About Whatcom Humane Society

TARGETED RESULTS:
HISTORY
The Whatcom Humane Society (WHS) has been caring for animals throughout Whatcom County since 1902.
As the oldest non-profit animal welfare organization in Whatcom County, WHS is committed to caring for any animal in need.
As an open-admission animal shelter, WHS turns no animal away, regardless of the animals age, breed, temperament, physical or medical condition.
Our dedicated staff and volunteers care for approximately 4,500 domestic, wild and farm animals annually. We currently operate 3 shelter facilities – a domestic animal shelter, a wildlife rehabilitation center and a farm facility.
In addition, WHS provides 24 hour a day animal control & rescue services for the majority of Whatcom County including the Cities of Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Sumas, Everson, unincorporated Whatcom County and has relationships with both the Lummi & Nooksack Indian Reservations.
Click here to view our most recent Audited Financial Statement.
Number of animals brought to our domestic animal shelter in 2022
Number of hours in a day that Animal control officers are available for your calls.
Injured trumpeter swans were brought into the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center last year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an Open-Admission Shelter?
The Whatcom Humane Society has always been and will always remain, an open-admission shelter. This means that we accept any animal in need regardless of the animals’ age, temperament, breed, medical conditions, physical conditions or the amount of space available in our shelter facilities.
Is WHS a “no-kill” shelter?
What do I do if I find a stray animal or see an animal in need?
How long are stray animals held at Whatcom Humane Society?
How long do animals stay up for adoption at Whatcom Humane Society?
What is the Whatcom Humane Society’s Animal Wellness Plan?
- Full time veterinarian provides in-house veterinary services for shelter animals five days a week.
- Each animal receives a thorough physical examination by a trained animal care technician. The animal is given a “report card” that is monitored twice daily. The “report card” allows WHS staff and volunteers to observe the animal’s appetite, energy level, stool, general health and other daily activities, thus making it easier to notice changes in the animal that need to be further evaluated.
- When necessary, each animal has a medical treatment plan prescribed by the veterinarian.
Several veterinary hospitals are now offering a free one-time basic exam with each WHS adoption. New adopters present the veterinary hospital with a copy of the animal’s WHS medical card at their initial appointment. This partnership benefits everyone as the participating veterinary hospitals increase their client base while WHS is assured that adopters are getting started on the “right paw” by taking their new companion animal to the vet.
How is it decided which animals will be up for adoption and which will be euthanized?
What is euthanasia and how is it done?

What do you want to know about the shelter?
OUR PEOPLE
Here are the great people who work hard behind the scenes at Whatcom Humane Society.

Our Staff
Our Board
Monthly meetings of the WHS board of directors are held the 4th Thursday of each month.
Department Directory
Main Phone: (360) 733-2080
Laura Clark, Executive Director
director@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3026
Animal Control & Rescue
animalcontrol@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3017
Shelter Operations
operations@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3024
Adoptions/Customer Service
adoptions@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3001
Licensing
licensing@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3017
Volunteer & Outreach Services
volunteer@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3075
Humane Education
outreach@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3116
Special Events/Fundraising
events@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3014
Donations
admin@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3002
Finance
finance@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3021
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
wildlife@whatcomhumane.org / (360) 966-8845
Farm Facility
farm@whatcomhumane.org
It’s a labor of love.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Job Opportunities at WHS
The Whatcom Humane Society seeks individuals highly motivated toward the welfare of ALL animals.
Companion Animal Services Manager
JOB TITLE |
Companion Animal Care Manager |
DEPARTMENT |
Animal Care/Shelter Services |
ACCOUNTABILITY |
Executive Director |
FUNCTIONS |
To manage and supervise the Society’s department of animal care in accordance to the standards and procedures established by the Society. Provide leadership to maximize companion animal lifesaving while prioritizing public, staff, volunteer safety, animal quality of life and working within department and organizational guidelines while utilizing available resources. |
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure that humane care and proper attention is provided for all domestic animals in the Society’s care.
- Provide professional and positive leadership to animal care personnel and supervise staff to ensure efficient and smooth daily operations within department.
- Oversee general administration of animal care department, establish priorities, standard operations using industry best practices and assist with daily activities of department when needed which may include:
- Clean, disinfect and maintain various animal quarters and accompanying areas in sanitary condition.
- Vaccinate, feed and monitor animals daily as to their health and well-being.
- Collaboratively work with staff veterinarian to provide special care when advised of animals requiring medication, treatment, and/or other special needs.
- Provide support and leadership to lead animal care staff to provide timely behavior and temperament evaluations for animals while in the shelter and prior to their placement in the adoption kennels, transfer to outside rescue partner agencies or euthanasia.
- Participate in the humane euthanasia of animals in accordance with Society policies and Washington law. Schedule and select animal care personnel for euthanasia certification and assist with training. Responsible for keeping euthanasia drug inventory control and records in compliance as required by Society policies and Washington law.
- Work collaboratively with foster care coordinator to establish a standard of care for all animals placed into WHS foster homes.
- Liaison with other departments respectfully and effectively in order to improve animal care operations and support over the WHS mission. Foster a positive, team environment with all members of the organization to accomplish department and organizational goals and objectives.
- Screen and counsel potential adopters in accordance with the Society’s adoption policies.
- Maintain domestic shelter facilities in a safe, professional, clean, orderly and good working condition. Communicate facility and equipment maintenance issues and needs to shelter services supervisor.
- Conduct regular rounds with staff veterinarian and lead animal care staff to assess the well-being of animals in care.
- Manage screening and hiring of new animal care department employees and provide direct supervision, scheduling and daily oversight for all animal care department staff. Ensure all animal care staff are fully trained to fulfill the requirements of their job.
- Support animal enrichment, training and stress reduction programs for all domestic animals to ensure their short and long term needs are met. Work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to further develop enrichment and behavior programs to benefit animals in care.
- Maintain open lines of communication including holding regular department meetings.
- Ensure a safe work environment, following all safety guidelines. Serve on WHS safety committee.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with other department managers and supervisors.
- Work on special projects as requested.
- Ensure that a positive approach and attitude is prevalent in dealing with animals, the public, staff and volunteers.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Graduate or Equivalent with minimum of five years proven, professional experience in animal welfare, non-profit and/or veterinary clinic field.
- Minimum of three years supervisory experience, working with a diverse staff, preferably in the animal welfare/veterinary or non-profit field.
- A strong belief in the welfare and humane treatment of all animals and WHS’ mission, open-admission sheltering philosophy, scope of services and activities.
- Proven working knowledge of a wide variety of domestic animals and basic knowledge of farm animals and wildlife. Basic understanding of animal behavior with focus on positive, reward based training. Strong domestic animal handling skills and knowledge of companion animal behavior and care. Fear Free Shelter certified or ability to become certified within 60 days of hire.
- A record of good judgment/decision making skills, strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to remain positive and mission focused while under stress.
- Ability to work well and communicate in a positive manner with co-workers, members of the public, volunteers and community partners.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Able to pass criminal background check.
- Ability to lift 50lbs, bend, twist, kneel and work on your feet for long periods of time.
- Excellent written, verbal and computer skills.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to keep information confidential.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven supervisory experience working with animal shelter staff and volunteers.
- Ability to perform humane euthanasia and pass all training and certifications required by WHS, the State of Washington and the DEA in the use of Sodium Pentobarbital. Required within 3 months of hire.
- Knowledge of animal sheltering/care best practices.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Must work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays.
- Be physically and mentally able to deal with unruly, vicious, and dangerous animals humanely.
- Able to deal with a hostile public, a fast paced work load that at times can be stressful.
- Ability to deal with strenuous physical activity and the emotional drain of the job.
- Exposure to parasites and infectious diseases.
COMPENSATION:
$24.00 per hour – $32.00 per hour DOE. Benefits include medical, dental, vision plans – generous paid vacation, sick, holiday pay – retirement plan (403b) with employee matching option. Employee Assistance Program.
TO APPLY:
Send cover letter and resume to:
Whatcom Humane Society
2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Attn: Laura Clark, executive director
Email: director@whatcomhumane.org
Fax: (360)733-4746 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
WHS is an equal opportunity employer. Please Note: we use E-verify – www.dhs.gov/e-verify
Fundraising and Donor Engagement Manager
JOB TITLE Manager, Fundraising and Donor Engagement
DEPARTMENT Development
ACCOUNTABILITY Executive Director
SUMMARY To plan, develop, implement, and oversee fundraising activities and events in order to provide adequate funding for WHS overall operations. This position will also serve to cultivate donor engagement and increase donor awareness for Whatcom Humane Society.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Fundraising
o Develops and coordinates all activities pertaining to financial development including planned and annual giving programs, major gifts, matching gifts, memberships, endowments, bequests, and fundraising events
o Proposes new methods of income development and donor awareness for the organization
o Creates new strategies for increasing attendance at fundraising events
o Seeks sponsorships, both monetary and non-monetary, for fundraising events and programs
o Develops and implements plans for donor recognition, retention, and increasing donations. Ensures that donor stewardship is a priority throughout WHS
o Oversees the production and distribution of fundraising print materials such as letters, brochures, and direct mail appeals, as well as online giving campaigns
o Implements programs to identify prospective contributors and cultivate major donors
o Solicits gifts from foundations, corporations, community organizations, and selected individuals
● Executive Support
o Supports the Executive Director & Board of Directors with special projects, board driven fundraisers and other duties as needed
o Provides detailed and regular reports about fundraising and donor outreach to the Executive Director and Board of Directors
● Donor & Event Outreach
o Interacts frequently with donors, board members, vendors, community partners, and the public with the purpose of growing donor base and community support
o Serves as a visible spokesperson and advocate for WHS’s mission and programs in the funding community
● Management
o Works collaboratively with Volunteer Manager to cultivate and mentor volunteer support for fundraising committees and events
o Supervises daily activities of development associate position
o Works collaboratively and respectfully with various department staff and volunteers
o Serve on WHS safety committee and other committees/duties as assigned
o Ensure that a positive approach and attitude is prevalent in dealing with animals, the public, staff and volunteers
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 3-5 year’s experience and proven track record in the following:
o fundraising, special events planning, and direct mail campaigns
o grant writing, preparation and presentation of proposals
o building and maintaining a donor database, planned giving, and major gift solicitation
o developing fundraising strategies at both the project and organization-wide level
o corporate and foundation giving
● A strong belief in the welfare and humane treatment of all animals and WHS’ mission, open-admission sheltering philosophy, scope of services and activities.
● Demonstrated experience in managing people, projects and budgets
● Ability to work in an extremely chaotic, hands-on environment with limited resources
● Strong time management skills and proven ability to work with diverse people and also independently
● Exceptional written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills
● Ability to stay abreast of new developments in the business and non-profit community, animal welfare movement, and philanthropic sector
● Ability to effectively gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board and staff members, donors, foundation and civic leaders
● Able to pass a criminal background check
● Valid driver’s license and ability to pass WHS driving requirements
● Ability to maintain confidentiality
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Animal welfare and/or non-profit experience
WORKING CONDITIONS:
● Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
● Ability to lift up to 25+ lbs, with some bending, and lifting
● Ability to stand for extended periods of time
● Must be willing to work some irregular hours, holidays, weekends, evenings as needed
● Be able to deal effectively with a hostile public and a fast paced workload and environment that at times can be stressful
● Be able to manage compassion fatigue
COMPENSATION:
● $24.00 per hour – $32.00 per hour DOE
● Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans
● Generous paid vacation, sick, holiday pay
● Retirement plan (403b) with employee matching option
● Employee Assistance Program
TO APPLY:
Send resume to:
Laura Clark, Executive Director
Whatcom Humane Society
2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Email: director@whatcomhumane.org
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
WHS is an equal opportunity employer.
Please Note: we use E-verify – www.dhs.gov/e-verify
Want to VOLUNTEER?
If you LOVE animals, you will LOVE volunteering for Whatcom Humane Society.
A Day in the Life at the Whatcom Humane Society.
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of our domestic animal shelter, wildlife rehabilitation center and farm facility is really like? Check out this fun, festive music slideshow featuring our staff, volunteers and some paw-some animals and see for yourself!
NEWS & MEDIA
ANIMAL TALES
Animal Tales is a regular column in the Bellingham Herald written by Whatcom Humane Society Executive Director, Laura Clark.
Can rabbits be housebroken and live indoors?
How to introduce a new cat to the household
How to choose the best dog or cat food
How to protect pets in hot weather
Transporting loose dogs in pickup beds is illegal, dangerous
How do I keep wildlife out of my yard?
How do I find a lost pet?
How to help an animal neglected in cold weather
How do I prepare my pets for moving?
How do I keep my pets calm, safe on Halloween?
How do I keep my cat from scratching the furniture?
What are the off-leash dog rules at public parks and in public?
What should I do if I see an injured deer or fawn?
Is marijuana toxic to pets?
PAWPRINT NEWSLETTER
Published quarterly, our PawPrint Newsletter is a great way to keep up-to-date with the work we are doing for abandoned, injured and abused wild & domestic animals throughout our community.
Winter 2020 | Winter 2019 | |
Summer 2021 | Spring 2020 | Spring 2019 |
Summer 2019 | ||
Fall 2019 |
WILDLIFE ARTICLES
KAFE KRITTERS
Executive Director Laura Clark goes on KAFE 104.1 FM every week with an adoptable animal! See the current and previous Kafe Kritters using the link below.
Address & Hours
Address: 2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 733-2080 ---- Fax: (360) 733-4746
Shelter Services/Front Office
Open Tuesday thru Sunday 11am – 6pm
Animal Adoption Services and Kennel Viewing
Open Tuesday thru Sunday 11am – 6pm
Adoption counsels stop 1 hour prior to closing
Closed To The Public
Mondays & Major Holidays
Animal Control & Rescue Department: (360) 733-2080 ext 3017
Customer Service: (360) 733-2080 ext 0
Farm Facility: By Appointment Only
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center:
Not open to the public. Please call for assistance with injured and orphaned wildlife.
(360) 966-8845
WHS Thrift Store Address & Hours
Address: 4151 Meridian St #110, Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 543-6792
Store Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-3pm.
Donations Accepted: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9am-4pm & Sunday 11am-2:30pm.
Department Directory
Main Phone: (360) 733-2080
Laura Clark, Executive Director
director@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3026
Animal Control & Rescue
animalcontrol@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3017
Shelter Operations
operations@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3024
Adoptions/Customer Service
adoptions@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3001
Licensing
licensing@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3010
Volunteer & Outreach Services
volunteer@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3075
Humane Education
outreach@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3116
Special Events/Fundraising
events@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3014
Donations
administration@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3002
Finance
finance@whatcomhumane.org / ext #3021
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
wildlife@whatcomhumane.org / (360) 966-8845
Farm Facility
farm@whatcomhumane.org