Do you love animals? Have you ever wanted to have a chance to work with them and take care of them / help give them new homes? Then you should volunteer at the local animal shelter!

A place near you is the Solano County Animal Shelter. This shelter is responsible for the care of all stray, abandoned, injured, and unwanted animals in Solano County. Sounds like something you want to contribute to? Great! To volunteer you need to be at least 18 years or older. The shelter is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm (it is closed for lunch 1 to 2 pm), and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. They are closed Sundays, Mondays, and all County holidays.

It is simple to sign up. Go to https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/sheriff/animalcare/volunteer.asp, click and print the Volunteer Application, fill it out and send it to Solano County Sheriff / Office of Emergency Services; ATTN: Volunteer Services; 530 Clay Street; Fairfield, CA 94533- 5625. It can take up to about 3 business days to receive a response, and you will receive a background packet to complete and return.

Volunteers can do lots of things! They can assist with walking, socializing, and cleaning the animals in the shelter. They might also assist in the office and at off site events when or if needed. Volunteers are welcome during the business hours, and they ask if volunteers commit to four hours a week minimum.

While most of the animals at the shelter are dogs and cats, there are often smaller animals (hamsters, bunnies, guinea pigs, and more) and larger animals (horses, goats, sheep, etc.). These animals are looking and hoping to be reunited with their family, or finding new homes, and you can help… And who knows, maybe you’ll find your new best friend there, also!