Volunteer

Whatcom Humane Society Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Whatcom Humane Society! The volunteers at WHS are part of the heart of our organization, and we would not be able to operate to our full extent without their dedicated service. Whether you are interested in caring for animals, providing administrative support, assisting with events, or one of the many other volunteer opportunities we have, there’s something for anyone across our four facilities and beyond!

Please note: Due to the high volume of interest we receive, we do not put our volunteer application on our website. Please read below to learn more about the tasks, requirements, time commitment, and how to apply for each area of service.

Now Accepting New Volunteers For:

  • Domestic Animal Shelter
  • Thrift Shop
  • Foster Program
  • Wildlife Care Assistant

The Volunteer Onboarding Process

  • Make sure you meet the volunteer requirements (see below on this page)
  • Sign up for a volunteer information session! These sessions are offered once a month at our Domestic Animal Shelter (2172 Division Street) and are designed to give you information on the history of WHS, what we do, and how you can get involved. Please see below for upcoming Volunteer Information Session dates:

Saturday, Febuary 21 @ 11:30 am:

Click Here to Sign Up

Saturday, March 21 @ 11:30 am:

Click Here to Sign Up

Thursday, April 30 @ 5:30 pm

Click Here to Sign Up

Saturday, May 30 @ 11:30 AM

Click Here to Sign Up
  • Fill out a volunteer application! Following your information session, WHS's volunteer manager will send you a link to fill out an application to become a volunteer at the Whatcom Humane Society.
  • Complete required training. All volunteers who would like to work with animals are asked to complete at least 1 TLC training (the amount of trainings may vary depending on the type of animal you are training to work with and your previous experience working with animals). Once you have submitted your volunteer application, you will be contacted by the volunteer manager to schedule training(s) for the area you wish to work in.

Volunteer Requirements

For the safety and wellbeing of our animals and people, as well as the smooth operation of our facilities, WHS volunteers need to:

  • Be 16+ years old (Please note: Some positions have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old).
  • Have regular access to the internet and an active email account.
  • Meet the criteria, commitment, and scheduling availability for their chosen volunteer position.
  • Meet the physical requirements of the position, often including the ability to squat, bend, twist, lift, and stand for long periods of time.
  • Be willing and able to follow organizational policies at all WHS locations.
  • Be committed to treating animals and people with kindness, compassion, and respect.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate volunteers looking to fulfill community service hours or students completing culminating projects. If you are with a vocational or social services agency working with a client or an organization trying to set up a group volunteer opportunity, please contact us at volunteer@whatcomhumane.org to learn what opportunities are available.

*Youth Opportunities: While WHS requires all volunteers to be at least 16 years of age, our education/outreach department sometimes has opportunities for youth to get involved. To learn more, please email our humane educator at outreach@whatcomhumane.org

Shelter Facility Opportunities

Dog Care Assistant

Time Commitment: Scheduled 3-hour weekly shift.

Opening Shifts: Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am & Tuesday–Sundays: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Closing Shifts: Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 am & Tuesday–Sundays: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Duties: You will:

  • Cleaning and sanitizing available dog kennels
  • Scoop poop
  • Monitor behavior and medical needs
  • Rotate dogs in & out of the potty yards
  • Prepare food and feed dogs and puppies
  • Socialize and comfort dogs
  • Prepare and provide daily enrichment
  • Stock supplies
  • Assist with dishes and laundry
  • Sweep and mop floors
  • Take out garbage & recycling as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session, Dog TLC Training and hands-on job training with Animal Care staff and/or experienced volunteers. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Have the ability to follow directions and work well independently
  • Practice safe animal handling skills
  • Be receptive to feedback from staff
  • Be willing to take initiative
  • Be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Dog TLC Volunteer

Time Commitment: Minimum 6 hours/month, self-scheduled.

Duties: You will:

  • Provide shelter dogs with mental and physical stimulation and basic behavior training
  • Walk shelter dogs and socialize puppies
  • Spot clean kennels and cages
  • Provide minor grooming, including brushing and bathing
  • Provide clean water and fresh blankets
  • Assist with daily enrichment activities as needed
  • Assist in the laundry room as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and Dog TLC Training. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Be confident & comfortable with all breeds of dog
  • Be willing to get dirty
  • Be emotionally equipped to handle crowded conditions
  • Have good physical strength and ability to handle rambunctious animals
  • Be able to maintain control of dogs who routinely exceed 50 lbs
  • Be able to work independently and adhere to all safety and animal handling regulations
  • Have an understanding of the necessity for euthanasia and show respect to the shelter staff who are directly involved with the process

Dog Adoption Assistant

Time Commitment: Scheduled 3-hour weekly shift.

Shifts: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Assist staff & guests with the adoption process
  • Greet customers and answer questions about WHS policies
  • Gather educational materials for potential adopters
  • Introduce adopters to available dogs and puppies
  • Retrieve and return animals to their appropriate kennels
  • Spot clean meeting rooms between adoption counsels
  • Assist staff in preparing adopted animals to go home with their new families

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session, Dog TLC Training, be able to work with Purple level dogs or higher, and hands-on job training with Animal Care staff and/or experienced volunteers. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Knowledgeable/trained in WHS adoption policies
  • Be willing to take initiative

Cat Care Assistant

Time Commitment: Scheduled 3-hour weekly shift.

Opening Shifts: Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & Tuesday–Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Closing Shifts: Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & Tuesday–Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Duties: You will:

  • Clean and sanitize available cat kennels
  • Dump/change dirty litter pans
  • Monitor behavior and medical needs
  • Prepare food and feed cats and kittens
  • Socialize and comfort cats
  • Prepare and provide daily enrichment
  • Stock supplies
  • Assist with dishes and laundry
  • Sweep and mop floors
  • Take out garbage and recycling as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session, Cat TLC Training, and hands-on job training with Animal Care staff and/or experienced volunteers. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Have the ability to follow directions and work well independently
  • Practice safe animal handling skills
  • Be receptive to feedback from staff
  • Be willing to take initiative
  • Be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Cat TLC Volunteer

Time Commitment: Minimum 6 hours/month, self-scheduled.

Duties: You will:

  • Provide shelter cats with mental and physical stimulation
  • Provide socialization to shelter cats and kittens
  • Spot clean kennels and change litter pans
  • Provide minor grooming and brushing
  • Provide clean water and fresh blankets
  • Assist with daily enrichment activities as needed
  • Assist in the laundry room as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and Cat TLC Training. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Be willing to get dirty
  • Be emotionally equipped to handle crowded conditions
  • Have good physical strength and ability to carry and control animals up to 25 lbs
  • Be able to work independently and adhere to all whs safety and animal handling regulations
  • Have an understanding of the necessity for euthanasia and show respect to the shelter staff who are directly involved with the process

Cat Adoption Assistant

Time Commitment: Scheduled 3-hour weekly shift.

Shifts: Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Assist staff & guests with the adoption process
  • Greet customers and answer questions about whs policies
  • Gather educational materials for potential adopters
  • Introduce adopters to available cats and kittens
  • Retrieve and return animals to their appropriate kennels
  • Spot clean meeting rooms between adoption counsels
  • Assist staff in preparing adopted animals to go home with their new families

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session, Cat TLC Training, and hands-on job training with Animal Care staff and/or experienced volunteers. Completion of at least 10 Cat TLC volunteer hours required. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Be friendly, outgoing and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Knowledgeable/trained in WHS adoption policies
  • Be willing to take initiative
  • Be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Small Animal Care Assistant

Time Commitment: Scheduled 3-hour weekly shift.

Opening Shifts: Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & Tuesday–Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Closing Shifts: Monday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & Tuesday–Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Duties: You will:

  • Cleaning available small animal cages
  • Monitoring behavior and medical needs
  • Preparing food and feeding all small animals
  • Socializing and comforting small animals
  • Preparing and providing daily enrichment
  • Stocking supplies
  • Assisting with dishes and laundry
  • Sweeping, mopping, and taking out garbage

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session, Small Animal TLC Training, and hands-on job training with Animal Care staff and/or experienced volunteers. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Have the ability to follow directions and work well independently
  • Practice safe animal handling skills
  • Be willing to care for all species
  • Be receptive to feedback from staff
  • Be willing to take initiative
  • Be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Small Animal TLC

Time Commitment: Minimum 6 hours/month, self-scheduled.

Duties: You will:

  • Socialize and play with rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits & more
  • Spot clean kennels and cages
  • Provide minor grooming
  • Provide clean water and fresh bedding
  • Assist in the laundry room as needed
  • Assist with daily enrichment activities as needed
  • Allow animals supervised play/exercise time

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and Small Animal Training. You should:

  • Feel comfortable with a wide variety of small animals
  • Be willing to work with under-socialized or scared animals
  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be patient and understanding with people and animals
  • Be willing to get dirty
  • Be emotionally equipped to handle crowded conditions
  • Be physically able to bend/squat and sit on the floor
  • Must adhere to all WHS safety and small animal handing regulations
  • Have an understanding of the necessity for euthanasia and show respect to the shelter staff who are directly involved with the process

Laundry Assistant

Time Commitment: Minimum 6 hours/month, self-scheduled.

Duties: Assisting in our laundry room washing, drying and folding towels, blankets, toys, and other supplies as needed.

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and hands-on training. You should:

  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of shelter animals
  • Be willing to get dirty
  • Be able to work independently

Veterinary Clinic Assistant (wait list)

Time Commitment: At least three hours per week (depending on need). Must be able to commit to one scheduled shift per week.

Duties: You will:

  • Help prepare animals for surgery
  • Observe animals as they emerge from anesthesia
  • Prepare injections
  • Clean and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
  • Assist with treatments
  • Administer medications
  • Assist the veterinary technician as needed
  • Restrain animals

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session as well as on-the-job training by veterinary clinic staff. You should:

  • Be comfortable working in a veterinary clinic setting
  • Have good physical agility and endurance
  • Have a strong interest in veterinary medicine and animal breeds
  • Be willing to commit to a weekly schedule
  • Be able to lift 50 lbs

Farm Facility Opportunities

Farm Animal Friend Volunteer

WHS provides housing and care for these animals at a 10-acre off-site facility located in Everson.

Time Commitment: One scheduled shift weekly. Approximately 2 hours per week.

Duties: You will:

  • Provide cleaning, care and socialization for a variety of livestock including, but not limited to, horses, pigs, goats, sheep and cows.§ clean barn stalls and outdoor animal enclosures
  • Groom horses and other livestock animals
  • Feed animals
  • Groundwork duties available for the very seasoned/experienced volunteers only (does not include riding)

Requirements: Must be 18 years of age (16-17 years of age may volunteer if accompanied by a parent or guardian). Volunteers must understand the risk associated with working around large animals in barn and outdoor environments. You should:

  • Have prior experience working with horses or other livestock
  • Must have reliable transportation to get to & from the farm facility
  • Have a strong desire to improve the lives of farm animals
  • Be confident & comfortable with animals of all sizes
  • Be willing to get dirty
  • Have good physical strength and ability to lift 40+ lbs
  • Be able to work independently and adhere to all safety and animal handling regulations
  • Have an understanding of the necessity for euthanasia and show respect to the staff who are directly involved with the process

Thrift Shop Opportunities

Thrift Store Cashier

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment. Scheduled weekly shift.

Shifts:

Friday, Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Greet customers
  • Process sales quickly and accurately
  • Promote donations at checkout (round up!)
  • Assist with open & closing duties as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and hands-on job training. You should:

  • Be familiar with the WHS mission
  • Be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Maintain excellent customer service
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Be able to work in a team environment

Thrift Store Cashier’s Assistant

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment. Scheduled weekly shift.

Shifts:

Friday, Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Assist with bagging/boxing purchases
  • Assist customers to their car as needed
  • Assist in keeping the store clean & organized
  • Assist with open & closing duties

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and hands-on job training. You should:

  • Be familiar with the WHS mission
  • Be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Maintain excellent customer service
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Be able to work independently or in a team environment

Thrift Store Floor Monitor

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment. Scheduled weekly shift.

Shifts:

Friday, Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Greet customers on sales floor
  • Answer questions & assist shoppers
  • Assist in keeping the store clean & organized
  • Help customers to their car as needed
  • Restock sale merchandise as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and hands-on job training. You should:

  • Be familiar with the WHS mission
  • Be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Maintain excellent customer service
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Be able to work independently or in a team environment

Jewelry Sales Clerk

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment. Scheduled weekly shift.

Shifts: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Only

9:00 am – 1:00 pm
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Greet customers at the jewelry counter
  • Answer questions & assist shoppers
  • Help hesitant customers make a decision
  • Price & restock merchandise as available

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and hands-on job training. You should:

  • Be familiar with the WHS mission
  • Be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Maintain excellent customer service
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Be able to work independently

Thrift Store Donation Intake Team

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-month commitment. Scheduled weekly shift.

Shifts:

Wednesday, Thursday 9:30 am – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Friday, Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Duties: You will:

  • Assist donors with donation drop-off
  • Sort incoming donations
  • Clean/wash items as needed
  • Do online product research
  • Ensure all items are correctly priced
  • Assist with markdowns on older merchandise
  • Assist with restocking store shelves as needed

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and hands-on job training. You should:

  • Be familiar with the WHS mission
  • Be friendly, outgoing, and comfortable speaking to members of the public
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Be able to work in a team environment

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Opportunities

Wildlife Care Assistant

Time Commitment: Because work in animal care requires a significant amount of training, we ask for a minimum 4 month commitment at 4 hours/week. Volunteers are scheduled to work the same shift every week.

Wildlife Care Assistants begin volunteering at the Wildlife Center at the beginning of one of these three sessions, which are based on the seasonal cycles of wildlife:

  • Spring Baby Season (March – June)
  • Summer/Fall Baby Season (July – October)
  • Winter Season (November – February)

Volunteers must sign up for a regular weekly shift and attend these for the entirety of that session.

Volunteers who complete their 4-month commitment and who meet set criteria may be given the opportunity to learn more advanced animal handling and medical skills if they choose to stay on.

Shifts:

Shifts are available seven days a week at the following times:
8am – 12pm (available year-round)
4pm – 8pm (available ~ 4/15 – 9/30)

Please be aware that some shifts have a greater need, and placement will be where the need is greatest.

Duties:

Wildlife Care Assistants work alongside our expert staff rehabilitators at the Wildlife Center to assist with the daily cleaning, weighing, care, and feeding of injured, ill, and orphaned native Washington wildlife patients. Tasks vary throughout the year, coinciding with the seasonal cycles of our local wildlife.

Year round, volunteers will spend much of their time cleaning and setting up cages, doing laundry and dishes, general cleaning and sanitizing, sweeping, mopping, and maintaining a clean hospital environment. Volunteers also prepare and deliver diets (which can include live insects and dead prey) for patients, assist staff with animal care, and complete maintenance, husbandry, and special cleaning projects. In the spring and summer sessions, duties may also include hand-feeding young mammals and nestling and juvenile songbirds.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Completion of Volunteer Information Session, onsite Wildlife Center orientation, and basic skills training with Wildlife Center staff
  • Able to bend, lift, carry 30 pounds, and stand/walk while doing strenuous activities for most of the volunteer shift
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Be able to work cooperatively with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and interns of all ages and backgrounds
  • Reliable and prompt for shifts
  • Can successfully work in an extremely busy, ever-changing, and fast-paced environment
  • Capable of working under limited supervision after fully trained
  • Comfortable approaching staff with questions and asking for direction when needed
  • Open to learning from coaching and on-the-job training
  • Understanding the first priority at all times is the patients’ health and quality of life
  • A superior attention to detail
  • Good judgment

If you are interested in being a Wildlife Care Assistant, please click here to read through the full job description and Wildlife Care Volunteer Manual for more details about the position and click here to sign up for the waitlist.

Wildlife Facility Caretaker

Time Commitment: Varies Seasonally. Minimum 3 month commitment.

Shifts: Flexible. Volunteers will be on call for projects as needed.

Duties: Painting, building and repairing caging units, clearing brush, cleaning and maintenance of wildlife facilities, minor plumbing & electrical work, and mowing the lawn in the summer months.

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session, onsite orientation, and hands-on job training with Wildlife Center staff and/or experienced volunteers.

Wildlife Transport Team

Time Commitment: Varies/Flexible – minimum 6-month commitment

Shifts: As needed

Duties: Responsible for responding to Telegrams from WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center staff to pick up wildlife in need from around Whatcom County, Skagit County, and very occasionally Snohomish County. Volunteers will be asked to transport animals to the Center from either a vet hospital, private residence, or another licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. Most animals will already be contained. Rescues of uncontained animals are at the discretion of staff after appropriate volunteer training as volunteer Wildlife Care Assistants. Gas mileage cannot be reimbursed but is tax deductible if proper records are kept.

  • Educate the public on coexisting with wildlife as needed
  • Safely transport animal to the wildlife center
  • Maintain WHS equipment in good working order
  • Clear and timely communication with staff
  • No music or strong air conditioning or heat in vehicle while transporting an animal
  • No stops with animal in vehicle; must go straight from pick-up site to the wildlife center

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Completion of Volunteer Information Session and onsite Wildlife Center orientation/training with Wildlife Center staff
  • A valid Driver’s License
  • A reliable, working vehicle with appropriate insurance
  • Ability to download and use the application Telegram on a smartphone
  • Learn the basics of WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center policies and basic animal handling
  • Understanding the first priority at all times is the patients’ health and quality of life
  • Able to bend, lift, and carry 30 pounds
  • Reliable and prompt for animal pick-ups and deliveries to the Center
  • Enjoy working with the public and our vet hospital and wildlife rehabilitation partners
  • Can provide good customer service to the public, and internally to staff and other volunteers
  • Be able to communicate cooperatively with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and interns of all ages and backgrounds
  • Open to learning from coaching and on-the-job training
  • Comfortable approaching staff with questions and asking for direction when needed
  • Good judgment

Marine Mammal Stranding Network Volunteer

Time Commitment: Varies/Flexible – minimum 6-month commitment

Shifts: As needed

Duties: Responsible for responding to texts from WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center staff to pick up marine mammals in need from around Whatcom County between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Volunteers will be asked to transport animals to the wildlife center from various locations in Whatcom County as well as from the wildlife center to SR3 in Des Moines, WA or a centralized meeting place such as Everett. Animals will generally need to be contained at pickup; WHS will provide all materials and training to contain animals safely and appropriately. Gas mileage cannot be reimbursed, but is tax deductible if proper records are kept.

  • Educate the public on coexisting with wildlife as needed
  • Safely transport animal to/from the wildlife center
  • Maintain WHS equipment in good working order
  • Communicate clearly with wildlife center staff
  • Vehicle must have proper ventilation and ambient temperature control
  • No music, smoking, or vaping in vehicle while transporting an animal
  • No stops with animal in vehicle; must go straight from pickup site to the wildlife center and vice versa

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Completion of Volunteer Information Session and onsite Wildlife Center orientation/training with Wildlife Center staff
  • A valid Driver’s License
  • A reliable, working vehicle with appropriate insurance
  • Learn the basics of WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center policies and basic marine mammal animal handling
  • Understanding the first priority at all times is the patients’ health and quality of life
  • Able to bend, lift, and carry 50 pounds
  • Good judgment
  • Reliable and prompt for animal pick-ups and deliveries to the Center
  • Enjoy working with the public and our wildlife rehabilitation partners
  • Can provide good customer service to the public and internally to staff and other volunteers
  • Be able to communicate cooperatively with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and interns of all ages and backgrounds
  • Open to learning from coaching and on-the-job training
  • Comfortable approaching staff with questions and asking for direction when needed

Other Opportunities

Events/Fundraising Volunteer

Time Commitment: Varies. Hours will increase during peak times before and after events.

Duties: You will:

  • Assist with planning and implementation of WHS fundraising and special events
  • Participate in assigned projects and tasks such as: solicitations of auction item donations; marketing and poster distribution; data entry; invitation design and mailing; event planning and coordination

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session. You should:

  • Have excellent “people” skills
  • Enjoy planning and working on events
  • Be detail oriented
  • Be able to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Be reliable!

Community Outreach Volunteer

Time Commitment: Varies according to events & projects.

Duties: You will:

  • Act as an ambassador for WHS
  • Attend tabling events at businesses, schools and local festivals
  • Educate members of the community on our programs & services
  • Answer animal and shelter related questions
  • Hand out literature and resources

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and on-the-job training by WHS staff or volunteers. You should:

  • Possess excellent communication skills
  • Enjoy interacting with large and diverse groups of people
  • Be able to work independently or in a team environment
  • Have a concern for and a humane attitude toward the care and treatment of all animals
  • Have a firm understanding of what it means to be an open-admission shelter

Humane Education Volunteer

Time Commitment: Varies according to workshops & school schedules.

Duties: You will:

  • Act as an ambassador for WHS
  • Give educational tours of WHS to groups of all ages
  • Lead group activities for community service groups
  • Assist in teaching children about animal care and handling
  • Assist with games & activities in children’s workshops
  • Answer animal and shelter related questions

Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session and on-the-job training by WHS staff or volunteers. You should:

  • Possess excellent communication skills
  • Must be comfortable with children of all ages
  • Enjoy interacting with large and diverse groups of people
  • Be able to work independently or in a team environment
  • Have a concern for and a humane attitude toward the care and treatment of all animals
  • Have a firm understanding of what it means to be an open-admission shelter

Foster Care Provider

Time Commitment: On-call as needed to provide temporary 24-hour care for orphaned, injured and unweaned animals.

Shifts: You will:

  • Provide all elements of care for foster animals including feeding, cleaning, grooming, medicating and socializing
  • Ensure safety of foster animal at all times
  • Maintain communication with WHS staff regarding the foster animal’s progress
  • Provide nurturing and comfortable environment in your home for foster animals
  • Transport foster animals to and from the shelter for medical treatments, check-ups and to be shown for adoption

Requirements: Must be 18 years of age. Completion of Volunteer Information Session. One-on-one meeting, training and home check with WHS Foster Care Coordinator. Other education and training as required. You should:

  • Be willing to take animals that may be sick, injured or with behavior issues into your home
  • Be able to make the commitment to provide specialized care if needed for short or extended periods
  • Be able to work independently, but able to follow exact instructions
  • Own your own home or have written permission from your landlord
  • Be at least 18 years of age, or work under a parent/guardian in the home
  • Be able to administer oral and topical medications

Next Steps After You’ve Submitted An Application

  • If your application and availability match one of our facilities needs, you will be invited by email to attend an onsite training. Please note: We receive a high volume of applications, so please allow 1-2 weeks to receive this email.
  • Complete any onsite training session(s) associated with the area(s) you wish to volunteer in.
  • Become a valued member of our volunteer team!

If you have questions, please contact Auna Carter, the WHS Volunteer Services Manager, at 360-733-2080 ext. 3075 or volunteer@whatcomhumane.org.

Check Out Our WHS Volunteer Heroes in Action!

Other Ways You Can Help

Too young to volunteer? Or perhaps you don’t have the time to commit to weekly visits? Whatever the reason, there are plenty of other ways you can help the animals! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Host a supplies drive for the animals by collecting collars, leashes, toys, etc. (see our wish list for ideas!)
  • Host a food drive in your school, workplace, or neighborhood.
  • Host a movie night for friends and have the “admission fee” be a donation for WHS.
  • Create cat toys for the shelter cats (Pinterest has great options!)
  • Host a fundraiser (lemonade stand, bake sale, garage sale, etc) and donate the funds to WHS.
  • Be a kind consumer: Learn more about finding cruelty-free products!
  • Become a foster family: You have to be 18, but it’s a great family opportunity! At least one parent must join the volunteer team.

You can also reach out to the Whatcom Volunteer Center for information about other opportunities in the community. More information is available at www.whatcomvolunteer.org or 360-734-3055.

Leon's ready for the pawjama party—are you?!

On April 18, Whatcom Humane Society will join animal shelters across the country for the 2026 Shelter Slumber Pawty. For 24 hours, WHS volunteers and staff will experience a day in the life of a shelter animal by living alongside them in a kennel or other shelter space to raise funds for their care (special appearances at the WHS Farm and Wildlife Center included too!).

EARLY FUNDRAISING IS NOW OPEN!

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