Volunteer
Improve the welfare of our community’s animals and help us make them more adoptable by becoming a Santa Cruz SPCA Volunteer.
Giving your time and energy to our shelter animals is an exceptionally satisfying activity. Just ask any Santa Cruz SPCA volunteer who’s walked an exuberant shelter dog, coaxed a new shelter cat out of her shell, or watched a family connect with and adopt a shelter pet.
Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks; some volunteers contribute in multiple roles others specialize in one. All are valued members of the Santa Cruz SPCA family.
The volunteer roles available include animal socialization and TLC, fostering, administrative and development support, teaching students in our education programs, supporting our pet food pantry, greeting clients, photography and social media, building and grounds maintenance, and representing our shelter at community events.
Our fosters open their homes (and their hearts), enriching the lives of animals and helping to prepare them for forever homes. Learn more about becoming a foster here.
Volunteers must be 16 years or older, however, younger volunteers can learn about our youth programs (including youth volunteering) here.
Most of our roles working with the animals require a weekly commitment!
If you have any questions about volunteering, please send us an email or call us at 831-465-5000,
Or, if you’re ready to join our pack, please fill in a volunteer application here. We look forward to working with you!
Already an animal shelter volunteer at the Santa Cruz SPCA? Click here to sign in
2601 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(P) 831-465-5000 (F) 831-479-8530
Monday - CLOSED
Animal Browsing Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm
PET FOOD PANTRY - Sundays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. Our organization is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society.
Tax ID: 94-6171565
© 2026 Santa Cruz SPCA
