Pets Lifeline

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! 

Join us as an Adoption Event Volunteer and help spread the word about our adoptable pets at offsite community 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.

Greeter Volunteers welcome visitors, share information about our programs and services, invite them to meet our animals, and help with setup and breakdown. 

Trained Dog Volunteers help by handling dogs on leash, interacting with visitors, and showcasing their personalities.

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.

If you enjoy being part of exciting community events, the Event Helper volunteer role is perfect for you! You’ll have opportunities to assist with a variety of events including large fundraising gala events, and smaller community events that may include our animals.

Activities Include: 

• Guest Registration 
• Greeters
• Setup & Breakdown
• Auction & Bidding Guest Assistance
• General Event Support
• Wine/Cocktail Service (RBS Certified)

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!

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.

• 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 great entry experience if you’re interested in pursuing a career in animal welfare. You’ll gain firsthand understanding of the daily care and responsibilities involved.

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.

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 and directly contributes to the comfort of our cats and dogs while waiting for their forever homes!

This activity includes

• Cleaning and Organizing Pet Laundry
• Washing Pet Dishes, Toys, and Accessories

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

Time Commitment: Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 2 weeks (Monday through Thursday) during the 9 weeks of summer camp, with hours from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. each day. Camp begins in early June.

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.

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. To apply, please fill out an application at https://www.petslifeline.org/foster

If you are also interested in other volunteer opportunities, please also complete our volunteer application.

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!

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.

To apply please submit a Dog Foster application at https://www.petslifeline.org/foster

If you are also interested in other volunteer activities, please also complete our volunteer application.

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.