Comfort Small Animals with LA Animal Services through Socialization
LA Animal Services invite volunteers to spend time petting and comforting cats and rabbits. This "low-impact" role is perfect for those who want to provide a soothing presence and help small animals feel secure in a busy shelter setting. 12+; 12–15 must be with an adult sponsor
Soothe Shelter Residents with LA Animal Services through the Reading Program
LA Animal Services facilitate a calming environment where volunteers read books to dogs, cats, and rabbits. This program is specifically designed to reduce the stress levels of the animals and help them develop trust in people. 12+; popular with students earning service hours
Facilitate Forever Homes with LA Animal Services as an Adoption Counselor
LA Animal Services looking for friendly and outgoing individuals to assist visitors in the kennels. Volunteers help potential adopters spend quality time with the animals and answer questions about care and behavior. 16+ to volunteer independently; 12–15 with adult sponsor
Amplify Animal Voices with LA Animal Services through Creative Media
LA Animal Services seeking photographers, videographers, and social media managers to help market their animals. This role is crucial for pets who have been in the shelter for a long time and need extra help finding a home.
Welcome the Community with LA Animal Services as a Shelter Greeter
LA Animal Services looking for volunteers with excellent communication skills to staff the lobby and assist the public. Greeters help manage the flow of visitors and provide a friendly face for those looking to adopt or find a lost pet. 12+
Earn School Credit with LA Animal Services through Student Volunteering
LA Animal Services provides a structured pathway for students to earn required community service hours while gaining hands-on experience in animal advocacy. Students must go through the standard volunteer orientation and training process, after which they can assist with various roles such as animal comforting, reading, and administrative support. Their volunteer liaisons provide formal sign-offs on service hours once the student has completed a minimum of thirty hours of service. This program encourages young people to develop a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and compassionate animal care. 12+; 12–15 with adult sponsor
Start Your Service with LA Animal Services at the Volunteer Orientation Tour
LA Animal Services offers a gateway for new supporters to join their mission through a mandatory introductory tour and orientation at their service centers. During this session, prospective volunteers learn about the department's policies, basic animal behavior, and the many ways they can make a difference in the lives of the residents. They provide a comprehensive overview of the volunteer program, ensuring that everyone feels prepared and confident before they begin their first shift. This tour is the first step toward a fulfilling journey of service and is required for all individuals and sponsors looking to volunteer. Participants must present a photo ID and have an application on file. The orientation covers safety protocols and animal handling basics to prepare volunteers for a commitment of at least six hours per month. 12+; 12–15 must attend with their adult sponsor.
Empower Second Chances with Paws for Life K9 Rescue at the Innovation Center
Paws for Life K9 Rescue invite community members to support their groundbreaking mission of pairing shelter dogs with incarcerated trainers for intensive rehabilitation. At their People and Pet Innovation Center, volunteers play a vital role in socializing "graduated" dogs who have completed their prison training and are ready for family life. They offer various roles, from hands-on dog walking and enrichment to assisting with adoption events where these specialized dogs meet their forever families. By giving their time, volunteers help prove that every dog—and every person—deserves a second chance at a meaningful life. Volunteers must complete a "Fear Free" online course and attend an in-person orientation and dog handling class. This is a high-impact role for those interested in the intersection of animal welfare and social rehabilitation.
Guide Pet Owners with SEAACA as a Front Office Assistant
SEAACA seeks organized, empathetic volunteers to serve as the first point of contact for the public at its Downey facility. Office Assistants perform the vital task of greeting visitors, many of whom may be distressed as they search for a lost pet. They guide owners through the care center's reunification process and assist the public in completing necessary adoption paperwork once they have found a new companion. By providing a calm and helpful presence, these volunteers ensure that administrative tasks are handled efficiently and that every visitor feels supported in their journey through the care center. Must be 18+
Connect Families with Pets at SEAACA as a Kennel Greeter
SEAACA aims to provide an exceptional experience for every potential adopter by placing friendly and knowledgeable "Customer Service Greeters" directly within the kennel areas. These volunteers act as guides for the public, helping families navigate the rows of adoptable pets and identifying specific animals that may be a good match for their lifestyle and home environment. They provide background information on the animals and answer questions about the adoption process, serving as a welcoming bridge between the public and the care center's residents. Must be 18+
Facilitate Lifelong Bonds with SEAACA as an Adoption Assistant
SEAACA prioritizes the long-term success of every adoption by facilitating pre-adoption interactions between the public and their potential new pets. Adoption Assistants work closely with families to supervise meet-and-greets, ensuring that the chemistry is right and that the animal’s temperament aligns with the owner's expectations. They observe these interactions and provide expert feedback to both the staff and the adopters, helping to ensure that every "match" is a great one before the adoption is finalized. This role is vital for reducing return rates and building happy, lifelong bonds between people and their pets. Must be 18+
Support Lifesaving Rescues with the Friends of Milo Foundation at Volunteer Orientation
Friends of Milo Foundation invites animal lovers to join their dedicated team of volunteers by attending an introductory orientation at their Richmond location. During this session, new recruits learn about the foundation’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate animals from high-kill shelters and discover the various ways they can contribute, from cat socialization and kennel assistance to administrative support. Following this initial orientation, those interested in hands-on work with their canine residents can sign up for specialized dog walking training to ensure a safe and enriching experience for both the volunteers and the dogs. Volunteers must be 18+ to work with animals; minors 13-17 may volunteer if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Build Wooden Boxes For Rescued Bunnies & Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation
Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation needs wooden boxes for rescued rabbits. The boxes will be patterned after rabbit "nest boxes" and would keep bunnies warmer, and give them a place to hide and a box to jump on. Supplies (3/4" solid unfinished pine wood, small nails or screws) must be donated. LA Rabbits has a blueprint for the boxes and will email it to anyone wanting to make them. This would be a super project for a school group, Eagle Scouts, etc. Click here: https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer-opportunity/ac9ab89e138d48b0bb90fa8759f541d7-carpenter-to-make-wooden-boxes-los-angeles-rabbit-foundation-los-angeles
Help Abandoned Rabbits At The Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation Shelter
Help abandoned rabbits by cleaning, socializing, and assisting at adoption venues and/or animal shelters. Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation has a special need for volunteers who care for rabbits in shelters. This involves cleaning and feeding the bunnies, and/or socializing and exercising them. It's also important that volunteers work with others kindly. And you have to be willing to take direction when it comes to what and how the rabbits are fed and cared for, as they have a set routine. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old with parents present, or over 16 if volunteering without a guardian. Click here: https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer-opportunity/5eb9626d501440afa91c83d25b6c6e37-shelter-rabbit-volunteer-los-angeles-rabbit-foundation-los-angeles
Help Save Pets’ Lives at NKLA/Best Friends Animal Society
With millions of animals in shelters around the country hoping for families of their very own, one of the most valuable gifts you can give is the gift of your time. Want to help out here in Los Angeles? For animals waiting to go home for good, your kindness makes all the difference. There are so many ways you can get involved in NKLA's lifesaving work, including providing companionship to dogs and cats, fostering pets in your home, helping with marketing or social media, participating in community events and transporting animals to locations where their chances for adoption are higher. Click here to get started:
Support NKLA/Best Friends Animal Society
Your monthly gift will ensure that animals get the steady help they need, when and where it’s needed most. From providing round-the-clock care to neonatal kittens, to finding homes for pets who simply need a little extra help getting adopted, your gift will save even more lives every month. Click here: https://bestfriends.org/?form=FUNLJQZPGEN
Save A Life By Fostering A Dog Or Cat with NKLA/Best Friends Animal Society
Fostering is an easy, short-term, hands-on way to make a lifetime of difference. Whether you open your home (and heart) to a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, Best Friends will provide everything you need, including food, supplies, support and medical care, to ensure that your foster pet’s stay is a happy and healthy one. Click here: https://bestfriends.org/los-angeles/foster
Adopt A Dog Or Cat From NKLA/Best Friends Animal Society
When you adopt a homeless pet from a shelter or rescue group in Los Angeles, you’re saving the life of a loving and loyal animal. You’re also making space for other pets to find families of their own. And that’s huge. By adopting, you are part of a historic change in how our country regards pets in shelters and you’re helping to Save Them All. Click here: https://bestfriends.org/los-angeles/adopt
Make A Difference in Orange County with OC Animal Care
OC Animal Care promotes responsible pet ownership, health and safety of people and animals, and spay/neuter programs. OC Animal Care provides temporary shelter and medical care for "lost" owned or stray animals and opportunities for adoption of these animals. OC Animal Care houses and provides medical care for impounded dogs, cats and exotic animals. Volunteers assist by: Hosting donation drives, socializing and grooming available animals, leading shelter tours, educating the public about responsible pet ownership, attending community events, participating in special shelter events, and more. OC Animal Care volunteers play an integral role in placing animals and promoting shelter adoption. Click here to get started: https://www.ocpetinfo.com/volunteer
Lend a Paw at Stray Cat Alliance
Stray Cat Alliance educates and empowers communities to advocate for every cat’s right to be safe, healthy and valued. If you love cats and want to join in building a No Kill Nation one stray at a time, Stray Cat Alliance has a volunteer opportunity for you! Not only will you find a network of great people, support, and camaraderie but you will experience that incredible feeling that comes with knowing YOU are making a direct difference in the life of a cat! Because Stray Cat Alliance is a volunteer based organization, it is caring people like you that help them reach as many cats in need as possible. Opportunities for volunteers 12 and up. Click here to begin: https://straycatalliance.org/get-involved/volunteers/
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.