Volunteering with ASAP

Through the generosity and compassion of our volunteers and donors, the Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) is able to provide the homeless and abandoned cats and kittens of our community with loving attention, veterinary care, and a place to live while awaiting a forever home.  ASAP shelter volunteers participate in routine cat care and upkeep of the facility, which includes feeding, grooming, cleaning cat cages, laundry and housekeeping details at the shelter 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Volunteering at the Shelter

ASAP welcomes new volunteers who can devote a few hours a week to the care and comfort of the deserving shelter felines while they wait for a forever home.  Below are listed a few prerequisites:

Age Requirement: Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age to be eligible for our Volunteer Program.  A parent/adult partner volunteer must accompany any volunteer under the age of 16 at all times during their time at the shelter.

Time Requirement: Volunteers are needed every day of the year at ASAP between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to schedule a minimum of 2 hours per week at the shelter for at least a 6-month period.

Special Note: If you have special needs that require you to have a mentor volunteer alongside you, the mentor is required to complete all steps of the training with you.

Steps to Becoming a Shelter Volunteer

1. Attend an Orientation

• Orientations are scheduled twice a month at ASAP.  Sign up for an Orientation, or send your name, email address, and phone number to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or you may leave a message with your contact information at (805) 699-6853.
• Orientations are designed to introduce you to ASAP by providing information on our mission, our history, our relationship with Animal Services, and our Volunteer Program.

2. Complete a Basic Training Class

• Attending a Basic Training Class is the next step to becoming a shelter volunteer.  After you attend an Orientation and submit a Volunteer Application, you will be sent a Basic Training Class Schedule.
• Basic Training Classes are designed to give you detailed information about the operation of our shelter, cleaning procedures, disease prevention, cat temperament and handling techniques, and customer service.  You will also tour the facility.

3. Shadow Day

• During your Shadow Day, you will spend a volunteer shift with an experienced volunteer who can further introduce and instruct you in the various shelter duties.