yards. Drivers: They need drivers who can drive them to their Vet visits & help bust death-row inmates outta jail on rescue pickups. There are dogs who can be saved if only there are folks available with cars to go pick them up. They need on-call drivers and a dispatcher volunteer to help organize rescue pickups & vet trips. Dog Clothes: it gets cold here in the winter, and the dogs appreciate warm coats. Homemade dog clothes or store bought ones welcome. Help at adoption events: Several times a year they take their pets to big adoption events in the Los Angeles area or Orange County, such as Irvine Animal Care Center's Home for the Holidays event every December. They always welcome people who can help set up the area at the event, or who can come with or meet there to walk the dogs, feed them, or help them get adopted during the event. See their "events" page for our upcoming schedule.. Petsmart adoption events: In the past, on the weekends they have had volunteers who have taken some of their dogs to a Petsmart of the volunteer's choice to try to get them adopted. They don't have any volunteers who do that currently. The closest Petsmart to them is in Apple Valley's Jess Ranch shopping center.
Adopt Lucky Bunnies at Bunny World Foundation
Are you ready to give a lucky bunny a loving forever home? At Bunny World Foundation, they believe every rabbit deserves a safe, caring environment where they can thrive and be part of the family. Adopting a rabbit is a long-term commitment, and they are here to support you in finding the perfect bunny companion that fits your lifestyle. The following information is requested so that they can assist you in the selection of a house rabbit companion. This application and consultation with a BWF adoption counselor is designed to help them determine if the adoption is in the rabbit's best interest and to assist you in finding the rabbit's most compatible with your lifestyle. Rabbits are highly social-they are happiest when living with other rabbits as an integrated part of their families' lives and surroundings. Therefore rabbits are housed inside ONLY and require 5 to 8 hours of playtime daily. Please visit this link to watch an extraordinary 5 minute long video entitled "Is a Rabbit the Right Pet for You?" A Video by the Marin Humane Society. Lucky Bunnies for Adoption. In order to be considered as an adopter you must: Be able and willing to provide an indoor, loving, safe and peaceful environment for your rabbits. Be financially stable and willing to provide all necessary medical care.Be committed to the health and welfare of the rabbit for his/her lifetime (an average of 8-10 years) regardless of lifestyle changes such as divorce, moving, etc. Be aware that we DO NOT adopt rabbits to children-all members of the household should visit the prospective rabbit and apply for adoption. Be aware that we DO NOT place rabbits in a home with an un-neutered or un-spayed rabbit. Be willing to agree to a home visit and consultation by one of our adoption counselors prior to the adoption. Agree to an undefined adoption fee (per rabbit) which is used to pay for the rabbits' spay, neuter and medical care OR commit in writing to spay/neuter yourself. Be willing to agree to a follow-up home visit within 1-2 months of the adoption date. Agree to our Adoption Policies. Thank you for wanting to give a rabbit a safe and loving home. Their primary goal at BWF is education-the purpose of the initial visit is to help facilitate a good match between a bunny and your family's needs and comfort levels. Please complete the application and send via email to: info@bunnyworldfoundation.org, Attention: Adoptions.
Foster An Adorable Bunny with Bunny World Foundation
Bunny World Foundation has no facility; they are 100% foster-based for good reason. Their non-stop rescue efforts rely on dedicated volunteers and foster moms and dads, without whom they could not pull bunnies from suffering, tend to their every need, and ready them for adoption.
They're always in need of qualified foster parents and compassionate volunteers; please fill out their form and get in touch!
Volunteer with C.A.R.E.4Paws
C.A.R.E.4Paws provides many critical programs and hosts multiple events annually.You can make a pawsitive impact by donating your time and talents. If you’re interested in joining their team, please fill out their volunteer application and email it to volunteer@care4paws.org. There are also other ways to help! If you’re looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity, they invite you to organize a special project that raises support for pet families in need. For example, you could host a pet food drive with your friends or at your place of work, put on a bake sale, or host a holiday or other type of party with gifts going to C.A.R.E.4Paws. Students can also gain community service hours for their work.If you have a project in mind, please email, wendy@care4paws.org. Visit: https://care4paws.org/volunteer/
Volunteer to Help Animals with LA County Animal Care and Control
The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control relies on volunteer support from the community to provide additional public service and animal care programs that are vital to a healthy community. They are currently in need of committed volunteers, able to make a nine month or more commitment. If you have a love for animals and have a minimum of eight hours a month to donate your time, please consider becoming a volunteer in one of their seven animal care centers. Opportunities include helping with administrative work, adoptions, community events, and more. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age at the beginning of service. If a volunteer is a minor (16-17), parental permission is required. Orientations are held a minimum of once a quarter or bi-annually depending on the care center location. After applying, you will receive an auto email with more information and a Volunteer Coordinator will reach out with next steps. Once orientation is completed, volunteers will be required to complete online and in person training.
Join the Volunteer Team at Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW)
Want to volunteer for CLAW? CLAW is a public benefit non-profit 501(c)(3) environmental organization that works to protect and restore the environments of wildlife of Los Angeles and California from dwindling open spaces. Their mission is to promote, educate and protect the fundamental importance of wildlife, wildlife habitats, and wildlife corridors in Los Angeles and beyond.
Volunteer with Furry Friends at LA Animal Services
LA Animal Services is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of abandoned and orphaned animals in their care. They need friendly, outgoing and personable volunteers to assist the public and work with the staff in their animal shelters and at on-site and off-site adoption events. Their dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals are in need of care, attention, walking, playing, socialization and engaging with people in order to help them find homes to go to. You may choose to work with any or all of their animal populations. Volunteers are also needed to assist with other important roles such as: adoptions, kennels, greeting customers, photography, videography, playgroups, grooming, humane education, marketing, and some office tasks. Volunteer opportunities are available during their business hours; Tuesdays through Fridays, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. and Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Shelters are closed on Mondays and on holidays. They currently accept volunteers aged 12 and older.
Create Meaningful Connections as a Core Volunteer with the LA Zoo
Join the Core Volunteer team at the L.A. Zoo and help enhance the visitor experience while supporting wildlife conservation. Starting opportunities include working at the information station, events, and habitat interpretation. Volunteers must be 14 to apply.
Become a Docent and Educate Vistors at the LA Zoo
Do you love animals an enjoy meaningful engagement with people? Want to make a positive impact on wildlife and habitats? Consider becoming a docent at the L.A. Zoo! Docents are volunteer educators and zoo guides at the L.A. Zoo. They engage with visitors, sharing insights about the Zoo and the natural world, and serve as advocates for conservation efforts. Through training, docents gain a deep understanding of the flora and fauna at the Zoo, and learn skills to effectively connect with guests, including tours, interpreting at habitats, and facilitating educational activities.
Celebrate Wild for the Planet at the LA Zoo with a weekend of wildlife conservation, interactive learning, and family-friendly fun
Want to help care for the animals at the LA Zoo? Keeper/Animal Care Volunteers will need to submit a completed City Volunteer Application, resume, and proof of at least 100 hours working with exotic animals, wild animals, or large livestock at a facility other than the L.A. Zoo. The latter can be in the form of a time sheet or a letter from your supervisor. Vet tech or pet store experience does not apply. If accepted into the program, you are required to submit a current TB test (within three months) and commit to a minimum of two eight-hour days per month.
Share Some Love and Foster A Kitten with Kitten Rescue Los Angeles
Fostering is caring for a rescued animal in your own home until a permanent adopter is found. It is the primary way that Kitten Rescue is able to rescue over a thousand cats and kittens annually — because of their foster volunteers. Their animals come through many channels, mostly from shelters or off the street. Their foster volunteers take these cats in, clean them up, get them healthy, and shower them with love until a forever home is found. You don’t have to be an animal expert to foster. All you need is a safe home, a willingness to learn, and a love of animals. They'll help you with the rest! Kitten Rescue is located in Los Angeles, California. Fostering with them works best if you live close to their weekend adoption venues and partner veterinarians. This includes areas such as Pasadena, Burbank, West LA, Santa Monica, the San Fernando Valley, and Stevenson Ranch. If you don’t live near any of the above areas, we recommend contacting a no-kill rescue organization near you to get involved with.
Join Kitten Rescue as a General Volunteer to Help Some Furry Friends
Kitten Rescue operates solely on the time, energy, and dedication of their generous volunteers. In fact, Kitten Rescue couldn’t survive without the help of their volunteers! They have many volunteer opportunities and ways you can get involved. Training can be provided. If you have experience in any of their topic areas — or would like to gain experience — they want you on their Kitten Rescue team! If you would like to become a Kitten Rescue volunteer, take a moment to review their general opportunities and the Sanctuary-specific opportunities, and then fill out an application form at the link.
Adopt an Adorable Guinea Pig with LA Guinea Pig Rescue
We are so thankful that you have decided to adopt guinea pigs with the Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue. Their application form is at their website. Prior to your adoption, they have two very important requirements that all adopters must follow:
1) Proper Cage Size and 2) Multiple Guinea Pigs (more details on their website. Once your form is filled out and submitted, please book your appointment at your convenience.
Volunteer to Help Animals with the Lange Foundation
Interested in giving back and hanging out with some amazing animals? Consider volunteering with the Lange Foundation. Fill out their application on their website for a chance to do your part in helping these adorable furry friends.
Adopt an Adorable Furry Friend with the Lange Foundation
Looking for a animal companion? Please fill the Lange Foundation's cat application or dog application. Tell them about yourself and the type of cat or dog you’re dreaming about (pair of kittens, adult cat, senior dog, etc.). Please feel free to list specific animals that you are interested in, but it’s not necessary. Their goal is to play matchmaker and find the right pet for you, your family, and your lifestyle. As the adoption process moves quickly, there may be cats or dogs available to meet that haven’t even made it online yet. So if you’re not seeing your perfect match on the website just yet, it’s still a great idea to apply. The average response time to applications is 1-2 days. They'll schedule a time for you to visit the animals at their kennel. Assuming all goes well and you want to adopt, they'll take care of paperwork, collect medical records from the vet, and get everything ready for your new pet to go home. They do not do same day adoptions, but you can expect to pick up your new cat or dog from the kennel within a day or two.
Featured Projects
Assist Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at AW@10 (Accessible Wednesday at 10am)
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
Big Sunday invites volunteers of all abilities to join our weekly Accessible Wednesday morning program, AW@10, to support local animal rescue efforts. During this session, participants will work together to assemble "Kitty Kits" for feline residents in need at local nonprofit organizations. These activities are specifically designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone—including volunteers with developmental challenges—can participate in the joy of giving back. It is a wonderful opportunity to build community while providing essential supplies to help rescued cats thrive. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Assist Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at AW@10 (Accessible Wednesday at 10am)
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
Big Sunday invites volunteers of all abilities to join our weekly Accessible Wednesday morning program, AW@10, to support local animal rescue efforts. Volunteers will gather at the Big Sunday headquarters to assemble "Doggie Bags" filled with helpful items for local animal-related nonprofits. This program emphasizes that absolutely everyone has something to give, providing a structured yet fun environment where guests of honor with developmental challenges and the general public can volunteer side-by-side. By preparing these supplies, the community helps ensure that local animal shelters and advocacy groups have the resources they need to care for their resident dogs. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Support Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at TM@10 (Thursday Morning at 10am)
Big Sunday,
nicolo@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
TM@10 (Thursday Morning @ 10) is not only one of our favorite programs, but it’s one of our most popular, too! We meet every Thursday morning, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. And we host hands-on projects to help local nonprofits. This week, participants will work together to assemble handmade dog toys for animals residing in local shelters. This event offers a social, lighthearted environment where people can meet new neighbors, enjoy some laughs, and create tangible items that improve the quality of life for rescued dogs. It is a perfect way to support animal welfare while being part of a helpful, diverse community. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. No fee is required to participate, but slots are limited.
Support Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at TM@10 (Thursday Morning at 10am)
Big Sunday,
nicolo@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
TM@10 (Thursday Morning @ 10) is not only one of our favorite programs, but it’s one of our most popular, too! We meet every Thursday morning, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. And we host hands-on projects to help local nonprofits. This week, volunteers will gather to put together "Dog Care Kits" filled with supplies that support local animal-related nonprofits. This event offers a social, lighthearted environment where people can meet new neighbors, enjoy some laughs, and create tangible items that improve the quality of life for rescued dogs. It is a perfect way to support animal welfare while being part of a helpful, diverse community. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. No fee is required to participate, but slots are limited.
Support Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at TM@10 (Thursday Morning at 10am)
Big Sunday,
nicolo@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
TM@10 (Thursday Morning @ 10) is not only one of our favorite programs, but it’s one of our most popular, too! We meet every Thursday morning, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. And we host hands-on projects to help local nonprofits. This week, volunteers are invited to assemble "Cat Care Kits," which are distributed to nonprofits specializing in cat rescue, fostering, and adoption. This event offers a social, lighthearted environment where people can meet new neighbors, enjoy some laughs, and create tangible items that improve the quality of life for rescued cats. It is a perfect way to support animal welfare while being part of a helpful, diverse community. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. No fee is required to participate, but slots are limited.