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. If you are interested in learning more about our opportunities, or if you would like to join our volunteer team, call (760) 888-2270 or e-mail [email protected].
Dog Socialization
On a daily basis, volunteers provide exercise, kennel enrichment, mental stimulation, relaxation, training using positive reinforcement, and generally socialize the dogs available for adoption. Volunteers work with the dogs one-on-one under the supervision of a team leader. Recognizing a dog’s individual needs, volunteers help to increase the dogs’ knowledge of good behavior through teaching them manners and quiet kennel behavior. Volunteers strengthen the human canine connection to increase their adoptability and provide reading therapy by reading to the dogs in a monotone voice to help relieve stress and keep animals calm. We take the dogs outside every morning (7 to 10 a.m.) and in the evenings Monday through Thursday (4.30 to 8 p.m.). Our daytime volunteers assist with adoptions, kennel enrichment, reading, and taking the dogs to Outreach events. Anyone interested in handling the dogs must attend a volunteer orientation and go through training.
Cat and Rabbit Socialization
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. Anyone interested in working with our cats or bunnies must first attend a volunteer orientation and go through training.
Off-Site Cat and Rabbit Care
Volunteers keep our off-site adoptable cats and rabbits happy and healthy by providing exercise, mental stimulation, basic grooming, cleaning, socialization and love. Off-site adoption locations include Petco and PetSmart stores in Escondido, San Marcos, Poway and Carmel Mountain.
Foster Care
Foster volunteers provide a second chance at life for animals that arrive at the shelter sick, injured, underage, or who while at EHS become kennel stressed. 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.
- Learn more about becoming an adult dog foster care volunteer
- Learn more about becoming an adult cat/kitten foster care volunteer
Outreach Program
The Outreach Program is designed to increase the Escondido Humane Society’s visibility and the public’s awareness of EHS programs, services and mission by taking information and adoptable animals to public venues. Tasks include assisting staff with volunteer coordination of outreach events; setting up and manning booths at outreach events, fundraisers, festivals and fairs; handling and transporting adoptable animals at outreach events; distributing EHS fliers around town and at local community events; educating the community on services and programs offered at EHS.
Special Events
Volunteers play a pivotal role in the fundraising activities that make the work of the Escondido Humane Society possible. You can get involved by assisting on one or more of the special events that take place each year. Opportunities are available in planning, preparing and assignments on the day of the event(s). Events include our Paws in the Park dog walk and Tails at Twilight gala.
Pet Publicists
Use your own digital camera to take photos of our adoptable cats and dogs for listing on the Escondido Humane Society website. Help promote our adoptable animals by writing short descriptions of our dogs and cats for posting to our website. In many instances, a great picture and profile are all that’s needed to help them find loving families! We also are in need of graphic designers to create marketing materials for adoptable animals and special projects.
Customer Service
Volunteers are a vital support for our adoption counselors and the first people our customers encounter when they come in. Front desk volunteers are informed about the process of adoption and make people feel comfortable and welcomed. Weekends are the greatest need.
Administrative
Assist with data entry, bulk mail preparation, photocopying, filing, thank you notes and other special projects as needed.
Education
Education department volunteers help with a variety of duties, including birthday parties, pet therapy, classroom visits, tours, and camps. Pet therapy volunteers are especially in need. 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.