1. What would I do as a volunteer?

Volunteers assist staff in almost every area of the shelter. They clean, feed, and help socialize animals. They answer phones, greet customers, do data entry, and help run special events and fundraisers.  See Volunteer Opportunities for a list of our volunteer opportunities where we need your help right now!

2. How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteer Orientation is available on-line as of January 2011.  Visit our "Become A KHS Volunteer" tab to follow steps 1-4 and apply to become a KHS Volunteer.  After completing the at-home process you will visit the shelter to submit your application.  A staff member will review your application and schedule a time for you to come in and discuss contributing to the community in a big way!

You can expect either a phone screening or face-to-face interview to review the volunteer assignment you applied for.  We want you to have all the details up front about what it's like to volunteer at an animal shelter and answer any questions you have about our mission and your role as a volunteer.

3. How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to come unaccompanied by an adult. Volunteers ages 16 and 17 must have parent or legal guardian approval to volunteer.  See all requirements for volunteering on our "Become A KHS Volunteer" page.

Youth, ages 13-15, may volunteer with a parent or legal guardian as a Youth Volunteer Team. Please see details on our "Become A KHS Volunteer" page.

4. My child is under 16 years old but really wants to help - is there anything they can do?

Yes!  We offer Shelter Tours to groups of all ages.  We welcome you to contact us to learn more about the shelter programs and schedule a time for your child and friends to visit Kitsap Humane Society.  We can provide a short presentation, appropriate to the chilrens' age group, along with a tour with advance notice.  Please contact our Education Coordinator, Julie Hammer, at 360-692-6977, ext. 1210.

Also, if your child attends one of our Summer Camps, they will be eligible to continue their experience at the shelter as a Youth Volunteer after camp along side a parent or guardian that has also applied and been excepted to the Volunteer Program.  The parent or guardian must supervise and participate in all shelter volunteer shifts.  Volunteer assignments for youth are limited, for their safety, to Enviornmental Enrichment, PAWS Greeter, and laundry/dishes.  Special Event opportunties are also available for youth.

6. How many hours am I required to commit as a volunteer?

We ask that you make a commitment of at least 8 hours per month for 6 months.  Volunteers who do not maintain a minimum of 8 hours per month will be inactivated. 

7. I only have 10 hours required for a school project. Can I still volunteer at the Humane Society?

We're sorry, but at this time we must adhere to our 6 month obligation as noted above. If you would like to schedule a Job Shadow to spend a day at the shelter, please contact us and we can organize a job shadow day for you!

8. Do you provide training?

Yes!  We provide training in various settings.  Initially you will be asked to read through the Volunteer Manual, watch an Orientation video and take an online Orientation Exam to get started.  Depending on which volunteer assignment you choose, training may consist of classroom presentations, one-on-one mentorship, online videos and presentations, or small-group trainings at the shelter.  We want all volunteers to feel comfortable, confident and prepared.  As a volunteer it is your responsibility to seek additional help if you do not feel prepared and we will assist you, gladly.  We are always open to feedback as well.

9. I have court-ordered community service to complete - can I do it at KHS?

Yes, you may complete your community service hours at the shelter. You must be at least 16 years old and must not be charged with a felony, theft, drug, or assault charge. To fulfill community service hours, see our Community Service information page and contact the Operations Coordinator to get started.  360-692-6977, ext. 1236.

Community service workers assist with laundry, dishes, cleaning and other projects. They do not work directly with the animals. Community service workers do not need to fill out a volunteer application or complete online volunteer training; training will be provided on the job.