Volunteer and save the lives of pets in Los Angeles

With millions of animals in shelters around the country hoping for families of their very own, one of the most valuable gifts you can give is the gift of your time.

Want to help out here in Los Angeles? For animals waiting to go home for good, your kindness makes all the difference.

There are so many ways you can get involved in our lifesaving work, including providing companionship to dogs and cats, fostering pets in your home, helping with marketing or social media, participating in community events and transporting animals to locations where their chances for adoption are higher.

Dog licking a smiling person's face while playing outside

What to expect

After you complete your application and profile, you will receive an automated email with details about volunteer opportunities and sign-up instructions.

If you’ve volunteered with Best Friends before, you probably have a volunteer profile already. If you need help reactivating your account (inactive profiles are deactivated after six months), please email volunteerla@bestfriends.org for assistance.

Once you submit your application and complete a training, you'll have access to the full list of volunteer opportunities.

To volunteer at the center, you must be at least 18 years old. Please note that depending on the volunteer opportunity, minimum age may vary. If you are under 18 years old and interested in helping, Click Here for our list of at home projects that can be created for the comfort and care of our animals at the center.

All volunteers are asked to commit to at least five hours or three shifts per month.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the volunteer department at volunteerla@bestfriends.org.

Are you a Girl Scout in Los Angeles looking to help kittens?

With the Best Friends Animal Society Scout Patch Program, scouts of all levels can earn a new patch by stepping up to care for a kitten in need.

Download the program curriculum

Volunteer opportunities in Los Angeles

There are so many ways you can make a lifesaving difference for dogs and cats through volunteering, and we can help you to discover the opportunity that’s right for you.

DIY volunteer projects

Help make a difference with fun DIY projects like these: baking dog treats, making cat toys, and more. For those who need to complete school or court-ordered community service, each DIY project will count toward a certain number of hours.

Interested in signing up? Please email us at volunteerLA@bestfriends.org and we’ll send the DIY projects list and instructions your way.