How to become a volunteer

We are in the process of making changes to our current volunteer program, and the process for becoming a volunteer. We hope to be launching the program in a couple of weeks. As you can see below, the first step is to complete a Volunteer Application (attached). Once we have scheduled orientation dates we will contact you.

We want you to have a good volunteer experience with us and we are working to make your volunteer experience a positive one. We are setting several things in place to help you feel confident in your role as a volunteer and a representative of King County Animal Care and Control. So expect to hear from us in a couple of weeks. We thank you in advance for your patience.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older, with the following exceptions:

• Volunteers who are 10-15 years old can volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must also become a volunteer and attend all necessary training, and will be the one handling the animal while volunteering.

• Volunteers who are 16-17 years old can volunteer alone at the shelter and must have parent or legal guardian signed approval on the application.

The Commitment

The overall volunteer commitment is 6 months; 2 hours per week (with the exception of the foster program). Please see individual position descriptions (on our web site) for the commitment of each program. The dogs and cats rely on our volunteers to show up and provide them extra love, attention and exercise while they wait to be adopted into their forever homes. Working directly with the animals is very important and we ask that you be sure you can make the commitment before signing up to volunteer.

Students volunteering to receive community service hours for school are required to make the six month commitment (with 2 hours per week). If you cannot make the 6 month commitment we recommend joining the foster program. Students can receive community service hours for fostering.

Step #1

Complete the Volunteer Application
Be sure to identify what you're interested in doing in the appropriate area. You will be invited to orientation and training based on that information.

Mail it in or drop it off to (or fax to: 206-205-8043):
Volunteer Program Manager
King County Animal Care and Control
21615 64th Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032

Step #2

Attend a Volunteer Orientation and required training for the program you are joining
Once we receive your application we will contact you with the dates and location of our upcoming volunteer orientation. At the end of the orientation you will receive further training for the volunteer program you'll be joining.

We look forward to having you join our team of dedicated, passionate volunteers!
Questions? Email pets@kingcounty.gov.