IT’S EASY TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER FOR LA ANIMAL SERVICES (LAAS)!

We are looking for volunteers who are committed, caring and responsible to truly make a difference in the lives of the abandoned and homeless animals in our care.  We need friendly, outgoing and personable volunteers to assist the public and work with the staff in our Animal Care Centers and at off-site adoption events.

Just turn in a volunteer application. You can fax or mail it to the address on the application, email it to ani.volunteers@lacity.org or you can turn it in the animal care center you would liek to volunteer at."

A volunteer liaison will call yout o schedule an orientation.  Orientations are held once a month at each of our six Animal Care Centers.  Click here to locate an Animal Care Center near you.

ATTENDING AN ORIENTATION - We will e-mail you a confirmation of your request to attend a specific orientation.  Attending an orientation is extremely important.  It is the time to learn our policies, procedures and programs, learn about basic animal behavior, and gain a thorough understanding of the many ways you can truly make a difference – and ultimately help find homes for the animals in our Animal Care Centers.  You may choose to work with any or all of our animal populations:  dogs, cats, rabbits, exotics and/or livestock.

VOLUNTEER TIME COMMITMENT – Once you have attended an orientation, you can set your own schedule.  We are open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am – 7 pm, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8 am – 5 pm, and Sundays 11 am – 5 pm.    When you have the free time, just drop in on us when it is convenient for you during our open hours.  Only a few positions required advance scheduling (such as Customer Care Greeter and Mobile Volunteer).

AGE RESTRICTIONS/COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS – Due to insurance restrictions, volunteers must be at least 16 years of age (sorry, no exceptions). If 16-17, a parent or guardian must be present to attend the initial 3-hour orientation and then execute the necessary forms on the minor’s behalf. ue to the amount of training involved with becoming a volunteer, LAAS is not set up for volunteers who need to meet short-term (i.e., 10-20 hours) school community service requirements.  Community service hours will not be reported for any school or community organization until after 30 hours of community service has been completed by the volunteer.  For students seeking short term volunteer opportunities to meet minimal school requirements, special arrangements may be made with the Volunteer Liaison at each Animal Care Center as the need for short term assistance is occasionally required.

Click here for the Minor Consent Form

VOLUNTEERING IS FUN AND REWARDING – Just call 818-374-5878
or email us at ani.volunteers@lacity.org and join the fun and start making a difference! 

YOUR WORK IS VALUED…AND VALUABLE – LAAS recognizes the contributions made by volunteers and is committed to providing a volunteer program that offers challenging opportunities where volunteers can truly make a difference in the lives of the animals LAAS cares for, and fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

NOT ENOUGH TIME? OTHER WAYS TO HELP! – We appreciate that many people would like to make a difference in the lives of homeless and abandoned animals, but may not have the time to commit to volunteering. 

There are many ways to help: 

Your tax-deductible donations help support the important work of LAAS.  Last year LAAS received and cared for thousands of lost, abandoned, abused and unwanted pets; adopted nearly 16,400 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets to new loving families; reunited nearly 4,400 lost pets with their families; fostered nearly 570 animals; and transferred nearly 11,200 to our New Hope Rescue Partners to find quality homes.  LAAS also spayed and neutered all dogs, cats and rabbits before they were transferred to a New Hope Partner or an adoptive family, provided thousands of vouchers and/or free services through our Spaymobile Program, and investigated numerous cases of animal abuse. Click here to Donate Now!

Items we can use include:

• Towels and blankets (lots of them!)
• Newspapers
• Stainless steel bowls of all sizes; ceramic crocks
• Plastic or stainless steel litter plans (all sizes)  
• Dog treats (hard and soft, peanut butter)
• Dog treats (hot dogs)    
• Dog toys (including Kongs and Nylabones)
• Cat treats
• Cat toys (including washable stuffed animals)
• Guinea pig, hamster and gerbil food
• Hay (Timothy or Oat) for rabbits
• Dog grooming supplies (shampoo, conditioner, brushes, clippers)
• Cat scratching posts
• Office Supplies (i.e. file folders, presentation folders, photocopy paper)

And please…help us spread the word on LA Animal Service’s efforts and programs!

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? – Please e-mail your question to ani.volunteers@lacity.org

Sign up to be a volunteer