Volunteer

Update: 7/16/09

The Whitman County Humane Society is looking for volunteers to make a difference for the pets at our animal shelter. Every volunteer is a valuable asset. Our faithful volunteers donate an average of 225+ hours each month.

Do you love animals but can't have a pet of your own? Are you looking for valuable experience prior to seeking a career as a veterinary technician or a veterinarian? Or would you just like to have a positive impact on homeless pets? If you are 14 years of age or older, WCHS may be a great place for you to volunteer!

For the benefit of our staff and animals, we require a minimum commitment of 25 hours from both court-appointed and regular volunteers. Regular volunteers must commit to at least one WSU long semester (4 months). All volunteers must sign up for 2 hour shifts. If you cannot commit this amount of time, please consult with the WSU Center for Civic Engagement for short-term volunteer opportunities or apply to be a "special events volunteer."

You must complete an application and be approved before volunteering. If you are performing court-appointed community service, please fill out the court-appointed service application. Otherwise, please fill out the volunteer application. Applications may be e-mailed to the shelter or dropped off at the shelter during open hours. Our volunteer coordinator and/or staff will review your application and contact you as soon as the shelter needs assistance. Your application will be kept on file if volunteer needs at the shelter are low.

After your application is approved, volunteers must attend an orientation session (approximately 1 hour) at the shelter (635 NW Guy Street in Pullman) before volunteering. Orientation will be held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:15 pm.

Please do not attend orientation if you have not been contacted by the volunteer coordinator or the shelter staff. At orientation, you (or your parent/legal guardian) must sign a copy of the volunteer release agreement, which will be kept on file.

Volunteer duties include animal care, shelter cleaning and maintenance, cat and/or dog socialization, adoption counseling, and representing WCHS in the community. Animal care is our highest priority and need at WCHS. Other tasks may be performed by volunteers depending on each individual's experience and training.

We request that volunteers log their time on a sign-in sheet located at the shelter. Cumulative hours are recorded in the administrative office to facilitate documentation for grant applications and to verify individual contributions of time. An annual volunteer recognition ceremony is held in conjunction with PawFest, our annual shelter open house. An Outstanding Service Award will be presented to one volunteer. Thank you for helping the homeless pets of Whitman County!