Get Involved
VOLUNTEER
WCGHS relies on volunteers to keep the shelters functioning day in and day out. There are a wide range of opportunities to volunteer within WCGHS. From helping with an event to walking a dog, all persons who donate their time play a vital role in improving the life of the animals we serve.
Goals of the Volunteer Program
What Roles are Needed?
Dog Shelter
Dog Shelter Shelter volunteers are assigned to a color level based on training and experience. Volunteers may stay at their assigned color level, or request training to advance in levels. You must be 18 years or older to volunteer at our dog shelter. We ask volunteers to be aware that this role may require switching between bending, lifting, standing and kneeling. You may handle dogs of all sizes and energy levels.
AM Care
AM Care tasks include but are not limited to: Feeding, medication administration, laundry, dishes, cleaning and disinfecting kennels, mopping and sweeping, and taking dogs out to gravel yards for potty breaks.
PM Care
PM Care tasks include but are not limited to: Feeding, medication administration, cleaning kennels as needed, laundry, dishes, and taking dogs out to gravel yards for potty breaks.
Enrichment
Enrichment tasks include but are not limited to: preparing enrichment items, spending time with each animal, and providing a form of handling or non-handling enrichment.
Dog Walker
Cat Shelter
WCGHS cat shelter is a colony style shelter, meaning after our cats go through an initial quarantine period and behavioral assessment they all get to co-mingle with each other. Volunteers must be 8 years old to volunteer in the cat shelter and volunteer alongside a volunteer parent/guardian.
AM Care
AM Care tasks include but are not limited to: Feeding, medication administration, laundry, dishes, cleaning and disinfecting kennels, mopping and sweeping.
PM Care
PM Care tasks include but are not limited to: Feeding, medication administration, cleaning kennels as needed, laundry, dishes.
Enrichment
Enrichment tasks include but are not limited to: brushing the cats, preparing enrichment items, spending time with each animal, and providing a form of handling or non-handling enrichment.
Pet Smart Cattery
PetSmart Cattery volunteer responsibilities include but are not limited to: Feeding, cleaning habitats and socializing with the cats.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Surgical Assistant
We have a great partnership between WCGHS, CRVS and contract veterinarian professionals. WCGHS does not have a surgical facility. We are very thankful to CRVS for the use of their wonderful facility. By joining our Surgical Volunteer Program, you are helping us continue this partnership and preparing animals for adoption. This is also a great experience for volunteers who are considering a career in animal medicine. Due to the extensive amount of training that is provided, we are looking for dedicated volunteers who are dependable and can make a commitment. The surgical program relies on volunteers to function.
Animal Transport
Office Assistant
Office duties include but are not limited to: answering telephones, data entry, and working with the public in a wide-range of animal-related issues.
Events
Foster Care
Foster Care volunteers provide a temporary, loving and restful retreat for animals in need. WCGHS depends on foster homes for puppies, kittens, animals who need time to recover from a sickness or injury, or animals who need to be socialized. Food, medication, medical care, and training is provided by WCGHS.
Go to our Foster Volunteer page for more info, and to apply for Fostering
Fundraising
Photographer
Maintenance
Board of Directors
Board members are committed to the long-term interest of the organization and animal welfare. They meet regularly to oversee and direct operations, set policies, evaluate and more.
If you are interested in joining WCGHS’ board of directors, contact us at board@wcghs.org
Do you see a role you would like to apply for?
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of time commitment does WCGHS volunteering require?
We ask volunteers to sign up for a pre-scheduled weekly or every other week shift and commit to a schedule for at least six months with a minimum of 4 hours per month for shelter volunteers. This may not apply to all volunteer roles.
Where are your volunteer opportunities located?
The majority of our volunteer roles are at our shelters located at Index street in Washougal. Petsmart volunteers perform their volunteer roles at our partner Petsmart on 192nd in Vancouver. Other roles, such as events, surgery or transport, require volunteers to be off site in Clark County.
Do you allow volunteers to court order community service hours at your organization?
Yes, only if there is 6 months or more to complete it and the individual will go through the traditional volunteer onboarding process.
Do you have any group opportunities?
We have group volunteer opportunities seasonally. These tend to be larger, one day projects. Reach out to volunteer@wcghs.org to see if we have an upcoming volunteer opportunity to fit your needs.
What about opportunities for my school groups or girl scout troop?
WCGHS always has an ongoing list of needs that include projects for groups of youth to complete offsite. Contact volunteer@wcghs.org to learn what the greatest needs are at this time and how we can find something for your youth.