Walk for Animals 2026 - Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteer at the Walk for Animals!

The Walk for Animals is one of San Diego Humane Society’s largest fundraising events of the year and helps raise money to care for the thousands of wild and domestic animals that will come through the shelter in 2026. We’ll celebrate our community’s commitment to animals, while raising vital funds for our lifesaving programs.

Hundreds of volunteers are invited to join us in helping make our Walk for Animals success. Want to join the fun?!

Event Information

Walk for Animals – North County
March 21, 2026
Kit Carson Park
3333 Bear Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92025

Walk for Animals – San Diego
May 2, 2026
NTC Park at Liberty Station
2455 Cushing Road
San Diego, CA 92106

Volunteer Roles

Course Marshal, 8:15-11 a.m.

Hundreds of volunteers cheering for our walkers and their pups make our Walk for Animals as lively and fun for our supporters! We'd love your help in this role and hope you'll join the party. Course Marshals are positioned along the walk route to direct walkers so they don’t veer off course and get lost along the trail in Liberty Station. They also cheer for walkers and their dogs as they pass by, so lots of energy is required!

Other volunteer roles may become available as we get closer to the date. We suggest registering as a Course Marshal then keeping an eye out for any new opportunities in your volunteer profile.

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be 16+ to volunteer solo. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Must complete all areas of the online application; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Must be able to commit to the full volunteer shift.
• Must wear the Walk for Animals volunteer shirt, provided for free at volunteer check-in on the day of the event.
• Pets are not permitted to volunteer with you. If you prefer to participate with your pet, you can sign up to walk! 

How to Sign Up

1. Scroll to the bottom of this page to check out available volunteer roles. Click on the role you're interested in to complete our volunteer registration form online!

2. Immediately after you submit your application, you will receive further instructions on how to sign up for your chosen volunteer roles.

3. You will receive more detailed volunteer information via email one or two weeks before the event date.

4. Do you have friends or family interested in volunteering with you? Have them complete the application as well! Every person who would like to volunteer must fill out an application, regardless of age.

Other Details

The Walk is outdoors in the early morning, so wear warm layers and water-resistant shoes. Also, be prepared for a few hours of standing.

As a thank you for your help during the event, volunteers are provided with a free pancake breakfast and a commemorative event pin.

Need a record of your volunteer hours to submit to your school or work?
At the end of your volunteer shift, our Volunteer Engagement team can sign off on any paperwork you bring with you or can provide a standard hours verification letter.

 Thank you for your interest in volunteering
and for supporting San Diego Humane Society!