Volunteer
Our volunteer team is an essential part of shelter operations.
Get Started
PAWS of Grays Harbor is a great place to make a difference in the community working with the animals and meeting new people. Please click the link below and fill out the form to get started as a potential volunteer. We will contact you shortly about potential volunteer opportunities with our organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please fill out our Volunteer Inquiry HERE. We can then schedule you to come in and get set up to become a volunteer.
If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian on site during all volunteer hours.
Maybe. We do often accommodate court-mandated service hours depending upon the charge(s). Those with charges that may negatively impact the safety of staff and other volunteers (including minors) or that could negatively impact operations and property will be denied.
We regularly utilize students as volunteers based on availability of shifts. However, all volunteers under the age of 18 currently must have a parent/guardian on site during those hours. We are working hard to create other opportunities that can be done off-site.
Possibly. We have a small facility and can only allow so many people in our buildings per fire code so it can be difficult for us to host larger groups. We recommend that you contact us at least a month ahead of time to discuss and plan.
Volunteer Roles and Opportunities
This is not an all-inclusive list of every potential volunteer activity. If you have an idea that is not on the list, please reach out to us.
DOGS
Dog Kennel Care AM
Responsibilities: Every morning we come in and take care of the basic needs of our dogs while they are out on a morning walk. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: sweeping/mopping kennels, wiping down kennel walls, refreshing water bowls, changing any soiled bedding, and helping with the morning feeding routine.
Requirements: A willingness to clean up dog mess. Please note some dogs are very tidy and don’t require much clean-up; other dogs may be messy or still working on potty training. It all depends on the dogs we have in our care at the time of your shift. The physical ability to go up and down a few steps (there are three down to the kennels).
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per shift from 9am-11am.
Dog Kennel Care PM
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to: closing down the dog play yard, refreshing the dog kennels, topping off water bowls, and serving our dogs dinner.
Requirements: A willingness to clean up dog mess. Please note some dogs are very tidy and don’t require much clean-up; other dogs may be messy or still working on potty training. It all depends on the dogs we have in our care at the time of your shift. The physical ability to go up and down a few steps (there are three down to the kennels).
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per shift from 3-5PM.
Dog Walker
Responsibilities: Dog walks are a chance to get our dogs outside of the shelter environment and experience the real world. Responsibilities of a dog walker include but are not limited to: continuing dog training, harnessing, picking up dog presents (poop), ensuring the safety of our dogs while outside of the shelter.
Requirements: Comfortability with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, patience and kindness as you kindly correct unwanted behavior during the walk. The physical ability to walk for one hour. Completion of a 40min dog-walker training with our dog care specialist. Please note that we often have large dogs in our care who are starting from ground zero in terms of training. This may mean that you are paired with a large dog who likes to pull on the leash, if this is the case our volunteers need to possess the ability to hold onto the leash.
Time Commitment: 1 hour per shift. We have daily walks scheduled in the morning from 9am – 10am and again in the afternoon from 4pm – 5pm. Regularly scheduled shifts are helpful, but we can also use back-up and holiday support.
Dog Enrichment and Training Support
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to: helping our dog care specialist with mental stimulation projects for our pups. Taking our dogs out to the yard for some playtime or a midday walk.
Requirements: A love for dogs and the willingness to help where it’s needed. The physical ability to go up and down a few steps (there are three down to the kennels).
Time Commitment: Any time Monday – Sunday between the hours of 9am-5pm.
Dog Personality Assessment
Responsibilities: Provide valuable insight for adopters on adoptable dogs’ temperaments through evaluation tools such as the Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ), Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT), Assess-a-Pet Protocol (AAP), Canine-ality, etc.
Requirements: Have an understanding of dog temperaments/behaviors, observational skills, and high comfort level with dogs who may have behavioral challenges.
Time Commitment: Any time you can spare between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Sunday.
CATS
Morning Cat Care
Responsibilities: Cat care is the most important service we provide for our cats. Every morning we come in and take care of the basic needs of our feline friends. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: cleaning litter boxes, wiping out kennels, refreshing bedding, serving morning wet food, filling waters, topping off dry food and washing dishes.
Requirements: A love of cats. The ability to take direction, kneel, lift fifteen pounds, climb a set of stairs* (If stairs are the only thing holding you back please reach out as we may be able to assign you to our downstairs kitties)
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per shift.
Afternoon Cat Care
Responsibilities: Every afternoon we come in and take care of the basic needs of our cats and kittens. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: cleaning litter boxes, wiping out kennels, refreshing bedding, filling waters, topping off dry food, washing dishes and serving afternoon treats.
Requirements: A love of cats. The ability to take direction, kneel, lift fifteen pounds, and climb a set of stairs* (If stairs are the only thing holding you back please reach out as we may be able to assign you to our downstairs kitties)
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per shift Monday – Sunday from 3pm – 5pm.
Cat Enrichment and Play
Responsibilities: Our cats are looking to find their forever homes. While we guarantee coverage of their basic needs (food, water, shelter, medical care), their enrichment, mental stimulation and play time are things we can only do when we have time – this is where you come in.
Requirements: A love of cats.
Time Commitment: Any time you can spare Monday – Sunday between the hours of 9am to 5pm.
Cat Personality Assessment
Responsibilities: Provide valuable insight for adopters on adoptable cats’ temperaments through evaluation tools such as the Feline-ality assessment.
Requirements: Have an understanding of cat temperaments/behaviors, observational skills, and high comfort level with cats who may have behavioral challenges.
Time Commitment: Any time you can spare between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Sunday.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
Reception and Adoption Support
Responsibilities: Duties may include greeting visitors, answering incoming calls, returning phone calls to provide information, scheduling appointments, accompanying and educating visitors on adoptable pets, cleaning, assisting with pet adoption activities, properly handling and holding community animals for nail trims, and other daily activities as needed.
Requirements: High level of comfort interacting with the public in person, on the phone, or through email and Facebook Messenger. Moderate level of comfort with computer technology and a variety of software.
Time Commitment: 1-5 hours per shift from 11 am – 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Pet Profile Writer
Responsibilities: Spend time with adoptable cats and/or dogs to discover personality quirks. Use observation and personality assessment information to write engaging descriptions of pets to attract potential adopters.
Requirements: Strong observational and creative writing skills.
Time Commitment: Any time Tuesday – Saturday between the hours of 11 am – 4 pm.
OTHER POSSIBLE VOLUNTEER POSSIBILITIES
- Humane Education Program Support
- Groundskeeping/Building Maintenance
- Fundraising/Donor Relations – can be done from home
- Youth Program
- Community Relations
- Marketing Support – can be done from home
- Animal Marketing Evangelist – can be done from home
- Photography
- Newsletter – can be done from home
- Social Media Support – can be done from home
- Inventory Management
- Event Support/Planning
- Doggy’s Day Out Team (Transport, photography, playtime)
- Recruiting Volunteers – can be done from home
- Recruiting Foster Families – can be done from home
- Beautification of Shelter – painters, artists, interior designers, muralist
- Cat Reading – read to our cats while they lounge and play around you
