Adult Opportunities

VOLUNTEERING – The precious gift of time

Volunteers are critical parts of non-profits throughout the world, including here at WCHS. Our volunteers not only help to lighten the load of our staff, but by donating their time and talents, volunteers ensure that shelter operations can progress to a new level by assisting in socializing the animals, cleaning the shelter and helping at events and fundraisers. Staff and volunteers work together not only in animal care giving, but also in sharing the WCHS mission throughout the shelter and the community.
When you join WCHS as a volunteer you will become part of a team working to make our community a safer and more humane place for all living creatures. Each time you leave the shelter you will be rewarded in knowing that you’ve created one more wagging tail, a purr and a smile.

Cat Cage/Room Cleaners
Interact with adoptable cats while providing them with a clean cage. Cleaners commit to one day a week (Monday–Saturday) from 8:00 a.m. to noon helping to care for our adoptable cats. Responsibilities include scooping litter boxes, providing fresh food and water, wiping down cat condos, washing dishes, and doing laundry. This is a great way to help with the everyday workings of the shelter!
Dog Walking and Dog Potty Breaks
Do you love dogs? Looking to get some exercise? Then our dog walking program is for you! Give our adoptable dogs the attention and exercise they need. Dog walking takes place Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and/or 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Feline Intervention Program (FIP)
Do you love cats and enjoy interacting with them? Volunteers are needed to play, groom, and spend quality time with our adoptable ADULT cats. No kittens participate in this program. Hours for the program are Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Foster Care
Share your love, compassion, and home with an animal that needs a little extra TLC and would benefit from some time outside the shelter. In exchange for caring for the animal, we provide all the necessary litter, food, equipment, and medication for each animal.
Adoption Counselor
Greet people as they arrive at the shelter, take them around to see our adoptable animals, work with customers to match animals with suitable homes, and help customers complete adoption applications. We ask volunteers to commit to one day per week. Adoption counseling takes place during the hours that the shelter is open to the public: Monday 1:00pm to 4:00pm or 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1:00pm to 5:00pm, or Wednesday 1:00pm to 5:00pm OR 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Gardening Gurus
Do you love gardening and yard work? WCHS is a large facility with lots of outdoor space that needs a little tender love and care from time to time. As a part of this group, you will be added to a list of volunteers we will call upon when various landscaping projects are needed. A few regular, one day per week shifts may be open depending on the season and the need. Tasks include things like moving/transplanting plants, pulling weeds, watering, spreading mulch, lawn mowing, weed whacking, cleaning up the grass around the trees, and more!
Community Ambassador
WCHS is invited to many community events throughout the year, especially in the summer months. Community Ambassadors attend these events on behalf of WCHS to raise awareness about the shelter, educate the public about WCHS and showcase our many amazing adoptable animals while attending these functions. Volunteers help for a period of 2-4 hours and typically the events are on Saturdays. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and have a vehicle to be a community ambassador. If you have an outgoing personality and like conversing with new people, this might be just the fit for you!
Bakers
Do you love to bake? WCHS has several fundraisers throughout the year and one way we raise money is by selling delicious baked treats! Depending on the fundraiser, bakers are asked to bake 2-5 dozen of their favorite cookies, bars, breads, cakes, or other goodies. Bakers must be able to deliver bakery donations to WCHS or the specified place where the event will be held. This opportunity is a terrific option for families, scout troops and other student organizations. If you are interested in baking for one of our events or bake sales, please email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected] and you will receive a Baker Application. You will get an email with the details about bakery needs when an event is coming up.
Special Events
WCHS has several events throughout the year and we are always looking for volunteers to help. If you have limited time, but would like to help a couple times a year, special events may be a fit for you. This can involve anything from baking, making crafts, setting up and breaking down supplies, and helping during the event. Scouts, school groups (14 years and older), and adults each can help in different ways at our events. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.