The first step is to complete our online Volunteer Application. Once submitted, and if we are currently onboarding new volunteers, the Volunteer Coordinator will email you a “Welcome” packet with orientation videos, a virtual tour, volunteer role information and more!

No, you can apply with your existing Better Impact username and password. Once your application is accepted, you will be able to manage your multiple volunteer locations.

Yes, since we manage our Volunteer Program through digital software, we require all volunteers to have online access and a valid email address.

 

Yes, we attempt to accommodate volunteers with differing needs whenever possible. If you are not able to volunteer independently, you may bring an assistant with you. Each assistant is required to join the Volunteer Program and complete all required volunteer orientations, trainings, waivers, etc. Due to the physical nature of animal sheltering, safety is our number-one priority, and we do ask all our volunteers to meet our Essential Capabilities in order to safely interact with our animals. If you have an allergy to peanuts, cats, dogs or other animals, this may not be a safe environment for you. We do have opportunities to volunteer without direct interaction with animals that are still highly beneficial to our organization and have an immediate impact on the animals in our care. Please reach out to us with any specific questions or concerns so we can see what options are available based on your specific situation.

All volunteers must be at least eighteen years of age. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

No. Unfortunately, due to liability reasons, all volunteers must be at least eighteen years old. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

We are always looking for volunteers who can commit to at least six hours a month for at least six months. To provide our animals with the best care and support, we cannot accommodate volunteers who intend to only volunteer for one to two weeks while they are on a break from school or visiting family in the area. This requirement helps us ensure quality training and consistent volunteer coverage for our animals.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of our organization and the safety protocols we have, we require orientations, trainings, waivers and more before anyone can volunteer with us. This makes it impossible for us to participate in single-day projects.

We are open every day, including weekends, for volunteer activities. Depending on the activity, volunteers can start as early as 7 a.m. and end around 7 p.m. Typically, volunteer shifts last roughly two hours, but volunteers are encouraged to stay longer if they’d like.

 

Most of our volunteer activities take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., however, we occasionally have off-site events that take place in the evening.

As a WCAC volunteer, you’ll need to learn the way we do things. This can be very different from the way you typically interact with animals in a home environment. To ensure the animals consistently receive a high quality of care and stay as healthy as possible, we educate our volunteers about protocols and procedures that are in place to limit the transfer of disease and provide training on how to correctly interact with the animals in our care to reduce stress and provide positive reinforcement for behavior that will prepare them for adoption and a new home.

We are always looking for experienced animal professionals to join our Volunteer Program. As a government entity, however, we cannot endorse or promote any specific business.

Yes, you are more than welcome to only volunteer with the types of animals you feel comfortable with, or volunteer without interacting with animals at all. Keep in mind, we rarely have puppies or kittens linger in the Center – they are either placed in foster or get adopted quickly and head to their new homes. If you are interested, and experienced, in socialization for puppies or kittens, please consider signing up to be a foster home.

Unfortunately, no, we do not accept volunteers for community service hours. There are no exceptions, and community service paperwork will not be signed by our Volunteer Coordinator.

During an animal’s stay at WCAC, they receive required vaccines and parasite prevention. If an animal shows signs of disease, illness or injury, they are treated accordingly by our veterinary team. Just like in humans, some illnesses can be contagious without symptoms or before symptoms show. To keep yourself, your pets and the residents of the Center safe, be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, especially after interactions with animals.

Closed-toed, closed-heel shoes are required for volunteering within the Center. Hiking shoes may be preferred if you’re going to be walking dogs. To reduce the risk of scratches, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly suggested while volunteering directly with the animals. Dog walkers are advised to dress in layers during spring, autumn and winter months, as mornings can be chilly but warm in the afternoon.

If you did not find the answer to your question on this page, please send your inquiries to wcac.volunteer@wake.gov or call 919-250-3793 to leave a voice message for the Volunteer Coordinator.