Volunteer

Clackamas Dogs Foundation proudly supports the Volunteer program at Clackamas County Dog Services.

The Volunteer program is currently on hold until further notice.
To find out more, and for updates, please visit their website:  https://www.clackamas.us/dogs/volunteer.html

The Shelter is able to provide their “guests” with a high quality of life due in large part to the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. Because most of the dogs who come through our doors are strays—and we have no history on them— safety is our number one priority. From our housekeeping team to working with dogs or helping out in the offices, we want to make the most of your unique skills! The habits our volunteers teach the dogs are critical skills that help them get adopted and then stay in their new home – truly life-saving work.

To volunteer at Clackamas County Dog Services, you must:

  • pass a background check
  • be prepared to volunteer at least 8 hours per month for 6 months
  • attend orientation/training classes and follow instructions
  • commit to regularly scheduled volunteer times
  • be able to squat, bend, twist, lift and stand for long periods of time when working directly with animal care
  • work well with people – all volunteer positions work directly with staff, other volunteers and the public
  • comply with Clackamas County ordinances

Age requirements

  • 8-15-year-olds can volunteer with a parent present (no physical contact with dogs).
  • 16-17-year-olds may volunteer with parent approval (no physical contact with dogs).
  • You must be at least 18 years old to handle dogs.

Volunteer programs

Admin Support
It takes a lot of organization to keep Dog Services running, and we can always use help with filing, data input, processing mail and follow-up phone calls.

Events/Fundraising
Supporting the Clackamas Dogs Foundation helps support Dog Services programs. If you have non-profit and fundraising experience, or simply want to help with fundraising events, this is for you!

Foster Program
Volunteers work with dogs in their home that need additional training or have special medical needs. This support helps lay a foundation and teaches skills for these dogs to be successful in their adopted homes and out in world. Your help helps them!

Housekeeping
Help keep a clean, healthy environment for our guests with tasks such as cleaning, laundry, dishes, stuffing Kongs, poop patrol and more.
Shifts available Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Internships
Looking for somewhere to intern this semester? We are happy to help you sharpen your workplace skills!

Sit. Stay. Read.
Volunteers sit outside a dog’s kennel and simply read aloud. This program is for all ages but is encouraged for children who want to work on their reading skills in front of a nonjudgmental audience.
Shifts available Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Potty Walking
Rain or shine, dogs appreciate the chance to get outside to relieve themselves.  This is the first step toward S.E.T. Team participation.
Shifts available Mon-Sat mornings and afternoons.

S.E.T. Team
Want to learn more about dogs? Our S.E.T. Team works to maintain the mental and emotional health of dogs through Socialization, Enrichment and Training. Continual volunteer training is required.
Shifts available Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.