Making a Real Difference in Animal Lives
Every day, more than a thousand animals in our shelter system depend on volunteers like you. As one of the largest shelter networks in the nation, RCDAS relies on dedicated volunteers to transform the lives of homeless pets and connect them with loving families.
Investing just a little of your time creates a significant impact. Volunteers who spend just two hours weekly help reduce average shelter stays by 30% and increase adoption rates significantly. Whether you have 30 minutes or several hours, your contribution directly improves animal welfare and saves lives.
High-Impact Volunteer Opportunities
Our most needed volunteer roles include:
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Adoption matchmaking
Help families find their perfect companion while reducing overcrowding.
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Dog walking and enrichment:
Provide essential exercise that keeps animals healthy and adoption-ready.
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Cat socialization and play:
Increase adoptability through human interaction and stress reduction.
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Pet photography and marketing:
Help our pets show off their best furry faces with photos, videos, and engaging bios!
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Transport Assistance:
Move animals to veterinary care, adoption events, and foster homes.
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Wellness clinic support:
Ensure pets receive preventative care that keeps them healthy.
Becoming a Volunteer
Start Volunteering in a Few Simple Steps
- Complete our volunteer interest form online.
- Attend a welcome tour. (Someone from the volunteer team will be in contact to schedule your tour.)
- Participate in orientation and complete a quick background check*
- Start helping animals!
Most new volunteers start within 14 plus days of signing up. You choose when and how often to volunteer based on your schedule.
Have questions about the volunteer sign-up and onboarding process?
Reach out to us at [email protected]
*All applicants will be fingerprinted and will be required to have a background check before being approved for volunteer services. Social Security number and Drivers License are mandatory to complete background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer community service or restitution hours?
Do you offer group volunteer opportunities?
Yes, please email [email protected] with the details of your group, and our team will get back in touch with you regarding available opportunities. Please note that animal handling activities may be limited.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and able to volunteer independently. For children 15 years of age and younger, we have two options:
- Participate in the Pawsitive Readers Program by coming into any RCDAS shelter on Wednesdays at 3:30-4:30 pm to read to our pets. No appointment required.
- Participate with your parent in the Dog Day Out program, where you and your family can take a dog out of the shelter for the day. To learn more, go to our Dog Day Out page.
Are there minimum volunteer hour requirements?
We ask that volunteers fulfill at least 4 hours per month to stay current on the shelter practices.
Can I bring my kids with me when I volunteer?
Unfortunately, we are not able to have children under 16 volunteer at our shelters due to liability constraints. However, we do offer the Dog Day Out program, where you and your family can take a dog out of the shelter for the day. To learn more, go to our Dog Day Out page.
Can I bring my friend or family member with me when I volunteer?
Unfortunately, all individuals interacting with pets or in non-public areas must be staff or volunteers. However, we do offer the Dog Day Out program, where you, your family, or friends can take a dog out of the shelter for the day. To learn more, go to our Dog Day Out page.
Where do you most need volunteers?
We can never have enough volunteers to help our pets! We have multiple options depending on your activity level and preferences. Dog walking is always a high priority, and with hundreds of dogs at each campus, there is always a need. However, if you love helping people, we always need Adoption Matchmakers and volunteers to host our children's reading program and so much more.
What are the hours you most need volunteers?
Volunteers typically volunteer during our established business hours (check out our shelters’ “more info” pages for details). However, adoption event, animal transport, and clinic event volunteer hours may vary.
Volunteer of the month
Andrea Cerros
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Our San Jacinto Team wants to recognize Andrea Cerros for her excellent work, dedication, and commitment. She’s a rock star helping with sorting out Dog Day Out supplies, vet supplies and doing foster kits. Thank you, Andrea, for all that you do!
Volunteer Testimonials
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I’ve been volunteering at the West Riverside Animal Shelter for about a year now. I’ve always loved animals, and having the chance to interact with them and care for their well-being is one of the most fulfilling parts of volunteering—especially helping prepare them for their forever homes.
Some of my most meaningful experiences have involved assisting with the adoptions of older or medically vulnerable cats. Two that stand out are Felix, a Maine Coon with FeLV, and Ziggy, an older cat with FIV. Supporting and socializing cats that often get overlooked—like seniors, disabled, or sick cats—has been incredibly rewarding.
I still remember the names of most of the cats I’ve helped adopt out or spent time socializing. They leave a lasting impression. Saying goodbye is never easy, but knowing they’re going to safe, loving homes makes it all worth it.
-Bethany T.
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I’ve been a volunteer with RCDAS for nearly three years, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. I initially joined because I love cats—spending time with them sounded like a lot of fun. But once I got started, I quickly discovered another reason I love volunteering: supporting the amazing staff and fellow volunteers. Everyone at RCDAS is dedicated, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. Being part of that team—helping not just animals, but the people who care for them—has been deeply fulfilling.
Another part I truly enjoy is working with the public. At RCDAS, I get to help with cat care and adoptions, and it’s always a joy to assist someone in finding their new furry family member. Knowing I played a small part in creating a happy ending for both pet and adopter is something I’m proud of.
I even found my own happy ending here. After losing my senior cat, I didn’t think I’d adopt again—but that didn’t last long. It wasn’t long before I met the perfect feline companion, and I couldn’t resist bringing them home.
If you’re thinking about volunteering, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. It’s a place where you can do meaningful work, be part of a supportive community, and have a lot of fun along the way.
-Carol M.
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My interest in volunteering began when I visited a local animal shelter while searching for a new pet. A friendly volunteer welcomed me, and after our conversation, I felt inspired to volunteer there myself. I started volunteering at the San Jacinto Animal Campus in 2017. Some of my responsibilities included washing dishes, doing laundry, walking dogs, bathing them, performing clinic duties, recruiting new volunteers, assisting the shelter photographer, and helping with special events.
While assisting the shelter photographer during my time at the shelter, I was asked to take over the role of photographing the amazing shelter animals. I hesitated at first, as I didn't know much about photography, but I decided to accept the role. Since that time, I have pursued photography as a hobby and completed an associate's degree in photography. I continue to photograph the pets of the San Jacinto Animal Campus. It gives me great pleasure to hear that an animal from the shelter has found their furever home. Especially if the photos I capture and post on Facebook, to bring out their beautiful petsonalities, help them get adopted.
Throughout the years of volunteering, I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people. I am proud to be a part of the San Jacinto Animal Campuses volunteer team.
-Donna C.
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Hi my name is Larry, and I have been volunteering here at the Riverside County Animal Shelter for 12 years. I decided to volunteer here because I wanted to help animals get adopted to their homes forever.
My journey started here by taking dogs out of the kennels and walking them. Then as time went on, I worked at the front kiosk directing customers to see animals. I went on to do various positions such as training new volunteers, transporting animals to different shelters, tours, and assisting the clinic.
What I enjoy most about volunteering is taking customers back to the kennels looking for their lost dog or cat. The enjoyment is when they find their lost animal and are reunited with them.
My wife and I adopted a 6-month old spaniel-poodle mix in 2016 who is still with me after 9 years.