Finding the perfect community service opportunity can be difficult. Depending on your passions and interests, you may have to navigate through various categories and exposures. It’s important to remember that volunteering at an animal shelter isn’t for all, but it was certainly perfect for me. 

As a part of Alisal’s graduation requirement, students must complete a minimum of 40 community service hours within a non-profit organization or by gaining career exposure. Many students choose to gain career guidance or seek new interests depending on what they like most. Personally, I was looking for a fun opportunity that would keep me occupied during the summer. I knew that the SPCA would be filled with cute animals, so I was sold. I had previously volunteered at a number of places ranging from offices to school activities in order to earn a minimum of 500 hours before graduation. 

One of my first volunteer opportunities was in the Saint Mary of the Nativity Catechism office, mainly doing office work. I would typically be in charge of filling work, printing activities for the program, or working at a computer. These activities, although enjoyable, left me feeling that I needed a different opportunity.  

During the summer of 2025, I decided to volunteer at the SPCA in Monterey County. Ever since I was a kid, my parents have taught me to care and respect animals. My grandfather on my mom’s side had been a veterinarian so the stories I heard from my mom furthered my love for animals. Plus, I had multiple pets throughout my childhood so I’d always been passionate about working with animals. Volunteering at the SPCA sounded to me like the perfect opportunity. 

When I first arrived, I thought it would be all about spending time with animals, no “real” work required, but I was surely wrong.

A typical day consisted of washing dishes, organizing clean laundry, throwing dirty laundry into the washer, drying, folding, and organizing all the clean material. 

After this, I would also have the opportunity to interact with the visitors and people who were interested in adopting an animal. We would provide them with a simple background on the animal they were interested in and inform them of the process. Prior to taking up my first shift, I was told we had to take up a 3 hour per week minimum for a period of 3 months. I took up a daily shift from Monday-Friday for 3 hours every day. I knew that I really didn’t have much to do all summer, so I asked myself: why not volunteer at the SPCA?

Everything about volunteering at the SPCA was very enjoyable, from interacting with all the new animals that arrived on a nearly daily basis, to having conversations with the visitors and workers at the shelter, and even the chores felt like an exciting task to accomplish. 

Of course, that wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing people I met during the month I was there. It was very fun to interact with all the volunteers at the shelter, and most, if not all of them; were extremely welcoming and supportive. With time, I was able to develop a close relationship with volunteers who attended on a regular basis. My friends Regan, Camila, Joanne, Linda, and countless others whom I keep close contact with. 

The SPCA was not only an avenue to fulfill a graduation requirement, but also an opportunity to branch out, step out of my comfort zone, be productive, and meet some amazing people. I loved all the animals who would get adopted and seeing the new owners fall in love with the animals they were taking home. It was very comforting to be a part of that process and to promote a safe environment for all animals of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and needs.   

Among my favorites were Rocky, Penny, Ash, Lola, Snow Pea, Sweet Pea, Selinda, Sugar, and Millie among many, many others all hold a special place in my heart. Their joy and tail wags made my hour drive to and from totally worth it. Although it was very sad to see them go, it made me super happy to see them all find homes. Although it took much longer for others, it was great to know that they’d all be in a comfortable home from now on. Whenever I was done with my shift, I would say goodbye to all of them. On a special occasion, with my favorite out of all: Rocky, I said goodbye to him as usual. Before I was leaving, I’d overheard a couple interested in adopting him. Throughout my time there, many people would promise they’d be back to take him home, but most of the time it was a lie.  So, as I left, I thought I would see him there again. When I was back, I realized his room was empty and he was no longer there. Although I felt sad because that was the last time I’d ever seen him, at the same time I was glad he’d be able to find a new home.  

If you are interested in volunteering at the SPCA, you can fill out the application on their website: https://www.spcamc.org/how-to-help/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html. After the application has been filled out, you must attend an orientation and a tour. If you are interested in walking dogs, you must take on leash training. If not, you can get straight to work. 

It is important to remember that the SPCA isn’t the only option where you can volunteer. The Hitchcock Animal Shelter is located in Salinas and they are currently looking for volunteers. In order to become a volunteer at the shelter, you must be at least 18, be able to complete a minimum of one 2-4 hour shift, and complete the application.