Volunteering

Volunteers make the difference!

Thank you for your interest in a volunteer position with Animal Services. The animals need all the talent, energy and love you can offer. There are many ways of helping the animals, and there are never enough hearts and hands to do all the things they need. We are grateful for your interest.


Volunteers enjoy working with animals and people.
 

What does a volunteer do?

We have many exciting programs available and currently being developed. Please look over the listing below and consider to which program you want to dedicate your time and energy. The handbook gives more detailed descriptions of what to expect from the programs offered.

Volunteers are asked to pick one or two programs. For most programs, to make the most of the volunteer hours available to us, we ask volunteers to sign up for shifts. In order for our volunteer programs to operate smoothly, it is important that volunteers show up and complete their assigned shifts.

A few programs, such as Team Wildlife/Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue transportation, foster care and fund raising can be done on an "as needed" basis.

  • Beginning Dog Walking
  • Advanced Dog Walking
  • Beginning Cat Caretaker
  • Advanced Cat Caretaker
  • Dog of the Day (promoting a dog of the day at the shelter)
  • Petfinder.com Team (photographing animals for Petfinder.com)
  • Feline Homefinders (helping find homes for cats)
  • Foster Care for dogs/cats/exotics
  • Fundraising
  • Jogging Buddies Team (jogging with our dogs/entering local races)
  • Purrs & Paws Pet Visitation Program (visiting area nursing homes)
  • Special Events (many exciting things!)
  • Training Shelter Dogs
  • Team Wildlife/SPDR Transportation Team
  • Environmental Enrichment Program for Long-term Animals
   

What kind of a commitment is required?

Adult volunteers (those over 18 years of age) are asked to commit to (at least) one, one-hour shift per week for no less than 6 months. Each volunteer will receive intensive training in the specific area in which they are volunteering. There are opportunities to move from "entry level" volunteering to more advanced position. Commitment to the animals is the corner stone of a smooth running volunteer program. Please understand that failure to honor the time commitment required could result in termination of the position, unless arrangements have been made with the coordinator in advance.

The Shelter is open Monday-Friday, 9:30-4:30 and Saturday, 9:30-4:00.

0827004.jpg (15934 bytes)
 Volunteers can foster pets
like this 3-week old kitten.
   

How old do I have to be?

Any adult 18 years of age or older can volunteer at our shelter.

For our younger animal lovers, we offer special volunteering opportunities. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times when at the shelter.

Youth between 14 and 18 years of age may volunteer on their own, and shifts are limited to two hours per week. Our time to train and supervise youth volunteers is extremely limited, so we are unable to accommodate school or court-ordered community services requirements of less than 40 hours.

Because of inherent danger when working with animals (especially stray animals) opportunities for younger volunteers for hands-on animal care are limited.


You can meet other great people!
   

How do I become a Shelter volunteer?

Diane Jessup, Volunteer CoordinatorCall the Volunteer Coordinator, Diane Jessup, at (360) 352-2510, ext. 1009 or email her. Please put "Volunteer" in the subject line.

You can also visit the Animal Shelter and ask for a volunteer packet. The packet has information that includes a list of the jobs you can do, the goals of the Shelter, a Volunteer Agreement, and several forms to complete, such as a job application and questionnaire. Once you have completed the forms, return them to the Shelter and the Volunteer Coordinator will call and schedule an interview with you.
   

Are there other ways to help?

Absolutely!  We always need supplies and money to properly care for the 150 animals that enter our shelter each week.  With all the economic problems our community and country currently face, homeless animals and their needs are often overlooked.  We can always use blankets, towels, quality canned and dry pet food and other pet supplies.  Like most shelters, our greatest need is money--medication and veterinary care are costly.  We appreciate any  support you can offer!

Donations can be dropped off at or sent to:
Animal Services, 3120 Martin Way, Olympia, WA  98506.
You can also donate by phone at (360) 352-2510.  Please have your credit card ready.

Have a car you'd like to get rid of?  You can donate it to the shelter!  Northwest Charity Donation Service can do all the footwork and paperwork for you, including towing the vehicle, if necessary.  They keep part of the proceeds of the sale as an administrative fee and send the rest to us.  Please visit their website for more details.
   

 

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