Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer for the Humane Society of Cowlitz County. As a nonprofit organization, the Humane Society of Cowlitz County relies on volunteers to help care for the animals we serve and to help with activities and events.

Volunteers help with every aspect of our organization, whether it’s walking and training the dogs, doing laundry, public education, socializing cats and kittens, running adoption events, or serving on our board of directors. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to fulfill our mission.

Volunteer a little and help save a lot!

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of volunteer positions with different time commitments.

Please read through our volunteer opportunities to find a position that best suits your interests and schedule, and which you believe you would perform well in.  As a volunteer, you will be required to attend a training class for the position you would like to volunteer in before you can start. Each opportunity in the directory below lists a description, schedule, and qualifications. Volunteers must be 16 to be a dog handler. Under 16 years old may volunteer with the cats. Youth 14-15 may volunteer on on their own during open hours. Youth under 14 must volunteer with a parent or an adult. The adult must also volunteer and is expected to work along side the youth while supervising. Chldren 6-14 can also volunteer along side a volunteer guardian/adult in the cat areas. Once your application has been submitted our volunteer coordinator will review your application and reach out with your next steps.

 

How to Volunteer

The first step to becoming a volunteer is to fill out an application. It can take 7-10 days to process applications.

For additional questions please give us a call at 360-577-0151 or email at volunteer@cowlitzhumane.com

FAQs

Is there an age limit to volunteer?

Volunteers must be 16 to be a dog handler. Under 16 years old may volunteer with the cats. Youth 14-15 may volunteer on on their own during open hours. Youth under 14 must volunteer with a parent or an adult. The adult must also volunteer and is expected to work along side the youth while supervising. Chldren 6-14 can also volunteer along side a volunteer guardian/adult in the cat areas. Once your application has been submitted our volunteer coordinator will review your application and reach out with your next steps.

Can my volunteer hours count towards a school project?

Yes, we encourage students to volunteer and gain experience working in animal welfare!

Is there a time commitment to volunteer?

Yes, all our volunteer positions require a minimum time commitment of 2 hours a week for three months.

How soon can I start volunteering?

The volunteer process typically takes about 1 – 2 weeks to start volunteering after your application has been approved. 

Can I volunteer in both the Cats and Dogs?

At this time, we do not allow volunteers to volunteer in two positions.

What volunteer opportunities do I have at the Humane Society?

Many different things! Please look at our Volunteer Opportunities directory to see what activities and position you would like to volunteer for.

Fred Meyer has a rewards program where you can help us get reward points also, and it won’t affect your points at all. Our number is 93481. Remember to use that number every time you shop at Fred Meyer!