Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the SPCA for Monterey County! Our volunteers donate thousands of hours every year. They provide essential support to our programs and services that help all animals in need. Depending on your availability, experience and interests, we aim to place volunteers in available positions. Please refer to our Volunteer Opportunities for information on our openings. More information on volunteering with The SPCA and how to become a volunteer are listed below. Please select one of the following four volunteer tracks:
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| Information: | Volunteering with the SPCA is a great way to expand your skill-set, learn about animals, and be a vital part of a fun and rewarding organization! Support the SPCA and all of its functions, from assisting customers in our Benefit Shop, to grooming rabbits, to feeding baby birds. The Core Volunteer Track is open to adult and junior volunteers. |
| Time Commitment: | At least one 3-hour shift per week serving on a regular basis. |
| Training: | Volunteering with the SPCA often involves working with animals on a regular basis. To ensure your safety and the safety of the animals in our care, we provide training to give volunteers necessary knowledge and skills. Depending on the volunteer position desired, we ask applicants to complete our online application, an SPCA orientation, informational interview, skills-based trainings and/or personalized mentor sessions. |
| Cost: | $10 application fee to cover the cost of the background check (for your safety and the safety of others, all adult volunteer applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check for crimes against animals, people, property, and illegal use of controlled substances before they can be accepted for service). $15 for a volunteer T-Shirt and name badge. |
| Application: | Adults 18 & over please apply here. Juniors 12-17 please apply here. Please note all Junior Volunteers must volunteer with an adult at all times, with limited exceptions. If you want to volunteer for school community service hours only, please scroll down to our Service Learning Volunteer information. |
Service Learning
Volunteers
| Information: | Do you have volunteer hours to complete for school or another organization? SPCA Service Learning Volunteers complete hours for service related to college internships, high school volunteer hours, or other service requirements. Please note: all Junior Service Learning Volunteers 12-17 years of age must volunteer with an adult at all times, with limited exceptions. Due to the limited time frame of Service Learning Volunteers, not all volunteer positions are available as it takes time to train volunteers for specific animal handling or customer service positions. |
| Time Commitment: | At least one 3-hour shift per week, scheduled in advance. |
| Cost: | $10 application fee for adults, even if you are volunteering with a Junior Volunteer for their service hours. This fee will cover the cost of the background check (for your safety and the safety of others, all adult volunteer applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check for crimes against animals, people, property, and illegal use of controlled substances before they can be accepted for service). |
| Application: | Service Learning Volunteer Application. Application for adults volunteering with a Service Learning Volunteer |
| Internships: | We welcome students over the age of 18 who are training to become professionals in one of the following departments: Nonprofit Administration/Development, Humane Investigations, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, and Veterinary Care. Please apply here. We ask you to follow-up with a cover letter and resume. After review of your submission, applicants may be contacted for an interview. |
Military Service Volunteers
| Information: | This track is for active-duty military personnel looking to complete a limited number of volunteer service hours or volunteer for a limited time. We understand that you have many commitments related to your military duties and appreciate your time spent helping animals. |
| Time Commitment: | 3-hour shifts scheduled in advance. |
| Cost: | The application fee is waived upon presentation of your military personnel card. |
| Application: | Military Service Volunteers application. |
Adult Community Service
| Information: | The SPCA appreciates the assistance of volunteers with court-appointed community service hours to help in the maintenance of our grounds and facilities. Please note, due to the nature of our organization we cannot allow volunteers with convictions regarding illicit substances, theft, assault, or animal abuse. Adult Community Service Volunteers are asked to assist in various chores, maintenance, landscaping, etc. |
| Time Commitment: | 3-hour shifts scheduled in advance. |
| Cost: | $10 application fee to cover the cost of the background check (for your safety and the safety of others, all adult volunteer applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check for crimes against animals, people, property, and illegal use of controlled substances before they can be accepted for service). |
| Application: | Adult Community Service Volunteer application. |
Volunteer Tracks
Core Volunteers
Provide long-term volunteering across all SPCA programs.
Service Learning Volunteers
Complete school-required service hours or become an SPCA intern helping animals.
Military Service Volunteers
For active-duty military personnel looking to complete a limited number of volunteer service hours.
Adult Community Service
Complete your court-ordered service helping animals. Please no convictions for illicit substances, theft, assault, or animal abuse.
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT SPCA
Did you know that the SPCA for Monterey County is not a chapter and does not have a parent organization? Did you know our doors are open to all animals in need? Learn more about us now!
Convenient Links
- Benefit Shop
- Just for Kids
- Veterinary Clinic
- Behavior Training
- Take the Lead
