Dog Care volunteers are people who don’t mind a bit of dog hair or slobber getting everywhere. Dogs enrich their lives and make them better people! These volunteers are excited to learn something new with every individual they get to work with. Volunteers are not only dog people, but excited about working with and speaking to the public about their favorite animals.

Position Summary

Dog Care volunteers assist staff in providing care and enrichment to shelter dogs. Regular day-to-day duties include ensuring living environments remain safe, clean, and as comfortable as possible. Comfortable environments include not only blankets, toys, and other objects but providing enrichment and tools that allow a dog to settle and relax.

Although walking dogs is a part of this role, volunteers will prioritize cleaning and staff support over walking dogs. When working with dogs on leash, a volunteer will be providing basic manners training during out-of-kennel sessions, so patience is a must! Volunteers will be given training and resources to stay up to date with considerate approaches protocol when working with animals. It is important to maintain consistency and routine as much as possible during an animal’s stay with us, therefore the volunteer will be expected to follow protocol and the guidance of staff closely.

Responsibilities:

• Clean and disinfect enclosures, which are often soiled with urine and feces, with appropriate equipment and while following our sanitization protocol.
• Provide in-kennel enrichment according to enrichment or training plans.
• Assist with walking dogs on leash and using play yards during out of kennel time.
• Clean up after a dog and maintain cleanliness on the property, free of any feces.
• Document any observations during an interaction with a dog on the Observations spreadsheet.
• Restock utility closets of supplies dedicated to the kennel areas.
• Complete a variety of tasks to support shelter staff. Tasks may include but are not limited to cleaning dog room floors, washing and folding laundry, and washing dishes.

Qualities/Skills:

• Able to be self aware of body language when working with or around animals
• Able to meet the physical demands of this role, which require variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping.
• Able to lift, push, pull or carry objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Must be safely able to use a stepladder, to access food and linen storage
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• The ability to use basic math, including fractions
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• Have the ability to keep information confidential.
• Ability to remain open-minded and understanding of decisions for euthanasia that consider the animal’s physical and emotional well-being and the safety of the community.

Commitment Level

Our current need is for individuals to assist with kennel cleaning, feeding, walking, and documenting observations. However, applicants must be comfortable with dogs of various sizes and temperaments as you will be working in their environments.

• Minimum of one shift per week or 8 hours of service per month.
  • We cannot make accommodations to this schedule, due to the importance of tasks being completed on time.
• Minimum of 4 month commitment.

Current Needs

Below are the gaps in our volunteer schedule that we are looking to fill. Please make sure your personal schedule lines up with our needs, otherwise your application may not be accepted.