Volunteer at the SJC Pet Center

• Must pass a background check.
• Court-ordered community service volunteers are not accepted.
• The Pet Center staff reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer whose skills do not align with the center’s needs or whose behavior is disruptive.
• Teenagers:
  • Must be ages 14–17
  • Have completed 8th grade
  • Be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must also register as a volunteer

• Background checks are required for all adults (18+) before volunteering.

Training Focus

• Recognizing warning signs and stress signals
• Safe handling practices
• Preventing bite incidents through awareness and proper response

Required Training

1. Online Training – Complete designated Fear Free Shelter training modules.
   • Module 1: Emotional Health
   • Module 2: Recognizing How Animals Are Feeling in the Shelter
   • Module 3: How Animals Learn
   • Module 4: Fear Free Communication and Animal Handling Basics
2. Pet Center Onsite Training
   • Pet Center will provide the Occupational Dog Bite Safety for Your Protection book for your review.
   • Complete knowledge assessment of required training above.
   • Attend a mandatory Volunteer Orientation. Held once a month. Advance registration is required, and dates are subject to change.

• Clothing – Dress according to school dress code standards. Inappropriate clothing includes:
  • Cut-off or frayed clothing
  • Revealing outfits
  • Short skirts or shorts
  • Bare midriffs
  • T-shirts with violent, drug-related, or alcohol-related graphics
• Footwear – Only closed-toe shoes are permitted while volunteering. Flip-flops, sandals, or other open-toe footwear are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Scheduling – Volunteers may only participate during their assigned shifts. Walk-in volunteering is not permitted.
• Sign-In and Out – Be sure to sign in and out each time you volunteer to ensure your hours are properly recorded.
• Volunteer Letters – If you need a volunteer letter, please submit your request at least one week in advance.

Once volunteers have submitted an application, background check has been approved, and required training is completed, approved volunteers can sign up for a shift.

Volunteers can schedule their shifts through the Pet Center Volunteer Bookings app.

• Tuesday through Saturday – Volunteers may sign up for shifts between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
• Sunday – Although closed to the public, volunteer shifts are available from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
• Monday – Also closed to the public, volunteer shifts are available from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Holiday Closures – When the Pet Center is closed for holidays, volunteer shifts are available from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.