Volunteer Orientation Logo

  • Thank you for wanting to get involved with Pets In Need!

    We are currently seeking volunteers for the following roles: 

    • Cat Matchmaker & Socializer 
    • Dog Matchmaker & Walker 

    This application will stay open until February 8th at 5pm. 

    Important Notes:

    • This application is ONLY for the volunteer roles listed above. 
    • At this time, only WEEKDAY shifts are available. There are specific open shifts available to apply for; these days are noted below.
    • Volunteers must be 16 years old by April 2026.
    • This recruitment is for individuals only; if you would like to volunteer together as a group, that is not available for any of these roles.
    • We have a high volume of applicants, as such we are not able to find a placement for everyone who applies.

  • Available Shifts

    Before moving forward, please first check the available shifts below to see if any of them work for you. Training starts in March, so to volunteer in this recruitment, you should be available from March to July to consistently attend one of the shifts below.

    Cat Matchmaker & Socializer

    Palo Alto:

    • Monday, 1PM - 3PM
    • Monday, 3PM - 5PM
    • Friday, 1PM - 3PM

    Redwood City:

    • Monday, 9AM - 11AM
    • Tuesday, 9AM - 11AM
    • Tuesday, 11AM - 1PM
    • Wednesday, 9AM - 11AM
    • Thursday 1pm - 3pm
    • Thursday, 3PM - 5PM
    • Thursday, 5PM - 6PM
    • Friday, 1PM - 3PM
    • Friday, 5PM - 6PM

    Dog Matchmaker & Walker

    Palo Alto:

    • Monday, 2PM - 4PM
    • Monday, 3PM - 5PM
    • Tuesday, 3PM - 5PM
    • Wednesday, 2PM - 4PM
    • Wednesday, 3PM - 5PM
    • Thursday, 1PM - 3PM
    • Thursday, 5PM - 6PM
    • Friday, 12PM - 2PM
    • Friday, 1PM - 3PM

    Redwood City:

    • Thursday, 1PM - 3PM
    • Thursday, 2PM - 4PM
    • Thursday, 4PM - 6PM
    • Friday, 1PM - 3PM
    • Friday, 2PM - 4PM
    • Friday, 3PM - 5PM

  • Orientation

    Completing this orientation is required before you can submit the volunteer application for weekly in-shelter volunteering.

    The orientation is about 30 minutes and can be watched by clicking the video below.

    After you complete the short quiz, you will be directed to the volunteer application and receive an email with a link to the application if you want to complete it later.

  • X Incorrect

    Ringworm is passed directly from one infected individual to another, it is highly unlikely for you to bring it home to your own cat unless you yourself develop the infection.

  • X Incorrect

    Intestinal worms are generally not transmitted by touch.

  • X Incorrect

    Dogs are mostly vulnerable to this disease in a kennel environment, when they are in close contact with other dogs.

  • Correct!

    Parvovirus is transmitted through fecal matter and can infect other dogs when they come into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.

  • X Mostly Right

    This is one guideline, but it isn't the only one.

  • Correct!

    Animals on bite quarantine are legally required to be kept isolated in their kennels  for a full 10 days and can only be interacted with by staff for the bare necessary care, such as potty breaks. Volunteers must not work with these animals.

  • X Incorrect

  • Correct!

    Because there is a good amount of training required, we ask for a minimum commitment of weekly volunteering for at least 4 months.

  • X Mostly Right

    This is one way to practice prevention, but it isn't the only way!

  • Correct!

     

    Reading posted signs prevents you from working with animals on quarantines.

    Working with animals in the color code you're trained on helps to prevent bites.

    Following procedures and reading signage to work with contagious animals last prevents spreading contaminants to healthy animals.

  • X Incorrect

    While email is our primary form of communication, this is not the quickest way to open up your shift and make it available for other volunteers.

  • X Incorrect

    The reception staff are not always available to answer calls, and there may be a delay in getting your shift open for other volunteers.

  • X Incorrect

    By no-showing for your shift, you make it so no one else has a chance to fill in for your shift, and the animals are left with no one to work with them.

  • Correct!

    Canceling on the volunteering app VicNet immediately opens up your shift for another volunteer and notifies the staff so they know you won't be coming in.

  • Yor Score Is {score}/100

  • Enter your name and email address below to receive a certificate of completion and link to the volunteer application by email.

  •  / /

  • After you hit submit, you will be directed to the volunteer application and receive an email with a link to the application if you want to complete it later.

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