Volunteer Programs in California, United States

Volunteer in San Diego with IVHQ - the world's leading volunteer travel organization, trusted by more than 120,000 volunteer travelers. As an IVHQ volunteer in San Diego, you can choose to volunteer for durations ranging from 1 to 12 weeks on your choice of volunteer project: - Community Development: assist with food outreach campaigns, renovating homeless shelters and more - Environmental Sustainability: join tree planting, beach clean-ups and environmental education efforts Thanks to IVHQ's affordable fees, flexible booking and free changes, you can book your volunteer program with confidence. Program fees start from only $605 for 1 week which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house with like-minded volunteers while being immersed in the local culture and community. IVHQ is trusted to support the meaningful adventures of thousands of volunteers every year, so even before you depart for San Diego, you’ll receive outstanding service from your Volunteer Travel Specialist and exclusive access to superior pre-departure volunteer training.

Join Marine Life Studies (MLS) to support marine wildlife research, conservation, and education. Volunteers play a crucial role in various programs including animal care, research, education, and outreach initiatives. Volunteers receive comprehensive training in marine research techniques, animal care, and public engagement. Opportunities for skill development and leadership roles are available. MLS offers a supportive environment with ongoing education and team-building activities. Ideal Candidates: Passionate about marine conservation. Commit to a minimum of six months of service. Reliable, responsible, and able to commit to regular shifts. Good communication skills for educational and outreach roles. Physically fit for fieldwork and animal care tasks. Volunteering with MLS offers the chance to make a significant impact on marine wildlife conservation while gaining valuable skills and experiences. So, join us today!

Animal Assisted Happiness (AAH) operates entirely with the help of volunteers and is actively seeking youth and adult volunteers. If you have a passion for youth and animals, there's something for you to do. From caring for and socializing our animals to assisting youth in interacting with them, maintaining our facility, and helping with fundraising and community outreach, your help is invaluable. Our greatest need is for volunteers to take our animals on visits, bringing joy and happiness to the community. Whether you enjoy working directly with animals, assisting with farm chores, or engaging with children, AAH provides a welcoming environment where your efforts will make a significant impact. Volunteering with AAH is a unique chance to become part of a community that fosters compassion, empathy, and connection through meaningful service.

Join Guide Dogs for the Blind as a volunteer puppy raiser and play a vital role in preparing puppies for their future as guide dogs. This rewarding opportunity involves caring for and training a puppy for about a year, ensuring they become confident and well-socialized dogs ready to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Responsibilities: Puppy Care: Provide daily care, socialization, and basic training. Training: Attend regular training sessions and follow the provided training guide. Socialization: Expose the puppy to various environments and experiences to prepare them for their future role. Requirements: Minimum age: 9 years (with adult supervision for minors). Ability to attend regular training sessions. A secure and safe home environment. Commitment to care for and train the puppy for approximately one year. Volunteering as a puppy raiser with Guide Dogs for the Blind offers a unique and fulfilling experience that makes a profound difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Your dedication will help transform a puppy into a capable guide dog, providing independence and companionship to someone in need.

This international volunteer project will give you a few months of excitement in California. You and other volunteers from around the US and the world will play an active role in nature conservation in the western USA, living in the heart of California's breathtaking natural landscape. The downtime between projects will give you ample opportunity to enjoy the region’s breathtaking nature and the American way of life at your base in the capital, Sacramento. Your work on projects will take you to nature spots well away from the beaten path, giving you an insight into California which few will be able to match. You will acquire knowledge of trail-building techniques, become proficient with hand tools, as well as get to know the biodiversity of beautiful California. The work will usually follow an 8-6-8 rhythm: eight days in the volunteer project, then back to the base station in Sacramento for six days off. You then return to the project for another eight days. Your time as a volunteer in one of the state's impressive regions enables you to explore the Golden State in detail and, at the same time, to make a valuable contribution to conserving its unique nature.