Animal & Supply Transport Volunteer

Program Description:

The MSPCA is seeking qualified, dedicated volunteers to help with local pet food deliveries and animal transports. This program works closely with our Community Outreach and Animal Care departments. Volunteers will be driving their personal vehicle and/or large MSPCA transport vans between multiple locations in Massachusetts, with the potential for occasional further travel. Number of hours per week will vary depending on need, but can range anywhere from 2-20 hours. Times and locations will vary, and we understand not all transport volunteers will be able to transport long distances or be able to commit to all the responsibilities listed below.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver weekly every to local Human Food Pantries between 10am-12pm on Tuesdays.
  • Volunteers would need to drive an MSPCA Van and drop offs are in Salem, Peabody and Lynnfield.
  • Morning transports may start around 7:30 AM, afternoon transports may start around 3:00 PM.
• Transport client’s pets to and from veterinary appointments and surgery at MSPCA locations.
  • Ensure owners sign medical and transport consent forms upon pick up, and returning paperwork and supplies to shelter or owner as needed.
• Transport animals and other items between MSPCA Adoption Centers.
• Reliability and punctuality are key for this role!

This is a hands-off role with animals. For safe confinement in the vehicle, most animals will be in carriers or crates. Crates will be provided by the MSPCA.

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Able to pass criminal background check and motor vehicle record check
• Past experience driving a van, bus, RV, or other large vehicle
  • Professional driving experience a plus!
• Comfort handling animals in crates.
• Ability to lift bags of dog/cat food (average size 15-30 lbs)
• Engage with pet owners in a polite and patient manner.
• Ability to work independently and communicate with staff, clients, and other volunteers.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to be judgment-free in challenging situations.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and use good judgment in a fast paced, high stress environment.
• The ability to use basic math, including fractions.
• The ability to remain aware of your surroundings, and use good judgment with animals of all sizes.
• Able to be self-aware of body language when working with or around animals.
• Applicants must be able to adhere to rules regarding infectious disease quarantine and other important safety matters.

Other:

Must be 21 years or older. For this role, volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and their own personal vehicle. Volunteers will be subjected to a CORI and background check if driving MSPCA vehicles.

Time Commitment:

• Shifts are 2-4 hours in length, and fall between the hours of 7am-7pm. Please note, weekday shifts are not compatible with a traditional high school schedule.
• Minimum of 2 – 20 hours per week for a 6 month commitment. We ask that you ensure you have 6 consecutive months available for at least one shift a week before applying.
• Some weekday evaluation and training will be required as part of the application and onboarding process.
• If selected for an interview and accepted, shifts open at the time of your interview will be discussed and your shift will be set after onboarding.

We receive a high number of applications for this role. Please ensure all criteria is met before applying.

Available shifts:

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.

• We are currently looking to fill:
  • All weekdays! (Monday – Friday)
  • See description above for the timing of specific tasks.
• No weekend availability at this time.