Pets Lifeline

Cat Socializers assist with socializing our kittens and cats by grooming them, talking to them, reading to them, assisting with toy introduction, petting and playing with them. Training starts out as Level 1, and after gaining experience, volunteers can request advanced Level 2 training. 

Canine Handlers requires a minimum of age 18; completing online Fear Free Shelter Training, and individual training with our dog trainer on our dog protocols and handling. Assist staff in providing activity and socializing for our inhouse shelter dogs through scheduled walks, or interactive play and exercise, using basic training techniques, along with your love and compassion. These important interactions allow our dogs enrichment, behavioral skills, and comfort while at the shelter, which helps them to be able to find their forever homes.

Helping prepare the shelter for the public in the morning and assistance throughout the day with laundry, washing dishes, washing litter boxes, gardening etc.

Pet Food Pantry volunteers help to break down large bags of donated pet food to donation size, and to pack pet food requests at Pets Lifeline for distribution to Sonoma Valley residents with pets in need.  This position requires being able to lift large bags (up to 45#) of dry pet food.

Front desk reception volunteers do a weekly shift Sun, Mon or Tues answering phones phones and greeting the public.  Docents may give tours, or assist the public with visits to the cat rooms and our protocols after getting experience as a Cat Socializer. General office administrative assist with occasional projects such as stuffing envelopes for mailers, and other administrative tasks.

Adoption event volunteers accompany staff to offsite adoption events with our cats or dogs. Greet visitors, provide pamphlets on our programs and services, assist with setup and breakdown. You may also help staff directly with the animals if a trained Cat Socializer or Canine Handler.

Events helpers enjoy assisting with a variety of events, small and large, for fundraising and community events. Assisting at fundraising events includes welcoming guests, check in/registration, set up of tables and chairs and table decor, pre-event preparation, raffle tickets and bid assist, various help during the event, and cleanup/breakdown. RBS certified individuals may also be able to assist with wine/cocktails service. Physical requirements vary but generally require standing, walking, and also lifting if assisting with setup/cleanup.

Summer Camp/Humane Education volunteers assist our Humane Education Coordinator and instructors with various fun camp activities for children ages 4-12, at Pets Lifeline.

Requires minimum age 18. Our foster program falls under our volunteer program. We provide all required equipment and supplies to take care of our foster dogs and puppies, including food. We also continue to provide all medical care. You will need to be able to bring the animal into the shelter periodically for medical care, and potential adoption meet and greets. 

Requires minimum age 18. Our foster program falls under our volunteer program. We provide all required equipment and supplies to take care of our foster cats and kittens, including food, litter. We also continue to provide all medical care. You will need to bring the animal into the shelter periodically for medical care.

Cat and/or Dog Kennel cleaning is a daily morning activity very important to the health and comfort of the animals. It does not directly handle the animals but you can say “Hi” to them! This activity is also what is offered for fulfilling school community service hours, and is wonderful experience to learn how people start out in an animal welfare career, and what caring for shelter animals entails.