We could not be successful without our volunteers! The time and effort you put into helping us is greatly appreciatedand we hope you are getting much out of your time at the Humane Society.

If you are interested in volunteering we offer orientations 2 times per month at the Adoption Center:

Second Thursday of each month at 6:00PM
Fourth Saturday of each month at 10:00AM

All you need to do is complete a volunteer application. After your application is received you will be sent an invitation to sign up for a class that best meets your schedule.

We have many ways you can help based on your interests, time and energy. You don't even have to come to the Center! If you don't see something that looks interesting just ask. Our needs vary depending on lots of things but we can always find something that works.

Here are a small number of the types of things volunteers can help with:

Diamonds in the Ruff*

[often shortened in conversations to “Diamond Dogs”] Diamond Dogs is a volunteer run program that pairs staff-chosen dogs with teams of trained volunteers to help them learn generalized manners and basic obedience skills. This will assist in making them more attractive to potential adopters.  The orientation instructs the participants in basic learning theory & the clicker training methods which are used to train the dogs. These are individually scheduled upon request. Introduction to Animal Care and Dog Care classes'  are the mandatory prerequesites. We ask that volunteers participating in the Diamond Dog program be able to commit at least one day per week to spend time working with their assigned dog/s.

*Currently the Diamond Dog program will be on hiatus while we search for, and train new volunters. 

Fostering

There are times when the Humane Society has more animals than it can house based on guidelines for operation. Short term homes are sought for cats and dogs. When the pet is being fostered it is still listed for adoption and interested individuals can visit the animal at the center. There are also times when it is beneficial for animals be in a traditional home environment instead of the Humane Society. There are times when stress of living in the center can adversely affect a great pet. Foster homes are sought at times like this. There is a class available for individuals who are considering this type of fostering.

Bare Bones Boutique

The Watauga Humane Society operates Bare Bones Boutique, which is located across from the entrance to the Adoption Center. Bare Bones offers a variety of new and gently used items for you, your family and pets. Volunteers are needed to help customers, maintain inventory and rotate stock.

Dog Park

The Watauga Humane Society Dog Park is run by a committee of volunteers that maintain the park and monitor the program.

Fundraisers

Volunteers are always needed to help with fundraising activities. As a non-profit we have to raise much of our money. Some typical fundraisers are the Fur Ball, Rummage Sale, Golf Tournament, Santa Paws and many more. Volunteers are needed in all aspects of events from being chairperson to helping on the day of the event.

Administrative Support

Our administrative team is always seeking assistance in a variety of areas. There are usually several projects going on at any one time that require the help of volunteers.