Volunteer with FAAS
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of animals and your community? One of the most valuable gifts a nonprofit organization can receive is the gift of time. Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter relies on active volunteers to help keep the shelter running smoothly. We would not be able to accomplish all that we do without the enormous contributions made by our volunteers. We’re excited to have you join us! Here’s how to get started on your rewarding journey as a volunteer.
Note: FAAS does not accept or accomodate court-ordered community service hours at this time.
Love clothes, thrifting, animals, or all of the above?
Our FAAS thrift store Thrifty Kitty is looking for dedicated volunteers to support their mission. Thrifty Kiitty helps fund our shelter operations and offers a fun, meaningful way to contribute to animal welfare through retail support.
Volunteer duties may include sorting donations, customer service, organizing merchandise, and more. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in fashion, resale, or supporting a good cause.
Please note:
- Thrift store volunteering is separate from shelter volunteering and requires a different application.
- Minimum age to volunteer is 15 years old.
- Please visit our website for more information: Thrifty Kitty
- To apply to volunteer at Thrifty Kitty, please reach out mlockin@alamedaanimalshelter.org for more information.
Volunteering at the Animal Shelter: How to Get Started
Step 1: Watch the Volunteer Orientation Video (Required Before Applying!)
Please watch the orientation video in full before submitting your application, it includes essential information and is a mandatory first step in the process.
Step 2: Read & Review Volunteer Orientation Handbook (PDF)
Step 3: Fill Out Your Volunteer Application
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old to participate. If you are 14 – 17 years old, both you and your parent or guardian must complete separate applications, and a parent or guardian must accompany you at all times during your volunteer shift.
Volunteer Application: Click Here!
Step 4: Dive Into Shelter Support Training
Before working hands-on with animals, all volunteers—regardless of role—are required to complete a Shelter Support Class followed by a Shelter Support Shift. This training covers the standard tasks that all volunteers are expected to know and perform, as they are essential to the daily operation of the shelter.
- Washing toys and dishes
- Cleaning and folding laundry
- Sanitizing litter boxes and crates
- Restocking supplies
- Sweeping
This training helps ensure a clean, safe environment for all our animals while allowing you to connect with fellow volunteers!
Current Available Roles
Shelter Support
Be the backbone of the shelter! Shelter Support volunteers help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From cleaning and organizing spaces to tackling laundry and dishes, restocking supplies, and supporting daily operations, this essential role ensures a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for animals, staff, and visitors alike.
Canine Support
Love dogs? This role offers hands-on opportunities to work with our canine residents at a variety of levels. Responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining kennels, helping with laundry and dishes, bringing dogs out for meet-and-greets or public walks, and following individualized behavior plans. Volunteers also attend required trainings and build valuable skills while directly supporting each dog’s wellbeing.
Because many of our residents are medium to large dogs, volunteers in this role should feel comfortable, confident, and calm working around larger dogs and able to follow handling and safety guidelines. Support and training are provided, but comfort with dogs of all sizes is essential.
Available Shifts:
- 10:00am – 12:00pm — Monday through Friday
- 3:00pm – 5:00pm — Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
Feline Support
Cat lovers, this one’s for you! Feline Support volunteers help care for our cats through feeding, socialization, and maintaining cat condos or rooms. You’ll also assist with laundry, cleaning, and creating a calm, comfortable environment for our feline friends.
All Feline Support volunteers are required to complete training at both locations (Fortmann and Southshore) so you’re able to step in wherever help is needed most. After training, volunteers will be assigned to the Fortmann location first. As shifts become available at South Shore, volunteers may have the opportunity to transfer based on availability and need.
Spay/Neuter Transport
Hit the road for a good cause! Volunteers transport shelter animals to and from their spay or neuter surgeries using their own vehicles. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
Days needed: Mondays and Thursdays.
Times needed: 7:30 am and 3:00 pm
Fundraising & Grant Writing
Help fuel our mission! Support the shelter by assisting with fundraising initiatives, researching funding opportunities, and helping write grant proposals that secure vital resources for our programs and animals. Must have prior grant writing experience.
Parking Instructions
Please note that parking is not permitted in the main parking lot or the alleyway on Alaskan Packer Place. Instead, we encourage you to park on Fortmann Way. There is ample street parking available, making it easy for you to access our facility. Thank you for your cooperation!
