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Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteer program continues to grow and is a necessary part of everyday life at OC Animal Care. Serving as a volunteer is extremely rewarding, educational and fun. OC Animal Care volunteers are committed, caring individuals who positively impact the lives of our animals. The valuable support and service they provide is truly appreciated by the animals, staff and visitors.
If you are searching for a rewarding experience and love working with and for animals, we invite you to join the OC Animal Care volunteer team. Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (see below for opportunities available to minors).
Volunteer Orientations
Volunteer orientations are held the first Saturday of each quarter. Orientation usually takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Orientation is held at OC Animal Care, 561 The City Drive South, Orange. All potential volunteers must attend. An RSVP is required to attend the orientation and space is limited. Please remember, you must be 18 to attend the orientation.
2012 Volunteer Orientation Dates
Saturday, July 7 at 10:00 am (No RSVP's will be accepted until June 2nd)
Saturday, October 6 at 10:00 am (No RSVP's will be accepted until September 1st)
For more information on our Volunteer Program, or to RSVP for an orientation (please see dates above), contact our Volunteer Program Coordinator at meghan.koyama@occr.ocgov.com or 714-796-6427.
For more animal related volunteer opportunities in Orange County, please CLICK HERE
Volunteer Selection
OC Animal Care requires that all potential volunteers go through an extensive selection process. This process ensures that OC Animal Care is selecting volunteers that best fit the needs of the program and understand the unique environment in which they will work. The selection process may take up to two months. Please note that applicants will be selected based on the current needs of Animal Care Services.
Time Commitment
OC Animal Care requests that you commit to a minimum of eight hours per month for three months. This commitment ensures that the program will operate smoothly and that the maximum benefit is derived for the animals. Please advise us in writing if you are unable to make the time commitment for a given month.
Training
OC Animal Care will provide training to all volunteers. Volunteers are required to complete the training for each position in which they are selected to serve.
Volunteer Positions
Dog Walker -
Volunteers walk and exercise shelter dogs that are available for adoption. Through exercise, dog walkers provide adoptable dogs' human contact, mental stimulation and basic command training.
Cat Socializer -
Volunteers socialize available shelter cats. Through socializing, volunteers improve the quality of their lives and better prepare them for adoption into loving homes.
Greeter -
Volunteers greet and offer assistance to the public at Animal Care Services front gate. Greeters are a visitor's first contact with OC Animal Care and through their warm greeting and courtesy may influence a person's decision to adopt from Animal Care Services.
Community and Special Events -
Volunteers assist staff in educating citizens about the services provided by OC Animal Care at local fairs, festivals and mobile adoption events.
Clerical Support -
Volunteers assist customer services staff by preparing adoption packets that offer insightful information to ease the transition of an adopted pet into a new environment.
Bather/Groomer -
Volunteers bathe and groom shelter dogs to create quality bonding time between themselves and the dogs and increase a dog's adoptability.
Foster Caretaker -
Volunteers provide temporary care to young, injured, abused or under-socialized animals. Volunteers return their foster animals when they are deemed suitable for adoption by Animal Care Services Clinic staff. The volunteer is responsible for all expenses incurred while fostering. Prospective foster caretakers must submit a Foster Application.
For more information about becoming a Foster Caretaker for underage animals, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at meghan.koyama@occr.ocgov.com or 714-796-6427.
Volunteer Opportunities for Minors
Animal Control Explorer Post 538
Are you between the ages of 14 and 21 and interested in an exciting career that involves the handling of animals? If so, then our Explorer Post may be just the thing to get you started. Expolorer Post 538 focuses on the fields of animal care and control, animal handling and training, veterinary medicine and law enforcement, just to name a few.
The first step in the recruitment process is to complete and submit an application. Applications are accepted online only and are reviewed in January and July of each year based on the number of available positions. If you are chosen to move on to the next step in the recruitment process, an interview will be scheduled. Explorer Post 538 is limited to 30 members.
CLICK HERE to submit an application.
For additional information about Explorer Post 538, contact the OC Animal Care Explorer Post Advisor at ExplorerPost538@occr.ocgov.com.
Explorer Post 538 Member ONLINE ACCESS
Special Projects
OC Animal Care is always looking for individuals or organizations (Scout Troops, School Groups, Religious Organizations, etc.) that are unable to volunteer at the shelter to complete special projects. These projects may include decorating the animals' cages and collecting much needed items such as blankets.
If you would like to make a donation or obtain additional information about our special projects, please contact our Public Education Officer at: (714) 796-6426.
CLICK HERE to access community service projects and ideas.
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