Volunteer Hours: Monday - Friday: 11 - 2pm.

We are grateful for volunteers in all areas of our operations including and not limited to; membership drives, fundraising efforts, grant writing, animal training, and on-site loving attention to animals, just to name a few. Please call or come by and let us know how you would like to help.

Please join us at the shelter to help socialize and give love to some of our sweet animals in need! Here are some helpful hints before you come.

First Visit: Ask for a tour of the shelter. See the end of this article for phone numbers to set up an appointment.

Clothing: Recommended: sneakers or rubber boots, long

sleeves, long pants. They will protect you against accidental scratches. Please be aware that tank tops, shorts, hip-huggers, etc. are a bit too distracting for our male employees. When you go home it's a good idea to change clothes and take a shower before interacting with your own pets.

Focus: We suggest that you choose one or two animals or one group to visit regularly. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the number of animals and want to visit them all. But it just is not possible. It's better to spend quality time with a few. Also, cutting down on the number of animals touched in different cages helps reduce the spread of disease. As does walking in fewer different cages. Suggestions: walk or play with one or two dogs or with one group of puppies per day or pet and play with either the top cat cage of cats or the lower cat cage of cats and kittens. You'll be less likely to get "compassion fatigue" and your favorites will thrive on the extra attention. All puppies and kittens need handling, petting, and talking to become more socialized. Receiving regular care helps build the immune system and keeps shelter animals stronger.

The Staff: Check the bulletin board to see who's who. Please treat everyone with respect. If you see something that you do not understand or like please ask about it rather than assume you know the whole story.

Health: It is important to wash your hands between cages, using the bars of anti-bacterial soap. There are sinks in the patio, off the laundry room, and in isolation. If you notice any wounds, signs of illness, or infection, including eye or skin problems it is best not to touch the animal. Describing the problem to Mauri or Kathy if they are there or to Miguel, the vet's assistant or to Cristina, the vet is a good idea if time and conditions permit. If you are cut or scratched yourself be sure that the wound is immediately cleaned and treated.

Cats: There are 2 cat houses: the upper house closest to the office is for male cats. The lower house is in the yard is for females, mothers, and male and female kittens. If you notice that the cat bedding is dirty you can put it in the dirty clothes can in the laundry room. There are stacks of clean towels and blankets there.

Dogs: Puppies are kept in the upper cages. You may want to walk past the cages and talk with dogs who appeal to you. If a dog growls or cowers or makes you uncomfortable in any way, let it be. It may be sick or new and not wanting attention from you. If you like a dog, extend your hand outside the cage, open, with palm up and let the dog get your scent. Some dogs demonstrate that they want petting but still approach gently until you know them. You should always be cautious. If you'd like to brush a dog, get a collar and leash from the office. You may want one of the employees to help you the first time. If you observe dogs fighting with each other, do not interfere. Call one of the employees and get out of the way.

Isolation: The puppies and kittens in the isolation area are under observation and should be kept inside the isolation room. Check to see that there is puppy or kitten food and fresh water available in their cages. If you observe pee or poop please clean up by removing the newspapers and replacing them with clean ones. Remember to wash up in between each cage.

Arrivals: New dogs and cats come in regularly. They are frightened, confused, and stressed. It is better to give them a few days to understand where they are and what will happen. Watching and talking is always helpful. With a new cat, wait until it indicates a willingness to be touched.

Food: Plan to feed before you leave because once an animal has food, they should be left alone to enjoy it and are often very protective and not receptive to your attentions. You may bring raw beef knuckle bones or raw chicken wings or feet for the dogs - never cooked bones. Cooked chicken livers and broth for the small puppies or kittens. If you bring bones give them carefully to the dogs at the end of the day before we close, so that they can eat them quietly alone. Toss them into the cage or under the door. Never try to touch a dog with a bone or try to remove it. It's best to let the puppies out of their cage to chew bones in separate areas to avoid food fights. Check with staff when you bring in food.

Monitoring: There is a clipboard leaning against the bulletin board which holds the Volunteer Report sheets in which you tell us which animal(s) you have visited and what you did with them (played, groomed, gave food, etc.) on what day. This way we can be sure all animals have had their share of attention and that we receive your feedback.

Information: Please fill out a Volunteer Card so that we may inform you of events and other information.

Thank you!

Our animals are very needy. The more often you are able to come
the better you get to know them. Your observations and contributions
give pleasure to each animal with whom you interact and help make
the S.P.A. a better place for both animals and people.

Volunteer Coordinator for dogs:

Kathi Hamblet (dogs) - kathamblet@gmail.com