Position Description:
Level 1 Dog Caregiver and Kennel Support volunteers assist staff in providing care, enrichment and training to shelter dogs. Volunteers ensure living environments remain safe, clean, and as comfortable as possible.
We have three volunteer levels of dogs, starting at 1 and going up to 3. Above that level are staff-only dogs.
To set expectations, the majority of a volunteer shift will be spent cleaning kennels and assisting with other support tasks, rather than walking or socializing dogs.
Responsibilities:
- Clean and disinfect enclosures which are often soiled with urine and feces.
- Prepare and pass out meals.
- Provide appropriate enrichment.
- Complete a variety of tasks to support shelter staff. Tasks include but are not limited to laundry, dishes, and keeping indoor and outdoor areas tidy by removing feces and toys and filling holes dogs have dug.
- Interact with, socialize with, and exercise dogs at your handling level (level 1) in accordance with behavior plans.
- Record behavior and limited health information.
- Read daily emails and other communications regarding dogs in our care.
- Participate in ongoing volunteer training.
Physical Requirements:
- Variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping.
- Dog walking for up to 4 hours a day with dogs who require physical strength and skill to handle safely as they may display a variety of behaviors.
- Able to control, on a leash, animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
- Able to lift, push, pull or carry objects and/or animals weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Able to perform these duties in variant temperatures and elements including extreme heat, extreme cold and inclement weather.
Emotional Requirements:
- Able to maintain composure during challenging and/or emotionally charged situations.
- Able 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.
- Able to keep information confidential.
Required Skills and Attributes:
- Ability to work well and communicate effectively with the public, staff, and fellow volunteers.
- 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 remain aware of your surroundings, and use good judgment with animals of all sizes.
- Previous interactions with dogs preferred.
Other:
Reliable transportation is required. Public transportation is not accessible from the MSPCA at Nevins Farm. For this role, volunteers with a valid driver’s license and their own personal vehicle are preferred.
Time Commitment:
- Minimum of one shift per week on a set day and time. Shifts are 2-4 hours in length, and fall between the hours of 7am-5pm. Our greatest need at this time is for our 7am-9am shift, all days except for Saturdays. Please note, weekday shifts are not compatible with a traditional high school schedule.
- If selected for an interview and accepted, shifts open at the time of your interview will be discussed and your weekly shift will be set at that time. We have more weekday openings than weekend openings.
- Minimum of 6 month commitment. We ask that you ensure you have 6 consecutive months available for a weekly shift before applying.
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