Why Volunteer?
Direct Impact
Every hour you spend at the sanctuary directly improves the lives of our rescue cats. From a clean environment to direct socialization, you are a crucial part of their journey.
Find Your Community
Meet fellow animal lovers, builders, photographers, and caretakers who share your passion for animal welfare.
Flexible Ways to Give Back
Whether you want to get your hands dirty with landscaping and construction or prefer giving love to our amazing feline residents, we have a place for your unique skills.
Pawsitive Vibes
Spending time with animals is proven to lower stress and bring joy. It's a win-win for you and the cats!
A Day in the Life of a Sanctuary Volunteer
Shifts are typically 2 to 4 hours long. While every day brings something new, a standard shift includes:
- 01
The Welcome
Arrive at the sanctuary, check in, and touch base with our coordinator for the day's priorities.
- 02
Core Tasks
Depending on your role, you might be cleaning enclosures, refreshing food and water, helping with light landscaping, or capturing photos!
- 03
Cat Socialization
We build time into every shift for the most important part—sitting with, brushing, and playing with the cats to help them build trust.
- 04
Wrap-Up
Help us tidy up, ensure our cat residents are safe and happy, and log your volunteer hours.
Your Journey Starts Here
Apply Online
Fill out our brief application on ShelterLuv.
Submit Form
Fill out our Volunteer Google Form with your availability and interests.
Review the Handbook
Read through our guidelines and safety protocols, and return it signed.
In-Person Tour & Orientation
Schedule an in-person visit for a guided walkthrough, meet the staff, and meet the cats!
Schedule Your First Shift
Begin your training and become an independent volunteer!
Join Our Routine Teams
Consistency is everything. Join our Daily Care Teams (feeding, cleaning, socializing) or Weekly Specialty Teams (construction, photography, admin). Plus, join our active WhatsApp community to stay in the loop!
Celebrating Our Sanctuary Family
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Volcano Cat Sanctuary—we quite literally couldn’t do this without you! To say thank you, we host regular volunteer appreciation events!
“I’ve been a volunteer at VCS for a year now. I had lost my boyfriend of 20 years to lung cancer in 2023 and it just broke my heart. I was lost and needed to feel that I had a purpose so I came to the sanctuary to give love n hugs to the kittys. It saved me. Meeting Sienna and getting to know her was a plus and we are friends forever, I just love her!! I continue to come to see the babies at least once a week...”
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
What is the time commitment?
Do I need prior experience?
Can I volunteer if I don't want to handle cats directly?
