Pug Nation volunteers provide care and compassion to our pugs, assist staff, introduce adoptable dogs to the public, help at community adoption events, and contribute in many other meaningful ways to support every aspect of our organization.
If you love Pugs and want to make a difference in the lives of homeless pugs, we invite you to join our volunteer team.
Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding volunteering at Pug Nation Rescue of Los Angeles. Please read through these FAQs before submitting a volunteer application.
How can I get started volunteering at Pug Nation Rescue of LA?
- Complete the volunteer application.
- Attend the mandatory orientation. After your application has been reviewed, you’ll be contacted via email to register for our new volunteer orientation.
- Start volunteering! After orientation, you will receive access to our online volunteer signup page where you can begin to schedule volunteer shifts.
Where do you host your new volunteer orientations?
Volunteer orientations are held at our facility in Gardena, CA, on a Sunday afternoon and last approximately 90 minutes. We typically schedule one orientation session each month.
I heard you have a new volunteer orientation scheduled this week. Can I just show up?
Participants at a new volunteer orientation must be registered to attend. After you submit your volunteer application, you will be provided with information and a link to register for an upcoming orientation. Our sessions often reach capacity and we are not able to accept walk-ins.
I have extensive experience with pugs and have volunteered at other animal organizations. Do I still need to attend a new volunteer orientation?
Yes. We require all applicants to attend a new volunteer orientation prior to volunteering at Pug Nation. At the orientation, you will learn about our mission, programs and various volunteer opportunities, including operations and procedures required to be carried out for the safety of our pugs.
Do you have an age requirement for volunteers?
Yes. Due to the nature of the work and safety of our pugs, all volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to work independently.
Can I fill out a paper application form?
To ensure efficiency, we do not offer or process paper applications. We require all volunteer applications to be submitted electronically via our website.
Do I need to have prior experience to volunteer at Pug Nation?
You do not need to have any formal experience with another animal rescue or even have had a pug of your own, but we do make the assumption that you are comfortable being around dogs and have a general understanding of the pug breed.
I need to fulfill a community or school service requirement by volunteering. Who can help me with that?
We do not verify or sign off on any required service hours as our goal is to train and retain long-term committed volunteers.
After I attend the new volunteer orientation, can I drop in at the facility anytime I want to volunteer?
Volunteers must sign up in advance on our online portal when they want to volunteer at the facility. We welcome a limited number of volunteers daily between 12pm and 4pm. Unless otherwise requested, we do not allow volunteers at the facility before 12pm or after 4pm.
Can I bring a friend or family member with me when I volunteer at the facility?
All volunteers must be signed up to be at the facility. Your friend or family member must also be a registered volunteer (submitted an application and attended orientation) and have signed up to be there as well. Please do not bring any guests with you.
Besides volunteering at the Gardena facility, are there other opportunities for which I can volunteer?
Yes! We host regular adoption fairs at Tailwaggers in West Hollywood and also participate in many other community events throughout the year (see calendar for upcoming dates) where we especially need volunteer help.
How will I find out about volunteer needs or activities?
We post all volunteer needs for the current month on our online signup page. We ask volunteers to regularly check the online volunteer portal and self-schedule into an open volunteer shift.
Do I need to download an app or pay a fee to use the online volunteer signup page once I’ve attended the new volunteer orientation?
No. Using the desktop or mobile signup website is free. You do not need to download the pay-to-use mobile app.
My corporate or school group participates in community outreach and we would like to volunteer one-time at Pug Nation. How can we arrange this?
We are not often able to accommodate one-time volunteer groups but do review requests on a case-by-case basis depending on our current projects and the work the volunteer group is able to assist with. Please email info@pugnationla.org if you have a special request or able to offer project assistance.
LEASE NOTE: In addition to the events listed below, we have a standing Adoption Fair held on the 2nd Saturday of every month at Tailwaggers, 801 N. Fairfax Ave in West Hollywood from 12-3pm**
Saturday, July 28 – noon – 3pm – Pug Nation Adoption Fair @ Centinela Pet Feed in Encino, 16571 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436
Sunday, August 12 – 6-7:30pm – Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser @ Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046 $20 donation
Saturday, September 22 – 7 – 11am – Pug Nation Adoption Fair @ Heart Walk at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach
Saturday, October 20 – Strut Your Mutt Los Angeles @ Exposition Park
Saturday, October 27 – 11am – 3pm – 7th Annual Pugtacular Spooktacular in Torrance, CA
Sunday, November 4 – 11am – 3pm Woofstock Festival in Beverly Hills, 471 Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, 90210
Sunday, December 9 – 8-9:30pm Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser @ Hamburger Mary’s, 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046 $20 donation