Volunteer

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the sanctuary.

Every day, animals are counting on us — coming from unfortunate situations or simply needing a new start. Without volunteers, our work would not be possible. With you, we save lives, build trust and heal together.

Our community voices page explains how you can share a message about the mission.

Volunteer playing with two rescue cats, with a Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal clock on the wall above the TV

How to volunteer

1. Fill out the volunteer questionnaire below (about 5 minutes).
2. Anita or a team member calls or emails you within a few days.
3. You join an orientation and pick your first role.

Fill out the volunteer questionnaire

Dog walking & enrichment For dogs and cats: exercise, play or spend time relaxing together. Weekly · outdoors

Grooming and spa days Help animals look and feel their best. Monthly · hands-on

Pet photography & video Great photos show the animal's personality and help animals get adopted faster. (Phones welcome.) Flexible · creative

Marketing & social media Spread the word, write posts, blog, share pictures, design flyers, tell a friend. Remote · flexible

Fundraising events Set up, greet, help run the adoption table or booth, manage animals. Weekends · social

Transport Drive animals to vet visits, fosters and meet-and-greets. As needed · car required

Volunteer questionnaire

Full name Email Phone Street address City ZIP code I am 18 or older Availability

Which roles interest you? (pick any)

Dog walking & enrichment Grooming and spa days Pet photography & video Marketing & social media Fundraising events Transport Foster caregiver Sponsor a foster

Experience with animals

None yet Some (own pets) Experienced (fostering, shelter or vet work) Professional (vet tech, trainer, groomer)

Skills and background (optional)

Two references, not family members

Reference 1: name Reference 1: phone or email Reference 2: name Reference 2: phone or email

Emergency contact

Emergency contact: name Emergency contact: relationship Emergency contact: phone

I consent to a background check if required for my role How did you hear about us? (optional) Anything we should know?

Requirements

18+ for animal-handling roles (families welcome at events and supply drives)
Volunteer agreement and liability waiver
Reliable communication — text or email
Valid license and insurance for transport roles
Kindness. Patience. A sense of humor.

What you get

Training in humane handling and rescue basics
Verified service hours for school or work
Behind-the-scenes updates on every animal you help
A community of people who care about the same things
Invitations to volunteer appreciation days

What to expect

Time

Flexible commitments

Most roles are 2–4 hours per shift. Photographers and social media volunteers often work entirely on their own schedule.

Skills

Professional skills welcome

Grant writers, bookkeepers, designers, vets and vet techs, contractors and lawyers — we have pro-bono projects for you.

Groups

Team & school days

Corporate teams, scouts and classrooms can host supply drives or staff an adoption event together.

Volunteer questions

Yes. Events, social media, transport and admin need no prior experience, and we train for handling roles.

We verify hours for school and workplace programs. Contact us about court-ordered service.

Foster homes, vet clinics, adoption events and community spaces across Southern California — we match you to your area.

Plenty of ways — event support, photography, transport, social media, admin and fundraising all keep animals moving toward homes without ever fostering.

Foster caregivers, sponsors for fosters, marketing and social media help, and fundraisers.