Animal Services Volunteer; Unpaid

Are you looking for an opportunity to serve your community? Consider joining the City of San Bernardino's Animal Services Department as a Volunteer!

San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options.

It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

The City of San Bernardino offers multiple opportunities to volunteer. Volunteers provide a broad source of expertise, talent, and manpower for City programs. The Animal Services Department uses volunteers and interns, depending on the time of year, project and priorities, and overall need.

• Assist with daily administrative tasks to keep the shelter running smoothly
• Answer public inquiries about the shelter in‑person and at community events
• Help reunite lost pets with their families through our Pet Detective program
• Provide enrichment activities and basic training, including Pawsitive Playtime and Playgroups
• Support cleaning efforts, including laundry, dishes, and general upkeep
• Take photos of adoptable animals to help them find their forever home

• Applicants must be at least 14 years of age
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• Must be physically capable of performing assigned duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must successfully complete required training and adhere to all applicable City and Animal Services Department policies and procedures.
• A background check may be conducted; applicants must meet eligibility requirements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Individuals 18 years or older must provide a valid California Driver’s License or other government‑issued photo identification.

We are looking for volunteers who can make a meaningful, long‑term impact with the City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter. To ensure continuity and the best experience for both our volunteers and the animals, we ask that all volunteers commit to a minimum of three (3) months. Your time and dedication help us provide consistent care and support for the animals in our community.

All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website ity.org. This recruitment will remain open until Sunday, May 24, 2026 or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.

Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made, and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.

As a condition of your volunteer assignment, you will be asked to successfully complete a criminal background check prior to your start date. Volunteers are subject to the following:

• Application Review
• Volunteer Orientation
• Background Investigation with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Complete Volunteer Waiver

The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (909) 998‑2060.

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Janet Sirob . Additional information is available ity.org.