Knowledge Base

Would you like to make a difference? Join the Washoe County Regional Animal Services Volunteer Program!  Volunteers help make it possible to implement lifesaving programs in our community. Put your passion to work! Join the team who strives to expand programs that help strengthen bonds between animals and people through education and proactive outreach. 

What do you need? 

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply.
• Volunteers must complete and sign the WCRAS application.
• Volunteers must complete an orientation and training program prior to starting their volunteer assignment.
• Clear background check (paid for by department).
• Current tetanus vaccination 

Volunteer Opportunities: 

• Animal Care Assistant – Kennel and/or cat cage cleaning which may involve; scooping, hosing, hands on cage cleaning, sweeping and mopping cat rooms and what items need to be re-stocked in each area.  Laundry, dishes and some light janitorial are also areas where volunteers can help. Disease control is very important so you will be trained on how to prevent disease transmission. 
• Office Assistant – Answering phones, answering general questions from the public, lost and found assistance, assembling microchip packets, stuffing envelopes, data entry and other administrative tasks.  Computer knowledge is helpful but not necessary.
• Events Support - WCRAS is busy providing our community with proactive resources, programs and building blocks for positive relationships between WCRAS and our community. Block walks, low cost vaccination clinics, microchip clinics. You may also assist with some of the education programs including visiting schools or civic groups to provide presentations.
• Disaster Response Support - As a volunteer, if you advance to the Animal Rescue Team (ART), you may assist with emergencies and disasters under WCRAS. ART members can provide progressively responsible assistance to WCRAS based on skill set. 

Volunteer Training: 

• Our volunteer program consists of Tier 1 (beginning) Tier 2 (intermediate), Tier 3 (advanced) and ART (Animal Rescue Team).
• ACT online training includes: Disease transmission, shelter cleaning and disinfecting, animal feeding breed identification, observing canine communication, behavior characteristics in dogs, animal handling (includes dogs, cats, small mammals), phone etiquette, professional conduct, teamwork, OSHA and occupational safety and several other subjects.
• In-house training will include hands on training in the shelter, in the administrative offices and in the field. 

Volunteer Orientation: 

• Each new volunteer will go through an orientation that includes a tour of the facility.
• Orientation is held at WCRAS conference room, designed to be roughly 1 hour. 

Contact: 

Karen Stark

775-353-8901

kstark@washoecounty.us

Monday - Friday 7:30am-3:30pm 

-OR- 

Regional Animal Services – Front Desk

775-353-8900

pets@washoecounty.us

Monday - Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm.

You may also drop off your WCRAS application at our office: 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A, Reno, NV  89502.