Animal care and socialization programs
Volunteers walk dogs, cuddle cats and rabbits, and help with socializing, cleaning, feeding and other care. Anyone interested in working with our animals must first attend a volunteer orientation and go through training for their chosen task.
For the dog socialization program, we have dog walking every morning and in the evenings Sunday through Thursday. Morning volunteers get the dogs out early for some fresh air and exercise. Our evening walkers take the dogs out for one last pit stop before they are tucked in for the night. It is the perfect opportunity for people who want to volunteer after work. We are actively recruiting volunteers to walk dogs in the mornings and evenings. We have a reading program available for dogs in the afternoon. Volunteers in our reading therapy program read to animals in a monotone voice to help relieve stress and keep animals calm. Reading is especially good for stray animals because a lot of them aren’t used to human interaction and it helps them feel more comfortable and less stressed.
Our cats are cuddled and socialized every afternoon. This includes reading therapy, taking the cats out for play and cuddle time, brushing and petting them, holding them in your lap and giving them special one-on-one time. The rabbits are socialized every day; times are flexible. Volunteers will take bunnies out to let them run and play in their Cottontail Cottages. Volunteers are responsible for cleaning the cages and making sure the bunnies have food, water, hay, clean litter boxes and fresh newspaper. Volunteers also are responsible for socializing and caring for small animals in our care such as rats, hamsters, mice or Guinea pigs.
Mobile adoption volunteers take our dogs into the community. If you like to interact with the public and want to help promote our animals and the shelter, adoption outreach might be perfect for you! Dog walker training is required for mobile adoption volunteers.
Adoption outreach
We are currently recruiting volunteers to help us in our Adoptions Center on the weekends. Greeters meet the public when they enter the center, answer any questions potential adopters have, and direct them to the proper location.
Adoptions greeters
We are currently recruiting volunteers to help us care for animals at our off-site locations. Our adoptable cats are at PetSmart, Kahoots and Petco in Escondido and Petco in San Marcos, and our adoptable bunnies are available for adoption at the Escondido, Poway, Carmel Mountain and San Marcos Petco stores. There is a special need for volunteers at PetSmart and Petco in Escondido on Sundays and Mondays.
Off-site care
Education
Education department volunteers help with a variety of duties, including birthday parties, pet therapy, classroom visits, tours, and camps. A commitment of at least six months is required. Volunteers must be comfortable with a wide assortment of animals and enjoy working with children and adults.
Foster care
Our foster families provide life-changing support for our special needs companion animals. We provide the veterinary care, behavioral support, foster training, and anything else our animal may need - you provide the safe, caring home environment. We are actively recruiting temporary foster homes.
Our dedicated group of volunteers helps animals hands-on, from animal care and community outreach to foster care and events. There are a variety of opportunities available, and volunteering can work around your schedule and talents. There are many more volunteer opportunities available that aren't listed here. If you are interested in learning more about our opportunities, or if you would like to join our volunteer team, contact Mary Ellen, director of volunteer services, at (760) 888-2270 or volunteer@escondidohumanesociety.org.
Volunteer opportunities
Escondido Humane Society | 3450 East Valley Parkway, Escondido CA 92027 | (760) 888 - BARK (2275)
Adoption Center open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week | Animal Control open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week
