Due to the advanced nature of this volunteer position, applicants must meet all criteria and demonstrate such on their application. For the safety of staff, volunteers, and our dogs, only applications meeting all criteria will be considered.
Program Description:
The MSPCA’s dog program is multifaceted with a primary goal of enriching and improving the lives of the dogs in our care. Each dog receives environmental enrichment, routine exercise, and training, all as a part of their individualized plan to give them the best chance at success. Volunteers are integral to meeting this goal.
Position Description:
Level 2 Dog Caregiver and Kennel Support volunteers and staff provide care, enrichment and training to shelter dogs. Volunteers ensure living environments remain safe, clean, and as comfortable as possible.
Due to our fluctuating dog population, the majority of some shifts may be spent cleaning kennels and assisting with other support tasks such as distributing food, dishes, and laundry, rather than walking dogs.
If you do not currently meet the qualifications to walk dogs, our Dog Caregiver and Kennel Support role may be a good place to start!
Responsibilities:
- Clean and disinfect enclosures which are often soiled with urine and feces
- Provide appropriate food, water, toys, and bedding
- Interact with, socialize with, and exercise Level Two dogs in accordance with behavior plans
- Complete a variety of tasks to support the Adoption Center; tasks may include but are not limited to laundry, dishes, cutting up hot dogs and cheese, and keeping indoor and outdoor areas tidy
- Participate in ongoing volunteer training as required for role
Qualities:
- Must be 18 years or older
Physical Requirements:
- Variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping
- Dog walking for up to 3 hours a day with large breed dogs who jump, shove and grab, and which require physical strength and skill to handle safely
- Able to control animals on a leash 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 work with staff, fellow volunteers, and clients in an empathetic and supportive manner
- 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 Experience and Skills:
- Hands-on dog experience with animals other than family pets, including work with dogs of various sizes, ages, and behavior
- Knowledge of reward based training methods
- Knowledge of dog body language
- 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 and prioritize in a fast paced, high stress environment
- As this role requires frequent verbal and written communication, applicants must be fluent in English.
- Proficiency in using a computer without assistance, and learning new programs. All volunteers digitally log hours and use an online scheduling function. Dog volunteers additionally use software to record information from dog interactions.
Time Requirements:
- A commitment of at least 1 year
- Weekly, recurring 3 hour shift on a set day and time
- A phone interview, in-person interview, attendance at an orientation, and on-the-job training
- Some weekday evaluation and training will be required as part of the application and onboarding process
Available shifts:
- 7:30am-10:30am, 10:30am-1:30pm, or 1:30pm-4:30pm, 7 days a week
- High need for weekday shifts!
- Shifts that are not available: Saturday 7:30am-10:30am, Sunday 1:30pm-4:30pm, and Tuesday’s 10:30am-1:30pm.
- Please ensure you are available for the entire shift before applying as we cannot make accommodations to this schedule. Thank you!
Apply Now!
