Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! We love our volunteers and could not operate to the full extent that we do without them — they are the heart and center of operations here at Seattle Humane. Volunteers are involved in almost everything we do, from animal care to administrative support, our veterinary clinic to events, and more!
Join Our Team
Volunteers play a huge role in helping Seattle Humane accomplish our mission of serving pets and the people who love them. They fill a wide variety of roles, and we are always looking for more volunteers!
All volunteers (including foster parents) start with a volunteer orientation. We offer orientations in-person twice per month and dates are posted during the first week of the preceding month. Orientations are no-obligation, so even if you are unsure if volunteering is right for you, please feel free to attend.
Upcoming orientations:
Tuesday, January 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 11, 4 – 5 p.m.
These dates will be available for registration starting at 9 a.m. on December 1. Click here to register!
If you do not see any dates listed, the available dates are full. Please check back on the first of the following month.
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. If you are under 18, please see our Youth Programs page for more information.
- Attend a mandatory, no-obligation Volunteer Orientation session in-person or online.
- Able to volunteer regularly – volunteers find the most success when they volunteer 3 – 4 times per month!
- Have an email account and regular access to the internet to manage your volunteer schedule online.
Questions?
Email volunteers@seattlehumane.org.
Youth Opportunities
To volunteer, you must be at least 18 years of age. However, through our youth and educational programs, we have many opportunities for those under 18 who want to get involved and earn community service hours. To learn more, check out our Youth Programs or contact EducationServices@seattlehumane.org.
Group Opportunities
If you are looking for a group service project for your company or organization, check out our Group Volunteer Opportunities.
Court-Ordered Community Service Opportunites
Opportunities to complete court-ordered community service are available through Seattle Humane’s Shelter Support volunteer program. To learn more, check out our Court-Ordered Community Service Opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of roles are available for volunteers?
Volunteers are part of almost every department at Seattle Humane! They take part in animal care – feeding, cleaning and socialization/enrichment, support administrative work like data entry, assist clients who utilize our services, greet visitors and much more!
I am only available on certain days. Can I still volunteer?
Probably! Volunteer shifts vary by role. Our earliest shifts start at 7:30 a.m., and our last shift ends at 6 p.m. Shifts are available 7 days a week, but we cannot guarantee a particular shift will be available when you start volunteering. If you have a flexible schedule during the week, our highest need is on weekdays.
Do I get to cuddle with kittens and puppies?
Volunteers who work with Seattle Humane pets participate in the total care of animals. This means cleaning animal spaces, socialization and enrichment (like dog walks), feeding, and yes, sometimes that means cuddling!
I have allergies, can I still volunteer?
Seattle Humane accepts cats, dogs and small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils). Although all supplies are cleaned and sanitized, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free space.
We have several important volunteer roles that are not in animal housing spaces, like volunteering in our Pet Food Bank, that are excellent alternatives to animal handling roles. These spaces are not guaranteed to be completely allergen free but may be more comfortable for those with allergies.
Peanut butter and products containing peanut butter are often used in the shelter. We cannot guarantee a nut-free space for those with allergies.
Once I attend orientation, how soon can I start volunteering?
Your start date will depend on what position you’re volunteering for. There is general training and onboarding materials that need to be completed by all volunteers prior to joining the program, and many assignments have training specific to that position which will need to be completed before you report for your first shift. You’ll receive info on all necessary training via email and our online volunteer management system.
Can I volunteer for more than one position?
Yes! Many volunteers have more than one role, but as a new volunteer, you may find more success if you pick one position to start out.
Questions?
Email volunteers@seattlehumane.org.
Current Volunteers
Already a Volunteer? Log in to Digital Cheetah.
Current Volunteer Log InOther Ways to Get Involved
Spread the Word in Your Community
Give our adoptable animals additional exposure by printing out online profiles and posting them at work, school, your place of worship, or your favorite local businesses.
Spread the Word Online
Passionate about Seattle Humane’s life-saving services, care for homeless and abandoned pets, and ensuring that all pets have a loving home? You can help by featuring our pets on your website! Choose our Shelter ID (WA06).
Hold a Pet Food Drive
Throughout the year, we rely on groups and individuals to help us meet the needs of the animals served through our Pet Food Bank. If you are interested in organizing a pet food drive in your community, school, church, or business, please contact our Community Outreach Coordinator at (425) 649-7566.
Host a Fundraiser
Hold bake sales, yard sales, craft sales, participate in walk-a-thons, and much more! Feel free to use your imagination to come up with a fundraising idea.
Group Volunteering
Looking for a service project for your company or organization? There are many ways your team can support Seattle Humane and our animals!
Youth Opportunities
At Seattle Humane, we honor the special connection that kids and teens have with animals. Learn more about upcoming events for families, programs for scouts, community service opportunities, and Humane Teen Club!
