Oregon Animal Shelter Needs 20 Daily Volunteers to Help

A small Oregon shelter is proving that you don't need to adopt a pet to change its life.

Clatsop Animal Assistance in Clatsop County runs almost entirely on volunteer power. Executive Director Lily Tollefsen says they need about 20 volunteers daily to care for the 30 dogs and 20 cats currently calling the shelter home.

The math is simple but sobering. Each dog needs an hour of outdoor time daily, which means 30 hours of walks must happen every single day. With more animals than available hands, every new volunteer makes a real difference.

Rob Massey heard about the opportunity on local radio in 2024 and now walks dogs three afternoons a week. "The joy and excitement they show when they're let out, even for a simple walk, more than makes up for it," he said.

Dogs are assigned levels based on walking difficulty, so volunteers can choose companions they feel comfortable with. After gaining experience, volunteers can even take dogs off-site for beach days or river walks.

Massey eventually adopted Timber, a shepherd mix he initially felt nervous around. Now Timber sleeps at the foot of his bed.

Nancy Stevens, a retired nurse, has become the shelter's unofficial cat adoption expert. She knows every feline personality and successfully matches cats with potential families. Her husband won't let her foster because he's terrified they'll never leave.

The volunteer opportunities extend far beyond walking and petting. Volunteers craft security blankets, freeze peanut butter Kong toys for enrichment, and play calming music during feeding time. Some prefer talking up animals to visitors in the lobby, while others help at adoption events.

Sunny's Take

Tollefsen moved to Oregon from Long Island in 2023 and started volunteering as a way to meet people. "Everyone who is here is so compassionate and kind and you get a good group of friends," she said.

Last year, volunteers contributed 23,000 hours to caring for animals in need. That's 23,000 hours of belly rubs, trail walks, play sessions, and second chances for pets waiting for their forever homes.

Whether you have three hours a week or thirty, there's a wagging tail or purring friend who could use your time.

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