It’s easy to become a volunteer at Pet Orphans of Southern California. Simply fill out and submit an online application through this website. See below for available volunteer orientation dates. Attending an orientation is extremely important. It’s the time to learn our rules, policies and procedures as well as tour our kennels and gain a thorough understanding of the many ways you can help our program – and ultimately help our dogs and cats get adopted into loving homes. Once you have attended an orientation which includes Kennel Training, and completed the dog and/or cat training portion of the orientation (depending on where you want to focus your time), you can set your own hours. We are open every day to the public from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to join us and our pet orphans from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. every day. The dogs, in particular, are eager for a morning walk, and all the animals could use morning hugs and attention.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS

*** Orientations last approximately 3 hours. ***
To attend orientations, please make sure you are registered on our website application form beforehand.

All orientations start at 10:00 am
Sunday, July 25 (This orientation is full.)
Sunday, August 15 (This orientation is full.)
Sunday, August 29 (This orientation is full.)
Sunday, September 12
Sunday, September 26
Sunday, October 10
Sunday, November 07
Sunday, November 21
Sunday, December 05
Sunday, December 19

Please fill out a volunteer application if you decide to become a volunteer with Pet Orphans of Southern California.

JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Children aged 11 – 15 may enter our Junior Volunteer Program. Without exception, no one under 11 is permitted to volunteer at POSC. Each Junior Volunteer must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian - the same parent or guardian who attended the orientation with the Junior Volunteer. Both volunteers need to submit a volunteer application prior to attending an orientation. For the safety of our animals, and our youngest volunteers, at no time may the Junior Volunteer hold the leash. However, junior volunteers and their parents are also welcome to enroll in the extended Dog Walker/Handler Program ("Best Paw Forward") and upon successful completion of the program, the volunteers may then handle dogs on a leash. All volunteers are welcome to spend time in our kennels, yards and catteries in the extremely important role of being a dog and/or cat socializer.

It is important to note that our Jr. Volunteer program is a "team" approach to volunteering. A parent who shares his/her child's passion for animals and volunteers side by side makes an ideal team! This program is not set up so a parent simply "babysits" while a Jr. Volunteer is socializing dogs or cats. Each volunteer in the adult/child team is to support each other and share volunteer responsibilities. This is a wonderful opportunity for a child and parent (or grandparent, adult sibling, aunt, etc.) to bond in a common experience while truly making a difference in the lives of the dogs and/or cats who pass through our doors. If a parent feels that he/she is being "forced" to attend the orientation because we require a parent's participation if a child is under the age of 16, and doesn't share the child's interest in volunteering at Pet Orphans, we strongly encourage you to find a more appropriate setting for your child's interests.

FUNDRAISING

Volunteers of all ages are invited to assist us with our ongoing fundraising efforts. We would be pleased to have any volunteer conduct a fundraiser for our orphans. You can host a car wash, bake sale or collect spare change during a specified time – or any other imaginative and pre-approved way. When the fundraiser is complete, contact the Volunteer Department at (818) 901-0190 extension 102, to schedule a time for you to drop off the proceeds and we'll arrange a “play time” with our orphan dogs and cats who will directly benefit from your support. We’ll take your picture and put it on our website for everyone to see! Feel free to check out Volunteer Happenings.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities at Pet Orphans Of Southern California. Some positions require additional training, which we are happy to provide for eligible volunteers. We have several dog walkers who are also dog socializers, groomers, and help the kennel staff…with some time saved for cat socialization.

For a list of our volunteer job descriptions, please click here.

VOLUNTEER HAPPENINGS

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
JOHN

John comes to us raised in Chicago. He is a fairly new volunteer but puts in at least 10 hours a week. He learned about Pet Orphans from a customer of his who adopted one of our orphans. John enjoys watching T.V, motorcycles in all aspects, working out, and coming to Pet Orphans.

John is proving to be one of our most valued volunteers right out of the gate. He lightens the work load for all staff members by doing everything from cleaning out kennel runs, to unloading crates when there are deliveries, to feeding and helping set up orientations. His contribution and gift of time allows the staff to be free to offer more to our orphans because John is there to help with everyday tasks that need to be done as part of the daily care of our residents. Week after week John shows up with a great attitude and is willing to do anything he is asked. Pet Orphans is fortunate to have had John land on site and is truly treasured.

Please click here to view Laurie's pictures of the
latest Enrichment Walk at Franklin Canyon, Sat. June 19, 2010


If you would like to participate in a future Enrichment Walk, email Jenn

Volunteers help socialize and acclimate the puppies to everyday sights, smells and sounds.
If you would like to participate in a future Puppy Party, email Jenn

PHOTOS