Pets Lifeline


Join Our Volunteer Team!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Explore our available volunteer opportunities and take the first step by submitting an application.

  • Children Under age 13:  A parent or guardian must accompany the child during training and volunteer activities. The adult should complete a Volunteer Application in their own name, as well as completing a separate Volunteer Application for the child in their name, with their information.
  • School Community Service, Age 13+: Please note we are located in the town of Sonoma. We ask for commitment to a minimum of 20 hours volunteering. Specific activities most needed by the shelter will be offered as available including Shelter Assistant, Pet Food Pantry, Kennel Cleaning with regular weekly schedules, and Events setup/cleanup. Must be available during daytime hours the shelter is open which includes weekends. 
    Under age 13?  Parents, please contact volunteer@petslifeline.org 

Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a welcome email with important details and will be invited to attend a new volunteer orientation. We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to our volunteer team!

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Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Transport

For this activity, you agree to be on a Call List to drive cats and dogs to or from the shelter as needed. This can be medical or other appointments scheduled in advance, or immediate needs situations. You’ll get the details when contacted and can let us know then if available for the time needed.

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Offsite Adoption Events - age 18+

Join us as an Adoption Event Volunteer and help spread the word about our adoptable pets at offsite events! You’ll be interacting with the public and providing essential support to our staff as we work to find forever homes for our animals.

  • Greeting Visitors: Welcome attendees to the event, answer questions, and provide information about programs and services
  • Setup & Breakdown: Assist with setting up the event space and packing down once the event is over.
  • Animal Assistance: If you’re a trained Cat or Dog Volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to help directly with the animals, interacting with them and showcasing their personalities.

 

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Cat Volunteer

  

Calling All Cat Lovers!

We’re looking for compassionate cat lovers to help our furry friends feel safe, comfortable, and loved while they wait for their forever homes. As a Cat Socializer volunteer, you'll engage in fun and enriching activities to support their well-being.

Volunteer Activities Include:

🧼 Grooming – Keep our cats looking and feeling their best with gentle brushing.
📖 Talking & Reading – Cats love hearing your voice! Reading to them builds trust and helps ease nerves.
🧸 Toy Time – Introduce new toys to encourage play and mental stimulation.
💛 Petting & Playtime – Give love and attention to help them feel safe and cared for.

Volunteers start with Level 1 training to learn the basics. Once experienced, you can request Level 2 training for more specialized tasks.

By volunteering, you’re giving these cats the socialization and comfort they need to become happy, confident, and adoptable! 

Ready to make a difference? Join us today! 🐱

 

 

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Dog Volunteer - age 18+

 

 

 

Become a Dog Volunteer at Pets Lifeline!

Love dogs? Want to make a difference in the lives of shelter pups? Pets Lifeline has expanded our volunteer opportunities beyond traditional dog walking, and you can enrich the lives of our shelter dogs in new and exciting ways

🐾 Dog Walking & Exercise

Get moving and make a shelter dog's day! Our dog walkers ensure our pups get the fresh air, exercise, and one-on-one attention they crave. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, your companionship helps build their confidence and keeps them happy and healthy.

🎾 Playtime & Enrichment

Some dogs love a good game of fetch, while others enjoy puzzle toys, scent games, or just rolling around in the grass! Playtime and enrichment activities engage dogs' minds and bodies, reducing stress and preparing them for their future homes. If you love interacting with animals in a fun and dynamic way, this is for you.

📖 Read to a Dog

Calm a nervous pup with the power of your voice. This heartwarming activity is perfect for volunteers who want to help shy or anxious dogs feel safe and relaxed. Bring a book, sit in a quiet space that you will bring the dog to, and watch as your gentle presence helps them open up. Bonus: It's also a great way to catch up on your reading.

🚗 Take a Dog Out for the Day

Give a dog a break from the shelter and enjoy some quality time together. Whether it’s a hike on nearby Bartholomew trails, a trip to a pet-friendly café, or a cozy couch hangout at your home, these outings help dogs gain valuable social experience and increase their chances of adoption. Plus, you get an adventure buddy for the day!

No matter how you choose to help, your time makes a world of difference. Sign up today and be a part of something truly special—helping our shelter dogs feel loved, enriched, and ready for their forever homes.

🐶 Join us today! Complete an application here to change the life of a pup. 

 

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Events Help

If you enjoy being part of exciting community events, the Event Helper volunteer role is perfect for you! You’ll have opportunities assist with a variety of events, both large and small, including fundraising and community gatherings that help support our mission.

Volunteer Activities Include:

  • Guest Welcome & Registration: Greet guests as they arrive, help with check-in, and provide event information.
  • Setup & Breakdown: Assist with setting up tables, chairs, and event décor before the event, or help with cleanup afterward.
  • Raffle & Bidding Assistance: Help sell raffle tickets, assist with silent auction bidding, and support guests during fundraising activities.
  • Event Support: Provide general assistance during the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
  • Wine/Cocktail Service (RBS Certified): If you're RBS certified, you may assist with serving wine or cocktails at fundraising events.

By volunteering at events, you're helping us create memorable experiences that directly support our mission and the animals in our care. Your enthusiasm and effort make a huge difference in the success of our events!

 

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Front Desk Reception - Adult volunteers, Mondays and Tuesdays

As a Front Desk Reception Volunteer, you'll play a key role in providing a welcoming first impression for callers and visitors. This adult volunteer opportunity requires the ability for longer-term commitment with weekly shifts on Mondays or Tuesdays, or to fill in as a backup on those days. There may also be occasional needs for help on other days. By creating a warm and supportive environment for the community that we serve, you are helping to ensure that all feel valued and connected to the resources needed.

  • Answering and transferring incoming calls
  • Greeting visitors and connecting them with the right person for assistance
  • Assisting with occasional administrative projects 

 

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Pet Food Pantry

Pet Food Pantry volunteers help us ensure that Sonoma Valley residents with pets in need have access to pet food, making a direct impact in our community.

Volunteer Activities Include:

  • Breaking Down Large Bags of Pet Food: You’ll divide large bags of donated pet food into donation-sized portions to be distributed to those in need, place on shelving racks, and help keep the pet food pantry organized. 
  • Packing Pet Food Requests: Help assemble pet food packages for distribution to community members that have requested assistance.

 

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Shelter Assistant

As a Shelter Assistant, you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for our animals. This is a behind-the-scenes position that helps keep the shelter running smoothly, ensuring our pets have a comfortable and safe space to thrive.

Volunteer Activities Include:

  • Cleaning Pet Laundry: Wash and sanitize pet bedding, blankets, and towels.
  • Dishwashing: Clean and sanitize food dishes and water bowls.
  • Toy Cleaning: Wash and sanitize toys to keep them safe and hygienic for our animals.
  • Litter Box Maintenance: Wash and sanitize litter boxes and scoops, ensuring a clean and fresh environment for the cats.

By volunteering as a Shelter Assistant, you’re providing the foundation for a healthy and happy shelter for all our animals. Your efforts directly contribute to their well-being, helping them feel comfortable while they wait for their forever homes.

 

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Cat Foster - Age 21+

Become a Cat Foster Volunteer and help provide a loving, temporary home for cats and kittens in need! Fostering is a rewarding experience that plays a vital role in getting our animals ready for their forever homes.

Volunteer Requirements: Must be minimum age 21.

What We Provide:

  • All Supplies: We provide everything you’ll need to care for your foster cat or kittens, including food, litter, bedding, and necessary supplies.
  • Medical Care: We cover all medical expenses, including vaccinations, treatments, and regular check-ups, ensuring the animal stays healthy during their time with you.

Foster Responsibilities:

  • Shelter Visits: You’ll need to bring the cat or kittens into the shelter periodically for medical care or check-ups.
  • Spay/Neuter & Adoption: When kittens are ready for spay/neuter, you will bring them back to the shelter where they will join our adoption center and become available for adoption.
  • Daily Care & Socialization: Provide a safe, loving environment, and work on socialization and basic care to prepare the animal for adoption.

Fostering helps cats and kittens thrive outside of the shelter, giving them a chance to adjust to home life, build confidence, and become adoptable. Your time, love, and commitment are essential to their journey!

 

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Summer Camp Staff/Humane Education

Join our team as a Summer Camp/Humane Education Volunteer and make a difference in the lives of children and animals! You’ll work alongside our Humane Education Coordinator and instructors to lead fun and educational activities that teach kids about kindness, compassion, and responsible pet care.

  • Assisting with Camp Activities: Help organize and facilitate fun camp activities for children ages 4-12, such as arts and crafts, games, animal care lessons, and more.
  • Support with Animal Interactions: Supervise and support children as they interact with animals in a safe and respectful way.
  • Provide Assistance During Lessons: Help children learn about the importance of humane treatment for animals, empathy, and other essential topics related to animal welfare.
  • General Camp Support: Assist with setting up and cleaning up camp activities and ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the day.

Time Commitment: Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 2 weeks (Monday through Thursday) during the 2 months of summer camp, with hours from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. each day.

Help children build a deeper connection with animals, learn valuable life lessons, and have fun in the process! Your support helps foster a generation of compassionate pet owners and animal advocates.

 

 

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Community Clinic Greeters / Guides - age 18+, Monday Mornings

🌟 Be a Hero for Pets & People: Volunteer at Pets Lifeline’s Community Clinic

Our Community Clinic is growing fast — we doubled in size last year and are on track to grow another 50% this year! That means more pets getting the care they need, more families staying together, and a stronger, healthier community. But we can’t do it without you.

We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to join us for our Monday morning clinics (twice a month):
🌟 Greeters – Be the friendly face that welcomes clients, guiding them and their pets safely through the parking lot and into care.
🌟 Clinic Guides – Support intake and discharge so our medical team can serve each pet with compassion and efficiency.

By stepping into these roles, you’re not just helping out — you’re changing lives. You’re helping a struggling pet parent access care. You’re keeping pets in loving homes. And you’re showing up for your neighbors in a way that truly matters.

✨ Consistency is key — when you volunteer regularly, you help us provide the smooth, reliable experience our community deserves. 

Our volunteers are the heart of Pets Lifeline — and we are so grateful for each and every one of you. 💜

 

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Dog Foster - age 21+

Groups of dogs, Labrador puppies, Puppy chocolate Labrador Retriever, in front of white background Groups of dogs, Labrador puppies, Puppy chocolate Labrador Retriever, in front of white background puppy stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

Become a Dog Foster Volunteer and make a significant impact on the lives of dogs in need! Fostering helps provide a safe, loving environment for dogs and puppies as they wait for their forever homes. As a foster, you'll give a dog the chance to thrive outside of the shelter, while receiving all the support you need to care for them.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must be minimum age 21 to participate.

What We Provide:

  • All Supplies: We provide everything you’ll need to care for your foster dog, including food, bedding, toys, and necessary supplies.
  • Medical Care: We cover all medical expenses, including vaccinations and treatments, and will coordinate any required veterinary care.

Foster Responsibilities:

  • Regular Shelter Visits: You’ll need to bring the dog or puppy into the shelter periodically for medical check-ups or to participate in adoption meet-and-greets.
  • Daily Care: Provide basic care, training, socialization, and love to help the dog adjust to home life and prepare them for adoption.

By fostering a dog, you’re playing a crucial role in their journey to a forever home. Your commitment and care provide them with the stability and comfort they need to become adoptable.

 

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Kennel Cleaning Assistant

As a Kennel Cleaning Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for our animals. This important task helps ensure that the shelter remains a comfortable and safe space for cats and dogs while they wait for their forever homes. This activity is done early mornings.

  • Kennel Cleaning: Clean and sanitize dog kennels or cat rooms at the scheduled morning time. 
  • No Animal Handling Required: This role focuses on cleaning, so you won’t be directly interacting with the animals (though you can say “Hi!” as you work).
  • Physical Activity: The work involves standing, walking, bending, and lifting, so it’s ideal if you’re able to do light physical tasks.

This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity for students fulfilling school community service hours. It’s also a great entry-level experience if you’re interested in pursuing a career in animal welfare. You’ll gain a firsthand understanding of the daily care and responsibilities involved in sheltering animals.

 

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Mission Statement

Pets Lifeline protects and improves the lives of cats and dogs in need in Sonoma Valley through sheltering and adoption, humane education and community programs.