HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Looking for unconditional love? Volunteer with Madera County Animal Services and make a real difference in the lives of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens waiting for their forever homes.

There are so many ways to help! Walk and train dogs, help shy cats build confidence, or become a foster parent for an animal that needs a little extra-TLC before adoption. Have creative skills? Photographers, graphic designers, and other creatives are always welcome. Your talents can help our animals shine!

Madera County Animal Services relies on dedicated volunteers to help our animals become more adoptable and connect with loving families. From dog walking and training to cat socialization, fostering, special projects, fundraisers, and community events, there’s a role for everyone. We truly couldn’t do this work without our amazing volunteers, and we’d love for you to join us.

GET INVOLVED

• In-shelter volunteers work at the shelter in a variety of activities. Visit our Volunteer page for more information
• Foster-care volunteers care for cats or dogs in their own home. Visit our Foster page for more information
• Donate to the shelter new or gently used blankets, towels, toys, food, or donate to Malissa Howard Medical Fund
• Get involved by participating during evets by signing up as a volunteer. View our upcoming Events.

WHO CAN HELP?

 Madera County Animal Services welcomes volunteers of all ages!

• Are you 16 years or older? 
• Are you a high-school student who needs to complete a student community service project? 
• If you under the age of 16 you will not be able to volunteer with the animals directly at our shelter, however you can still help our shelter animals by working on community projects, such as: 
  • a donation drive
  • cat mobiles and toys
  • rice warming bags
  • homemade toys or pet treats
  • collecting blankets/towels
  • pet treat bags
• Are you a group leader and want to schedule a group project? 
• Do you only want to foster (must be 18 years or older, own your own property or have landlords' permission)? 

HOW TO GET STARTED?

 So, you have decided the Madera County Animal Services Volunteer Program is right for you!

Join us by:

• Watching or join in an Orientation video or class.
• Fill out the Volunteer or Foster application and sign our waiver forms.
• Commit to working 1-2 hours shifts of basic shelter volunteering by helping with shelter chores and or working with the shelter animals.
• Continue working a minimum of one shift per month of basic shelter chores/animal care & enrichment.
• Commit to providing excellent customer service to our visitors, staff, and fellow volunteers.
• Commit to treating all animals with respect and care.
• Commit to being Madera County Animal Services advocates in the Madera community and surrounding communities.

Understand that the shelter environment is challenging, rewarding, chaotic, wonderful, crazy, heart-breaking, fulfilling, and lots of hard work!