Celebrating Volunteers During Volunteer Appreciation Week

At the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we’re fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time and energy to help animals in need. This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we celebrate and express our gratitude to each and every one of our volunteers.  

Our volunteers’ passion and commitment make a real difference in the lives of the animals and people we serve. From walking dogs to socializing cats, from caring for critters to assisting with maintenance tasks around the shelter, our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do.  

Bringing Joy One Wag at a Time

Our canine companions benefit greatly from the time they spend with our dog enrichment volunteers. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around the shelter’s dog walking loop or a romp in a play yard, our volunteers support our dogs’ exercise and socialization needs.  

In addition to dog walking, our volunteers also provide in-kennel enrichment activities to keep our dogs mentally stimulated and engaged. From puzzle toys to interactive games, volunteers help ease the stress of shelter life while preparing dogs for their adoptive homes. 

“The most rewarding aspect of dog walking and kennel enrichment is witnessing the expression on the dogs’ faces as you approach their kennel… Even if you just have time to take one or two dogs outside, the experience is worthwhile.” – Jaque K. and Tristin J., dog walking volunteers  

Making a Purr-fect Difference in Cat Care

Our feline friends also benefit from the care and attention of our volunteers. Whether it’s cuddling with a shy cat or playing with a rambunctious kitten, our volunteers help socialize our cats to prepare them for life in loving homes.  

“As a Purrtime volunteer, I get to spend time with adoptable cats to provide enrichment and hopefully make them more comfortable in this new environment by petting, playing with toys, and providing treats. Interactions are recorded, and the information helps staff and volunteers find their purrfect home.” – Valerie O., cat volunteer  

Caring for Critters

Our small critters, like rabbits and guinea pigs, also receive special care from our volunteers. Volunteers help with cleaning and providing enrichment activities such as hop time, providing quality out-of-kennel socialization for rabbits, to keep our critter pals happy and healthy.  

“I love helping the animals and knowing that I am a small step in their journey. I know I am making a difference. I also really enjoy making new friends from the experience.” – Debbie, hop time volunteer  

Clean Spaces and Happy Faces

All our shelter animals, no matter their species deserve clean, comfy spaces. Our housekeeping volunteers help keep up with laundry, making sure there’s always fresh bedding. 

And for animals needing extra TLC, our bath brigade volunteers give them a spa day, washing away the dirt of their journey and helping them present their best paw forward for potential adopters. 

“I love cats and folding laundry (yes, really!). In the folding area, I enjoy creating an oasis of calm where busy staff and volunteers can come and find what they need quickly to get cubbies, kennels, and critter hop areas ready for our lovable four-legged guests.” – Beth F., cat enrichment and housekeeping volunteer  

Powering Positive Experiences

While not all volunteer roles involve direct animal interaction, their significance to our operations cannot be overstated. Administrative volunteers undertake a wide variety of responsibilities, including answering phone calls, connecting community members with pet support services, and even assisting them in the process of adopting their new furry companion. 

Additionally, some volunteers contribute to our marketing endeavors by capturing pets’ best angles for adoption profile photos. They also document community events and shelter activities, aiding us in showcasing our adoptable pets and the services we offer to the community. 

“I love being part of making an impact in the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County! It’s rewarding, it’s incredibly moving, and if you love dogs, cats, or critters, this is a great spot to be.” – Doug H., administrative volunteer 

Building Community Beyond Shelter Walls

Volunteers are the driving force behind our mission, quite literally. Some volunteers take the wheel, transporting animals to and from different shelters and rescue partners. 

 Volunteers also support our community outreach efforts through events, Vaccine and Wellness Clinics, and our twice-weekly Pet Food & Supply Pantry, advancing the services we provide to pets and the people who love them in times of need. 

“The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County employees and volunteers are great people to be around. You can be helpful, have fun, and know that you’re making your community a better place.”  – Heather C., Pet Food & Supply Pantry volunteer 

Fostering Hope for Animals in Need

For those who can’t volunteer at the shelter, we also offer a foster program that allows volunteers to provide temporary homes for animals in need. Fostering allows animals a chance to recover and thrive in a home environment while they await adoption and creates space in the shelter for other animals in need. Foster volunteers also help staff understand the dog’s behavior in a home, which can help match them with potential adopters. 

“I can’t say enough about how much I love the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The Foster Department is amazing! There is so much support in person and online. You are treated like a friend. Life has been rough, but being at the shelter brings me peace and happiness I haven’t felt in a long time.” – Heather B., foster volunteer  

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we extend a hearty and heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers. Your dedication and compassion make a world of difference to the animals and people of our community. We are truly grateful for everything you do.  

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we’d love to have you join our team! Visit “Get Involved” to explore our many different volunteer opportunities and learn how you can get involved.