Animal Care Volunteer

Animal Care Volunteer

Animal Care Volunteers work closely with our Animal Care team tending to the needs of animals in the shelter. You will become an integral part in making their experience the most comfortable during their stay.

Due to our transport and relocation efforts, we experience a large number of animals on intake and the week-to-week the population of individuals can change rapidly. The ideal volunteer is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, able to adjust to the needs of individual animals, and committed in providing the utmost care to all the animals that walk, fly, run, or hop through our doors.

We ask that volunteers be comfortable working around all animals as you might be asked to cross train between our main population of cats and dogs.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with a variety of species mainly including cats and dogs, but occasionally rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. The majority of care revolves around cleaning and feeding. As you get settled in the position and tasks become routine, you will be able to dedicate
    more time to hands-on animal enrichment and one-on-one time, such as dog walking and cat cuddling.
  • Prioritize kennel care including cleaning, washing dishes, setting up, doing laundry, and prepping food.
  • Assisting staff with moving animals from transport vans to the quarantine rooms, and then onto the adoption floor.
  • Working as a team with staff and volunteers to provide a thoughtful and caring experience for our animals.

Qualifications/Skills:

  • Some level of comfort with various species and animal handling.
  • Some knowledge of animal body language.
  • Willingness to clean soiled areas of feces and urine.
  • Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. This role is not a suitable match for individuals who do best with routine tasks.
  • Ability to perform physical labor for the duration of shift, use stepladder, and lift and/or pull up to 40 pounds.

Required Skills and Attributes:

  • Ability to work well and communicate effectively with the public, staff, and other volunteers.
  • Ability to quickly make good judgments, for the safety of the individual, staff, other volunteers, and animals.
  • Emotional ability to handle difficult situations involving animals.

Requirements:

  • Attendance at a virtual orientation and on-the-job training.
  • Minimum age of 18 years old.
  • Reliable transport is required and we recommend having a valid driver’s license and their own personal vehicle. Public transportation is accessible near the shelter but times may vary depending on traffic delays and weather conditions.

Time Commitment:

  • A weekly 4-hour shift that is repeated on the same day and time each week. Shifts fall between the hours of 7am to 7pm.
  • Minimum of a 1-year commitment.

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