How to Volunteer
Please note that we will not accept any summer-only volunteers except for those officially registered for our internship program. Click here for details.
Requirements to be a Volunteer
- Volunteer Orientation (approx. 1 hour). All volunteer orientations are held at the Oakland Animal Services shelter at 1101 29th Ave. You must be 18 years or over to attend.
- Complete Online Training (approx. 2 hours). Go to www.4act.com. You will get your login/password at the volunteer orientation. Complete “Basics of Volunteering” and the animal section. You must pass the quizzes with 85% or better.
- Hands-On Basics of Volunteering (1- 2 hours): Schedule time with a mentor. Note about the Scheduling System: When you log in, make sure to check all three boxes on the left to send confirmations and reminders from professionals (the Oakland Animal Services shelter).
- Hands-On Dog Training, Small Dog Training, Cat Training, or Rabbit Training (at least 2 hours): If you miss two or more training appointments with a mentor without canceling, or you cancel three or more appointments, you will be removed from the list and will not be able to schedule any appointments.
- Hands-On Practice (at least 1 hour). This step is required for individuals training to be dog volunteers. If you are training to be a cat or rabbit volunteer, you will find out from your mentor in Step #4 if you should sign up for “Practice.” You can sign up for “practice” as many times as you would like until you feel comfortable working on your own. To sign up, go to: Dog Practice, Small Dog Practice, Cat Practice, or Rabbit Practice.
- Become an Official Volunteer (approx. 30 min.): When you have completed your training, you are ready to meet with a mentor to discuss making you Official. Schedule an appointment here.
For Questions: Questions about volunteering or problems with this system, email us at oasvolunteerquestions@gmail.com.
