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
- Read the Essential Job Requirements (PDF) to ensure you can meet the physical, mental and emotional requirements.
- Complete an /FormCenter/Animal-Services-24/Everett-Animal-Shelter-Volunteer-Applica-394 online volunteer application. The application will list open shifts, and you can select which position(s) you're interested in and can commit to.
- All volunteers must pass a Washington State Patrol background check. We will contact you and provide the forms for this.
- 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.
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Rachele Raj
Volunteer & Foster Care Programs ManagerPhone: 425-508-6882
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Animal Shelter & Services
Physical Address
333 Smith Island Road
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: : 425-257-6000Fax: : 425-257-6018
Hours
Open 7 days a week
by appointment only,
excluding holidaysObserved holidays and other closures
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