Weekly Program Volunteers - Helen Woodward Animal Center

Interested in becoming a

Weekly Program Volunteer?

Foster Volunteers are not required to attend this Volunteer Orientation.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Family, please visit the Foster page.

Weekly Program Volunteer Positions (available openings will vary)

Minimum Age 14

Adoptions Department - Onsite Foster Volunteer

Supporting the foster department involves packing supplies, processing returned items, and assisting with office tasks like calling foster families. Must be able to lift 50 lbs., follow direction independently and work with limited supervision once trained. Must have good written and verbal communication skills.

Education Department - Barn Animal Care Volunteer, Bird Care Volunteer, Reptile Care Volunteer, Small Mammal Care Volunteer

Volunteers help with cleaning, husbandry, exercising, and grooming of our Education Ambassador Animals. Requirements: Must be able to follow direction independently and work with limited supervision once trained.

Education Department - Weekend Party Helper

Weekend party helper volunteers assist with program set-up/clean-up, face painting, and other tasks requested by instructors at birthday parties, scout field trips and Individual Animal Encounters. Requirements: Must be able to follow direction independently and work with limited supervision once trained.

Minimum Age 16

Adoptions Department - Dog Kennel Volunteer

Volunteers help exercise, socialize, and care for dogs and puppies. Other duties include tasks like laundry and cleaning kennels. Volunteers must be able to safely leash large dogs (up to 120 lbs), lift 50 lbs, and work well with dogs of all sizes. Must be able to communicate effectively while following directions independently.

Adoptions Department - Cat Kennel Volunteer

Volunteers assist with exercising, socializing, and caring for cats and kittens. Duties also include laundry, washing dishes, and cleaning enclosures. Volunteers should be comfortable working with cats of all ages and sizes, able to react quickly, work well with others. Good communication skills and the ability to follow instructions independently are essential.

AniMeals - Food Packager

The AniMeals program offers free pet food to homebound seniors, disabled individuals, low-income families, wounded warriors, and unhoused people. Volunteers prepare customized packages for delivery to distribution centers. Requirements: Must be able to lift 50 lbs., follow direction independently, and work with limited supervision once trained.

Equine Hospital - Hospital Volunteer

Volunteers help with grooming, walking, and barn duties for horses at our Equine Hospital. Extensive horse experience required including riding/grooming/lessons/barn work. Must be able to safely lead and walk a horse. Must be able to follow direction independently and work outside. Horse ownership is preferred. An interest in veterinary medicine is highly recommended

Therapeutic Riding - Therapeutic Riding Volunteer

Our Therapeutic Riding volunteers serve as horse leaders or side walkers, and assist with barn chores, tack cleaning, and grooming. They need confidence with horses, basic handling skills, the ability to walk or jog on uneven ground for 3 hours, independence, and good communication skills.

Minimum Age 18

Adoptions Department - Front Desk Greeter

Volunteers greet visitors, escort them to animal kennels, and answer general questions. Requirements include excellent customer service, the ability to follow directions independently, and good communication skills.

AniMeals - Delivery Driver

Volunteers pick up meals from Helen Woodward Animal Center and deliver them to locations in the greater San Diego area using their own vehicle, preferably an SUV, van, or spacious sedan. Requirements include good customer service skills, the ability to lift 50 lbs., and reliable transportation.

Club Pet - Kennel Volunteer

Volunteers provide exercise and playtime for pets at Club Pet, assisting with laundry and cleaning dishes as needed. Must be able to safely leash and walk large dogs (up to 120 lbs) on uneven surfaces, lift 50 lbs, work comfortably with dogs of all sizes and breeds, and be a team player with good time management skills.

Club Pet - Front Desk Greeter

Volunteers assist visitors at Club Pet by checking in pets, organizing client files, and taking phone messages. Requirements include strong customer service and organizational skills, independence, computer experience, and the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.

Development Department - Office Assistant

Development volunteers support tasks like data entry, letter stuffing, inventory, and VIP folder assembly to help secure funding. Requirements include strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

Orphaned Objects - Resale Cashier

Volunteers assist at Orphaned Objects resale shop by ringing up sales, organizing donations, tagging items, and supporting store projects. Requirements include good customer service, organization, the ability to lift 10-15 lbs, and POS experience is preferred. All proceeds benefit Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Pet Encounter Therapy (PET) - Volunteer

PET volunteers use their own dogs that have been screened for both temperament and health by PET personnel (only privately owned dogs are used – not adoptables.) Requirements include following directions independently, good communication skills, and the ability to work around animal dander, reptiles, and loud sounds.

Minimum Age 21

Administration Building - Reception Desk Volunteer

The Administration Building houses departments like Human Resources, Development, and more. Volunteers greet guests, notify staff of deliveries, answer phone calls, and may occasionally assist with. Requirements include excellent customer service and verbal skills, with occasional weekday shifts based on need.

Pets Without Walls - Mobile Unit Volunteer

Pets Without Walls volunteers assist with paperwork, greeting clients, setting up the mobile unit, distributing supplies, and handling client requests. Requirements include walking dogs on leash, talking to clients, working outdoors for up to five hours, lifting up to 15 lbs, driving to locations, and volunteering at least once per quarter.