Become a volunteer

Thank you for your interest in becoming an EAS volunteer! Volunteers are a big part of what we do. Our volunteer program is highly structured and is geared toward finding volunteers who are a great fit in helping us meet the needs of the animals in our care. All volunteers must meet the Essential Job Requirements (PDF) and make specific time commitments, generally a 2 or 3-hour weekly shift for a minimum of 3 or 6 months, depending on the program.

Days & Times Available for Volunteering

Volunteers assist at the shelter during weekly shifts that range from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7 days/week, excluding holidays. Open shifts in each program are listed on the online volunteer application and are subject to change. If you don't see a compatible shift, please keep checking back. 

Teen Volunteers

Volunteers must be 13 years of age or older to volunteer. Each program has its own age requirement.

  • Volunteers ages 13 - 17 must volunteer with a parent or legal guardian who must also attend volunteer orientation, all necessary training, and volunteer with the youth on their shift, 1 adult to 1 youth.
  • Volunteers ages 16 - 17 must have their parent/guardian attend training and sign paperwork but may be eligible to participate in certain programs independently. Some programs will require youth/adult teams until age 18 or otherwise approved by staff leadership. 

Hours For School

It's great if you choose EAS to get your volunteer hours to fulfill a school requirement! However, we are unable to accommodate anything less than a 3-month commitment. You must have completed 3 months of volunteering before we are able to sign off on any hours for school.

Volunteer Programs

  • Back of the House This program does not involve animal handling but is one of the most important jobs at the shelter: doing dishes, folding towels and blankets, keeping laundry going, and filling Kongs for dogs. 
    • Shifts: 10 am - 12 pm, 2 - 4 pm, 7 days/week
    • Age requirements: 16 years+, or ages 13 - 15 with adult present. 
  • Critter Team Clean and feed our rabbits, guinea pigs, and all the little furry critters (sometimes birds!).
    • Shifts: mornings, 7 days/week
    • Age requirements: 16 years+, or ages 13 - 15 with adult present. 
  • Dog Walkers  Spend time with the shelter dogs walking, socializing, helping them become good adoption candidates. Must be able to handle large, strong dogs. This is a very physical position.
    • Shifts: 11 am - 1 pm, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, 7 days/week
    • Age requirements: 18 years+, or ages 13 - 17 with adult present during each shift.
  • Early Morning Dog Crew Help the staff get dogs out of their kennels during the morning cleaning routine. This is not dog walking -- it is dog moving! Must be able to handle large, strong dogs and fast-paced work.
    • Shifts: 7:30 - 9:30 am, 7 days/week
    • Age requirements: 18 years+, or ages 13 - 17 with adult present during each shift.
  • Lobby Assist Show off your amazing customer service to help greet customers, direct visitor traffic and get customers started on paperwork. You must be extroverted and enjoy interacting with people.
    • Shifts: TBD, suspended due to COVID
    • Age requirements: 18 years+
  • Vet Services  Assist in our vet clinic with cleaning, restocking clinic supplies, assisting with animal restraint and surgery prep, recovery and monitoring. Other tasks as directed by vet staff.
    • Shifts: 8 - 11 am, 11 am - 2 pm, 2 - 5 pm, Sunday - Wednesday only
    • Age requirements: 21 years+
  • Foster Team Help care for pets in your own home: underage puppies and kittens, senior pets, small animal, animals recovering from illness or surgery. Fun for the whole family!

Steps to Join our Volunteer Team

  1. Read the Essential Job Requirements (PDF) to ensure you can meet the physical, mental and emotional requirements.
  2. Complete an online volunteer application. The application will list open shifts, and you can select which position(s) you're interested in and can commit to. 
  3. All volunteers must pass a Washington State Patrol background check. We will contact you and provide the forms for this. 
  4. Complete orientation and training specific to your program. This may include online training, training classes at the shelter, and/or on-the-job training.

Working With a Client?

Those working with clients please see the Essential Job Requirements (PDF) and email us at rraj@everettwa.gov with any questions.

Court-Ordered Community Service

We do not offer availability to get hours for court-ordered community service.

Shelter volunteer filling Kongs