Get Involved

VOLUNTEER

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is an organization which runs mainly through the efforts of volunteers — people who give their time to support and carry out our mission. Individuals and families willing to commit to a few hours will find that their skills and talents make a huge difference.

Follow these steps
to become a WCGHS volunteer:

1

Learn the goals of the program

2

Review the types of volunteer opportunities WCGHS has to offer

3

Look over our requirements for volunteering

4

Complete an application

Once the application has been reviewed, this may include a phone interview, then volunteers will be invited to attend an orientation.

Goals of the Volunteer Program

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To recruit and retain a group of dedicated volunteers who are willing to take on tasks necessary to support the mission of the WCGHS. 

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To provide volunteers with pride and a sense of purpose in making a difference in the lives of homeless animals, and our community. 

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To provide initial training and periodic updates to ensure that all volunteers are up-to-date on current policies and procedures.
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For volunteers to become ambassadors for the safety and welfare of animals in our community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Dog cleaning and care, walking, indoor and outdoor enrichment

Cat cleaning, care, enrichment and socializing

Fundraising opportunities

Offsite Adoption Center care opportunities

Animal Transportation

Adoption events

Clinic surgery volunteer

Events

Administrative help (database, phones, etc)

Building & yard maintenance

Opportunity availability varies based on current needs.

Requirements for Volunteering

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You enjoy animals and giving back to your community.

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Volunteers 18 years and older can apply to volunteer in any role. All volunteers under 18 are permitted to volunteer with our cats only; However, you must be at least 8 years of age and accompanied at all times by a parent/guardian.

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You are willing to commit to WCGHS volunteering! We ask volunteers to commit to a schedule for at least six months and all volunteers must maintain a minimum of 4 hours per month.
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You are physically capable of performing the position you’re applying for. Dogs are energetic, jumping and pulling. Working with them requires being able to physically restrain them and provide vigorous exercise, sometimes in inclement conditions. Cats require being able to interact with them often switching between sitting, standing and kneeling. Be mindful cats can scratch and bite if stressed.

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You’re willing to be open minded, flexible, and positive about animals in the shelter, adopters, surrenderers, training/handling strategies, animal care protocols, and other volunteers even if they don’t align with your personal views.

Feel like WCGHS is the place for you?

Then we invite you to apply by clicking below to complete an online WCGHS volunteer application.

Apply to Volunteer

Looking for other ways to volunteer? Click here to become a Foster Care Volunteer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you allow volunteers with 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 group opportunity.