AFV is always in need of responsible volunteers! There are a number of ways in which you can help; some positions require your presence at the shelter, but many do not!
Take a look below to find out how you can help Animal Friends of the Valleys be Heads and Tails above the rest!
*Note* Senior Pet Day -SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

ALREADY A VOLUNTEER?

FOSTER A SHELTER PET
VOLUNTEER FAQS
All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Volunteers under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian complete the process of becoming a volunteer with them and must accompany them while volunteering.
Please complete our online application, online orientation, watch our virtual shelter tour, and fill out all applicable forms before coming to pick up your Volunteer T-shirt.
AFV volunteer t-shirts must be worn while volunteering for AFV. T-shirts can be purchased Monday through Friday between 10:00am and 4:00pm for $15 each.
Students can fulfill their high school community service requirement by volunteering for AFV!
Any other inquiries about the volunteer program, please contact our volunteer coordinator at 951-674-0618, ext. 214
AFV is always in need of responsible volunteers! Adults are especially needed. There are a number of ways in which you can help; some positions require your presence at the shelter, but many do not!
We need volunteers at:
Our Shelter: Volunteers are scheduled at the shelter Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Volunteers must sign up in advance.
Basic duties include the following:
- Cleaning cages and kennels
- Polishing and dusting
- Washing food and water bowls
- Pulling weeds and doing yard work
- Laundry, mopping and general housekeeping
- Bathing the animals with a staff member
- Overall care of the building, grounds and the live-in animals.
Each shift will end with interacting with the animals, giving treats to dogs or visiting with the kittens in the community cat room.
We also need volunteers at our shelter office to help with filing.
If you have a few hours and would like to volunteer in Rascal’s Boutique (AFV’s on-site store) we would love to have you.
Off-site Adoption Shows: We hold adoption shows every Saturday at the Lake Elsinore PetSmart (29227 Central Ave, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532). Volunteers are needed from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We’re looking for responsible volunteers to work the entire shift every Saturday. Work consists of setting up/breaking down kennels and cleaning cattery, walking dogs, answering questions from the public, and assisting in the adoption process.
Foster Parents: Many animal lives are saved each year by people like you who take shelter animals into their homes to care for until they are adopted. Fostering frees up space in the shelter and gives animals extra time to find their special homes. Puppies and kittens, as well as adult animals, need foster homes. For information on becoming a foster parent, please visit afv.org/foster for more information about this important and impactful program.
Fundraising Events: Volunteers are needed to help at fundraising events throughout the year. Duties may include set up/break down, registration, coordinating people and animals, or working booths. Our annual Fore…The Animals Golf Tournament, Wines for Canines and Kitties, and Spooktacular Pet Walk are some of our larger fundraising events. We really depend on the help of volunteers! If you would like to be on a fundraising committee, please contact our event coordinator at 674-0618 ext. 217.
Seniors’ Pet Day: AFV understands the special bond senior citizens can form with animals. We regularly take animals to local senior communities to visit with the residents. If you have a pet who would enjoy making the day brighter for a group of seniors, please consider joining us for a Seniors’ Pet Day.You and your pet can make a difference!
ONLINE REGISTRATION: Click Here to Register
Want to spend some quality time walking our shelter pets? Give these babies some fresh air and socialization by joining our Dog Walking program!
In order to join this program, you MUST complete our Volunteer Orientation, PLUS join us for our Dog Walking Orientation on the First and Third THURSDAY of every month from 8:30 to 9:30am!